Avoiding heater maintenance can have costly risks. Stretching the time between routine maintenance visits or skipping them altogether won’t save you money. It can also impact your comfort and safety. Therefore, opting into your HVAC company’s maintenance plan is worthwhile.
Fall maintenance can avoid frustrations and even furnace or heat pump breakdowns in winter. We’ll look at the costly risks of avoiding heater maintenance, which can be avoided by scheduling an appointment now.
Inconsistent Performance
Any type of furnace maintenance—even changing the filter—helps improve performance. A clogged filter or mechanical issue can cause the unit to work harder. Whether there’s a blower or an electrical problem, the system may produce less heat. Or, heating may be inconsistent and fluctuate throughout the day. Temperatures may also vary throughout your home, so some rooms are too hot while others may not receive heat at all.
High Energy Bills
A lack of heater maintenance can lead to problems that increase energy usage. When one component is failing, it forces others to work harder. The unit may also run longer to compensate and keep up with the thermostat setting. And, if you’re not getting enough heat, you’re likely to raise it higher, which also increases energy consumption.
Your energy bills can increase dramatically for any of these reasons (which can be resolved through preventive maintenance).
More Frequent Repairs
Over time, a worn bearing can damage the entire blower motor. Soot buildup can damage the burners. Minor corrosion can worsen and damage the heat exchanger. Regular maintenance allows a technician to check every part of your heating unit. They can correct minor issues so the system works more smoothly and small problems don’t lead to expensive repairs.
Decreased Furnace Lifespan
Big repairs are certainly a costly risk of avoiding heater maintenance. However, neglecting the system can mean it’s constantly pushed to its limit. An otherwise minor issue can lead to a complete breakdown, which can set you back thousands of dollars.
Breakdowns often occur during extreme cold. They happen when a major component fails or multiple elements of your furnace succumb to strain. You can avoid being without heat when you need it most, and waiting for a technician to arrive and replace your furnace, by scheduling maintenance as recommended.
Fire Hazards
A clogged filter can cause your furnace to overheat and catch fire. A faulty pilot light, gas leak, or damaged wire can also be a fire hazard. During routine heater maintenance, a technician checks for these and other issues so your furnace can operate safely. Otherwise, a fire can be a costly, destructive, and deadly consequence.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Although colorless and odorless, carbon monoxide can be deadly if you’re exposed to it. The gas is also a sign of a serious heating unit problem, such as a cracked heat exchanger. Regular maintenance can spot issues that can lead to such damage.
Or, if your carbon monoxide detector goes off, have a technician inspect your heating system ASAP. Prompt action may save on costs if the underlying cause can be isolated and fixed before there’s further damage.
Reduced Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality not only exacerbates allergies or makes you sick. Excess dust, dirt, dander, pet hair, and other materials can negatively affect your HVAC system. From clogged filters to buildup on coils, in crucial mechanical components, and ducts, air quality concerns can have a costly impact on your heating system.
Frozen/Burst Pipes
If your heating system fails in the winter, your entire home won’t have heat (not just the living spaces). This can affect your plumbing. When pipes get too cold, it can take only hours for them to freeze, leading to major water damage. Therefore, costly repairs to your heater, plumbing system, and any part of your home that’s flooded will be required.
Voided Warranty
Most furnace manufacturer warranties require routine maintenance. Depending on the warranty, it may even specify how often to change the filter. Maintenance protects equipment and ensures it operates properly. Failing to meet its terms can void the warranty so you’ll pay in full for repairs or the replacement of your heater.
How Often Do I Need Heater Maintenance?
A tune-up should be scheduled annually for a furnace. You could request heating maintenance more than once a year if the unit is older or has a history of issues. Heat pumps should be tuned up twice a year since they provide heating and cooling and operate during every season.
Can I DIY Preventative Heater Maintenance?
A professional should handle any maintenance task that requires opening your heating unit and working with internal components. However, you can and should perform DIY preventative maintenance with the following steps:
- Check the air filter once a month.
- Change or clean the filter every three months or sooner.
- Seal small leaks in your ventilation system.
- Clean the area around your furnace or heater.
- Adjust thermostat settings so as not to overwork the unit.
Schedule Heater Maintenance with Monarch Home Services
We’re committed to keeping home heating systems in Central California in top shape. Our EPA- and NATE-certified technicians follow a detailed checklist to cover every aspect of your furnace or heat pump. Maintenance Agreements are available and affordable. Annual tune-ups let our team address small issues, extend the life of your heater, and save you money. To learn more and schedule heater maintenance and other heating services, contact us or call (661) 215-5851 today.