No one likes to hear about having to spend more money and mental labor on something they’d rather not think about and which doesn’t seem to be causing any immediate problems, but getting your furnace, boiler, or other HVAC system inspected once a year is just necessary. The good news is that it will save you time, money, and trouble in the long run.
Here Are The Five Reasons To Get Your Heating System Checked Every Year
To keep a warranty valid. Some companies that offer warranties on their systems require yearly preventative maintenance, and not getting them inspected might void the warranty.
To reduce health risks. Your system is burning fossil fuels, and leaks, cracks, or any obstruction of the exhaust conduit could cause backing up of exhaust gasses like methane, carbon monoxide (CO), and corrosive sulfur dioxide into your house. (NOTE: please make sure your home has working smoke and CO detectors. They save lives, are inexpensive, and some fire departments even provide them for free.)
To reduce breakdown risks. You know how a furnace only breaks when it’s freezing outside or company is over? That’s not a coincidence. When it’s cold and people are constantly opening the outside doors is exactly when your system has to work hardest, like an athlete’s heart works harder when she’s running a marathon. If your heating system is clogged with soot or improperly ventilated it could break down just when you need it most.
To increase system lifespan. Soot and other buildup make it hard for many components to function, and the strain of working through that can spread to the entire system, shortening the time it will keep working before breaking down. A couple hundred dollars now will likely save you several thousand in the future.
To save energy costs. If your system is fighting against soot, leaks, etc., it’s not just going to cost you in the future; it’s costing you now, through decreased efficiency that makes you spend more fuel for the same amount of heat a clean system would have given you.
What an inspection checks
What a technician looks for may depend on what kind of system you have and how old it is, but at a minimum, he should check:
- For carbon monoxide in the furnace or boiler
- That the pilot light is clean and turns on properly, and the flame sensor works
- That the burner flame is the right size and burns steadily
- That the heat exchanger or combustion chamber is in good condition
- That the motors are oiled if needed, and any belts are serviceable
- That the exhaust vent is the right size and unobstructed
- That the blower wheel and all filters are clean and in good condition
- That dust is removed from the burner compartment and from any moving parts
How do I get one?
Ideally, you should have it done in the fall before the temperature drops, but if you can’t get an appointment that soon, just get one as soon as you can. HVAC system maintenance is like changing the oil in your car: it can keep going for a bit, but it will eventually break down and be far more expensive than if you just paid for the maintenance. A heating system check can cost between $100 and $180, depending on what kind of system you have (gas is easier and cheaper to clean than oil). Call us today at 703-754-1062 or contact us online.