The Importance of Heater Maintenance
When it’s nice outside, many homeowners don’t think much about their heater. However, once it’s time to turn it on, they may be in for a nasty shock. No, not a ghost in the heater, but it may be shocking when people in the home can see their own breath inside the house. That’s why regular heater maintenance is so important, even during the warmer months.
How Heater Maintenance Is Performed
Heater maintenance, when performed by a qualified HVAC technician, is one of the best ways that a homeowner can help maintain the quality of their HVAC system.
While every heater maintenance service is different, they all generally revolve around similar checks. The HVAC technician will evaluate the entire system, looking for both physical and operational issues. They use special tools that are able to reach deep into the HVAC unit, both checking and cleaning it from the inside out.
The HVAC technician will also perform system checks to make sure that it is operating appropriately. Each part will be evaluated, and personal recommendations will be made to keep it operating even long after the technician has left. Settings will also be checked, like the thermostat, and safety checks will be performed.
Ultimately, heater maintenance prevents the premature aging of the HVAC system, increases its energy efficiency, and reduces the potential for repairs. It really pays for itself.
Why Heater Maintenance Is Especially Important in the Fall
Before it starts to get colder, the heater portion of the HVAC system doesn’t get a lot of use. That means it sits dormant, collecting dust, for at least half of the year. That’s why heater maintenance is important all year round, but especially in the fall before the heater gets turned on for the late fall and winter.
An unused heater is also a dirty heater. With all that dust and debris that builds up on the HVAC unit, the end result is a system that has to suddenly work harder to keep the home at a comfortable temperature. In some cases, this can also be a fire hazard or lead to unpleasant odors the first few times the heater is turned on. Either way, both should be avoided.
Don’t wait until it is cold to find out that the heater isn’t working properly.
Maintenance Tips Between Appointments
In between heater maintenance appointments, homeowners can also work on maintaining the health of the system on their own.
One of the most important parts of this maintenance is keeping an eye on the air filters, and changing them when appropriate. During the regularly scheduled maintenance appointment, homeowners should ask their HVAC technician for personalized recommendations on when they should change their air filters. They should also be checked for dust, dirt, and other debris.
Homeowners should regularly check the visible components of the HVAC system regularly as well, looking for any obvious signs of wear and tear or breakdown. Catching repairs early saves plenty of money in the long term.
About Sunset Heating & Cooling
Sunset Heating & Cooling has been a staple in Portland, Oregon for more than 100 years. The team offers honest, flat-rate pricing with A+ rated service. Their experienced technicians provide quality service and lasting solutions. Contact them for reliable Portland, OR heater maintenance.
