Be honest. You haven't thought about your furnace much—if at all—since last winter. While your home's heating system is designed to last for decades, without regular, annual maintenance, the lifespan of your home's heating equipment will decrease dramatically.

Although some homeowners might think it costs an arm and a leg to have a professional heating technician come out to your home to inspect your equipment, it is actually quite affordable and can save you huge amounts of money on repairs and new equipment.

As the summer weather starts to fade away and the crisp fall air begins to roll in, now is the time to make sure your home's heating system is prepped and ready for the winter ahead. In this article, we'll explain the importance of furnace maintenance and why now is the perfect time of year for you to schedule a heating tune-up, so you can rest easy knowing your furnace is working as it should and will keep your home warm and cozy all winter long.

It Pays to Maintain Your Heating System

There is a range of benefits that come with the annual maintenance of your heating system. For one, a yearly tune-up from a professional will keep your system running at peak efficiency all winter long, meaning not only will your home stay warm and comfortable, but you will be paying less on your energy bill because your system will be running as efficiently as possible.

Another cost-saving advantage of an annual tune-up is that a technician will inspect your heating system and tip you off to any potential damage or warning signs of equipment failure before they develop into more costly problems. What may only take a small replacement part now could lead to total furnace failure if not taken care of soon.

Whether you're looking to save money this winter on heating costs or you want to keep your furnace up and running as long as possible, annual heating tune-ups are the way to do it.

The Common Causes of Furnace Failure

Furnaces and other home heating equipment can break down for a variety of reasons, many of which can be prevented by regular, yearly maintenance. Common furnace problems include:

  • Cracked heat exchanger – This can be costly, and is preventable with regular maintenance.
  • Dirty air filter – Can overwork your heating system, reducing efficiency.
  • Flickering yellow pilot – May indicate excess carbon monoxide in gas furnaces.
  • Limit switch – Furnace will blow continually.
  • Malfunctioning thermostat – Can lead to short cycling and damaged equipment parts.
  • Pilot or electronic ignition problems – Reduce the heat entering your home.
  • Slipped or frayed blower belt – Will give off a high-pitched squeal.
  • Worn ball bearings – Make a scraping sound. Call an expert immediately.

Even if you are not an expert, you can still notice some of the most common symptoms of heating equipment failure. Here are some of the symptoms you should look out for that can indicate a breakdown is not far away:

What You Can Do to Prevent a Breakdown

Think about it. You wouldn't drive your car for years without taking it in for an oil change, so why would you let your heating equipment run for years without regular tune-ups? Just like your vehicle, your heating equipment is an investment, and putting a little money into maintenance each year can pay huge dividends and extend the life of your equipment.

The simplest and cheapest way to prevent a breakdown is to get an annual tune-up from your local HVAC professionals. A tune-up can keep your equipment running at optimal efficiency, saving you money on heating costs each month. It can also identify potential hazards that can lead to larger problems down the road, saving you money on future repairs and equipment replacement costs.

The Best Time of Year for a Heating Tune-Up

The time to get your heating system looked at isn't when your equipment breaks down or even when you first notice a problem. You should have your equipment looked at before the winter season so that your system is running at peak performance from the day you turn it on. This also gives you time to get the necessary repairs and services without having to spend any time battling the cold.

When it comes to HVAC maintenance in Bucks County, PA, nobody is more reliable and more punctual than One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Bucks County. We've been one of the leading HVAC companies in Bucks County, PA for years, and always back our services with our U-WIN® satisfaction guarantee.

Give us a call today at (267) 930-2733 or schedule an appointment online to get your heating system tune-up before the cold weather gets here!