Reasons to Schedule Heater Maintenance in Winter

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.