Your Heating Maintenance Questions Answered

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It's easy to ignore your HVAC system until something goes wrong. However, to prevent breakdowns at peak times, you should have your system regularly maintained by a professional. If you would like to know more, check out these four heating maintenance questions.

1. When and How Often Should the System Be Serviced?

If your system only consists of heating, you only need to worry about getting it serviced once a year. Ideally, you should do it right before the cold months hit so you know the system is ready to support you during the winter.

If your HVAC system also includes central air conditioning, you'll also need to have that portion of the system serviced once a year. However, you'll want to have this portion serviced before the hotter months, so it will be ready to keep you comfortably cool in the summer.

2. What Can you Do Between Regular Professional Inspections?        

There are a few steps you can take between professional inspections to keep the system in better condition. With good maintenance, you may find that you need fewer repairs during seasonal inspections. Plus, not only are these steps simple, but they are also incredibly affordable or even free.

First, you'll need to check the air filter. Some filters need to be replaced when they get clogged, but others can be cleaned and reused. You need to change or clean the filter regularly, but how often you need to clean it depends on a handful of factors. For starters, the larger your house, the more air that circulates, and the more air that circulates means more dust and irritants that collect in the filter.

Similarly, if you have pets, the filter may need to be changed more often because of fur. Naturally, if anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, you may need to switch the filter more often, and you may want to upgrade to a HEPA filter, which is designed to capture more irritants.

One more step you can take to keep your system in good condition between inspections is vent cleaning. If vents get clogged, they can't expel the desired air. If return air vents get blocked, the system may suck in more irritants, or the system may have a hard time pulling in new air.

3. How Much Does Maintenance Cost?

Regular maintenance costs an average of $75 to $200, but you may have to pay more if there are necessary repairs or special complications. During maintenance, the technician cleans all parts and check for any damage. Minor wear and tear repair may be included in the inspection price. Some companies offer packages, so you pay more upfront for multiple inspections, but you save in the end.

Of course, if you neglect to maintain your HVAC system, there is a higher chance of major complications. Plus, a poorly maintained system won't last as long, and the cost to replace a system is much more than $200; you may end up paying up to $7,500 just for a new AC.

4. Are There Other Considerations?

You should also ask your HVAC tech about duct cleaning. You can clean some portion of the ducts when you clean the vents. Your regular vacuum should be able to reach a foot or two into the duct to remove the dust. However, the ductwork in your home is massive, so you will need special tools to reach every inch of dust and debris.

Professional cleaners have the tools needed to remove the dust without damaging the ductwork. With clean ducts, your system is more effective and efficient, but you will also see fewer allergens in the home.

Don't wait until your HVAC system breaks down. Proactive maintenance is one of the best ways you can reduce spending on heating and cooling. Plus, it will ensure the system lasts longer. If you would like to know more, contact a HVAC tech who provides preventative heater maintenance services in your area today.

10 November 2021