Is it too late in the season to schedule
heater maintenance? Even though a pre-season appointment in late summer or fall
is ideal, take a look at the top reasons to choose a late-in-the-season
checkup, inspection, or cleaning this winter.
New High Utility Bills
Whether your heater uses natural gas,
electricity, or another fuel source, winter heating bills shouldn't change
dramatically from month to month. Provided the cost of the fuel hasn't gone up
suddenly and significantly, you haven't made major changes to your home (such
as an addition or the removal of insulation), or someone in your home hasn't
dramatically changed the thermostat setting, higher utility bills are a symptom
you shouldn't ignore.
If you recently bought your home, installed a
new heater, or don't know if your heating fuel costs are significantly higher
this month or this year, calculate the percentage of total utility costs your
home's heating makes up. According to Energy Star's statistics, heating costs
account for 29 percent of the average single family home's
annual utility bills.
A home heating bill that's 40, 50, or more
percent of your total utility costs is a possible sign of a problem. If your
HVAC system hasn't had a checkup recently, now is the time to schedule this
service—even you're closer to spring than the start of winter. The longer you
wait to schedule an inspection and cleaning, the more likely it is your bills
will stay high or continue to rise.
While some types of serious system failures or
damage can cause higher heating bills, a dirty filter or clogged ducts can
force your heater to work harder. The resulting high heating bills are easy to
correct with a simple professional maintenance service.
An Upcoming Home Sale
When you talk to a real estate professional
about selling your home, the agent will likely ask questions about your home's
HVAC system. While a heater may not seem like the most marketable part of a
home, a failing HVAC system can work against you.
A potential home buyer wants to know their
investment won't require immediate repairs. A professional pre-sales furnace or
heater service gives buyers an added sense of security, even if they won't move
into the home until the spring or summer.
If the HVAC technician finds a problem or
recommends a repair, you may need to disclose the issue to your buyers.
Immediately address damage or wear and tear that pose safety risks or push your
heater to work harder. Save the invoice or other documentation of all pre-sales
services or replacements. This type of document provides proof of the repair.
Failure to Schedule
Routine Fall Service Appointments
Did you forget to schedule a pre-season heater
checkup last fall? One year of skipped maintenance can turn into two, three, or
more. This can result in serious safety and wear-related issues that go
unnoticed or unchecked. If this service isn't something you regularly remember,
call the HVAC contractor right now.
Even though you may only have weeks left in
the winter heating season, any maintenance is better than none. A late-winter
appointment gives you the opportunity to find problems before they go from
minor to major and clean a season's worth of debris from filters, the main
system unit, or the ducts. Think of a post-season service as a way to close
down your heater and prepare it extra-early for next fall.
Does your heater need routine maintenance?
Whether it's winter, spring, summer, or fall, contact A-1
Finchum Heating for
more information. We can help you get your heating system into good shape for
whatever reason you need.
