When the weather starts to chill, homeowners start to turn their attention back to their heating systems. Furnaces and heating equipment experience mechanical wear-and-tear as well as soot and sediment buildup. Having a heating professional inspect and clean your system is the best way to keep your furnace running trouble-free.
‘Cleaning,’ however, is actually a misnomer. There is more to maintaining a heating system than most homeowners realize. Technicians use organized checklists that allow them to systematically review each of the individual systems and subsystems to make sure they are all in proper working order and are likely to stay that way.
Reasons why your heating system should be inspected annually:
To Prevent Breakdowns
Regular servicing of your furnace and water heater unit will restore it to its maximum performance level for the upcoming season. It will be less likely to break down when you need it most – during the coldest time of the year! Deferring maintenance may save money in the short term, but if something goes wrong, the cost and the inconvenience of emergency repairs might be substantial.
Save Fuel and Money
Fuel consumption can often be dramatically reduced, saving you money all year long. A professional that inspects your system will properly tune up your system and advise you on deficiencies that require repair or upgrades. If you have a very old system, it may be time to replace it with a new, more efficient furnace. If your central heating system is over ten years old, you may want to consider replacing it.
Protect Your Home
There are thousands of house fires every year due to damaged heating systems. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that is generated from gas or oil-burning heating systems. Carbon monoxide poisoning from a poorly vented or broken heating source can be dangerous and can even cause death. The vent to the chimney connection should not contain cracks or be broken. It’s a good idea to place a carbon monoxide detector near your ventilation system to make sure carbon monoxide levels do not become dangerous.
Depending on the type of HVAC system, there are specific things that technicians examine when servicing your heating system. In addition to a visual inspection, a technician will check the system for leaks in the pipes, proper ventilation, and he or she will even check the system’s air filter.
Government agencies and insurance companies recommend an annual inspection of your home heating system by a qualified and licensed professional. You won’t want to be stuck in the middle of a cold winter with a broken heating system. The best time to schedule an inspection is in early fall.
Go Green Express Home Services is based in Newburgh, NY. We provide heating services to Orange County, Dutchess County, Ulster County and Putnam County, New York.