Winter is just around the corner, so when was the last time you got your heating system inspected? If you had to think about the answer for more than a few seconds, you probably needed a quick inspection.
Routine Maintenance
A heating system is an investment, and you want your investment to last a long time. But it can become less efficient over time if you don’t keep up with maintenance. There’s also the matter of safety. If the system isn’t properly maintained, it could malfunction and cause injury or property damage.
In addition to keeping your heating system safe and efficient, regular inspections are necessary because they help detect problems early on before they get out of hand—and help ensure that repairs are made promptly, so you’re not left in the cold. Although these inspections may seem more trouble than they’re worth at first glance, doing them will save money and energy by preventing costly repairs due to malfunctions caused by neglecting these routine inspections.
What Inspections Catch
When your heating system is inspected regularly, technicians will check for leaks and corrosion. Leaks can cause your HVAC system to run inefficiently, leading to higher utility bills and even a broken HVAC system due to strain. Leaks are particularly problematic if you live in an area with high humidity and precipitation, as these conditions make it easier for mold to grow on the walls of your home. These issues can sneak up on homeowners because it takes some time for small leaks and corrosion to turn from a minor nuisance to a genuine concern.
The Big Reason For Inspections
With many heating systems that gett old, there can be the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector, but you should prioritize the inspection of your heating system.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal if not detected. It’s produced when fuel burns incompletely, such as in an unvented space heater or stove. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, among other symptoms. If your heating system has gone without a routine inspection in years, the risk of carbon monoxide leaks can grow.
Avoid Expensive Repairs
Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your heating and cooling system running efficiently, and it can also help you avoid an expensive breakdown during a cold snap.
The cost of repairs can quickly add up. For example, if you need a new compressor for your air conditioner or furnace, replacing it could cost between $1,200 and $4,000, depending on what kind of system you have—and that’s just for the part itself! Once labor costs are added in, you’re spending roughly $2,000-$7,000 for this simple repair alone.
With so many things we have to worry about when winter rolls around (like shoveling snow), regular maintenance checks are often on the back burner—but they shouldn’t be! An HVAC inspection will help ensure that your heating or cooling system runs smoothly until spring arrives.
Energy Efficiency.
Routine inspections and maintenance of heating systems can improve energy efficiency. By having a technician inspect your system, you can avoid a breakdown and save yourself the cost of expensive repairs. If you have an older system that might need to be replaced in the near future, it’s also possible that the inspection could uncover problems with the unit, allowing you to get more use out of it before it needs to be replaced.
In addition to helping maintain your current heating system and extending its life span, routine inspections also help ensure that you’re getting the most out of what money you spend on heating costs by ensuring that they don’t go toward unnecessary repair bills.
TriState Home Services is your one-stop shop for all HVAC questions and concerns, so give us a call today at (301) 228-0286
