5 Reasons to Schedule Heating Preventative Maintenance

As the cooler weather approaches the Augusta County area, it is time to get the inside of your home toasty and comfortable. This means turning on your heat. Before the first night you’ll want it, you should have your heating system checked by a professional from Vailes Heating & Air. It may not seem like this maintenance is important, and you can save money by forgoing it, but it would be a mistake to. Here are five reasons you should call to schedule your appointment today.

1. It Prevents Unexpected and Costly Breakdowns

When you schedule your furnace clean and check on a regular annual basis, you are helping preventing unexpected breakdowns. By having a seasoned expert inspect and clean your system, he or she can spot any impending repairs or weaknesses. This alerts you, so you can take care of the issue in a timely manner, circumventing middle-of-the-night emergencies when emergency services will cost you more.

2. It Keeps the Warranty Valid

Your heating system most likely came with a manufacturer’s warranty. Many of these warranties specify regular maintenance needs to be performed to keep the system in tip-top shape and to prevent unneeded repairs. By not scheduling these maintenance appointments, your chance of incurring repairs increases and may void your warranty.

3. It Extends Your Furnace’s Lifespan

Your heating system is meant to run smoothly and efficiently, with an expected lifespan of 15 to 20 years (for gas furnaces). When you neglect its annual preventative maintenance, the dirt and dust accumulated inside builds up and causes problems. This in turn forces your system to work harder, wearing down its parts sooner. Keeping things running smoothly helps your heating system live a long and healthy life.

4. It Saves on Monthly Energy Bills

By having your heating system maintained regularly, which includes replacing or cleaning your filter, your heating equipment can work more efficiently, saving you energy. Once it gets dirty, airflow becomes diminished and blocked, causing your system to work harder, using more energy to do the same amount of work it normally does under easier conditions.

5. It Keeps You and Your Family Safe

When your heating system is not inspected, and preventative maintenance performed before you use it in the fall, you run the risk of missing a possible unsafe issue or repair. Sometimes something as dangerous as a cracked heat exchanger or venting issues can occur. According to AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute) this can leak toxic carbon monoxide into your home’s air, and you may not be aware of it at the beginning stages of the problem. (LINK: http://www.ahrinet.org/Homeowners/Improve-Safety/Gas-Furnace-Safety) By then, dangerous levels of the poisonous gas could already be in your home. Your professional technician can spot and address safety issues prior to them becoming unsafe.

To ensure the best results for both your heating system and your pocketbook, be sure to schedule your annual heating preventative maintenance appointment before cold weather hits. We want your heat to start right up without issue. Call Vailes Heating & Air at 540-942-0198 to make your appointment today.