There’s nothing worse than your heater failing when you need it most during the cold winter months. Staying on top of heating maintenance is the key to ensuring that your furnace works when you expect it to.
But when is the right time to schedule your heater tune-up? We generally recommend maintenance in the fall before you start using your heating system for the season.
Winter Weather in North Carolina
North Carolina is lucky to experience fairly mild winters, but cold winter weather can still turn your home into an icebox without a dependable heating system. In our region, winter evenings can dip down into the 30s or, occasionally, hit temperatures below freezing.
Fall is the best time for a heating tune-up because you can prepare yourself for the chilly winter weather. This will ensure that any problems are caught well before the season’s first cold snap.
What Are the Benefits of a Heating Tune-Up?
Benefits of scheduling an annual heating tune-up include:
- Extended system lifespan: Running your heating unit often during the winter results in a lot of wear and tear. Preventative tune-ups can prevent the need for premature heating replacement.
- Boosted energy efficiency: Routine maintenance helps your equipment run more efficiently, saving you money and reducing the strain on your system.
- Fewer repairs: Neglecting maintenance usually results in unexpected issues. This means more money is spent on emergency repairs. With regular maintenance, we can catch issues early.
What to Expect During Preventative Heating Maintenance
Any heating tune-up should be thorough to ensure everything runs smoothly and any issues are caught and fixed. During your heating tune-up, our technicians will:
- Recalibrate your thermostat
- Inspect the blower motor
- Inspect the burner or flame sensor
- Inspect the heat exchanger
- Change the air filter
- Clean the condensate drain
- Clean the evaporator coils
- Clean the pilot light
- Examine fuel lines
- Inspect electrical connections
- Inspect the flue
- Inspect the thermocouple
- Lubricate moving parts
- Test safety controls
Cons of Avoiding Heating Tune-Ups
The consequences of neglecting HVAC maintenance can be costly and disruptive. Putting off heating maintenance can lead to:
- System breakdowns: The worst-case scenario is that your neglected heating system breaks down and needs a full replacement.
- Expensive repairs: Without maintenance, issues go unchecked, which means they get worse. You might need more extensive repairs or find yourself paying for repairs more often.
- Discomfort: It may seem obvious, but the most immediate downside of a poorly maintained heater is that it won’t deliver the heat you depend on during cold days and nights.
Schedule Heating Maintenance in North Carolina
The Comfort First Heating & Cooling team is proud to serve communities in North Carolina with our expert heating installation, repair, and maintenance services. We proudly serve the Triangle, the Triad, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and the Outer Banks.
All our technicians are highly trained to deliver the best service and approach every job with a sharp eye for detail. Trust us with your annual heating maintenance; you can feel confident your unit will keep your family warm all winter. Â
Call today to schedule your heating tune-up. Ask about our convenient maintenance agreement, which ensures you never miss an HVAC tune-up.