That one thing that will keep you warm and comfortable inside your home this winter season is the heater. Experts always recommend professional inspection and maintenance of the heating system to keep it in proper working condition. It helps extend the life of the unit and also gives efficient operations for a very long time.
The Best Time For Heater Inspection
If the intention is good, any time is a good time for heater inspection. At least it’s better than forgoing it completely. Nevertheless, if you really want to know the best time to inspect the heating system, it is right before the winter season begins.
Autumn is the most convenient and suitable for check-up and tune-up of the furnace. At this time, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. You can live comfortably for the couple of hours that your unit is unplugged and given a thorough once over. But as we mentioned above, if for some reason following this advice is not possible, you can still get it done anytime to suit your convenience. The only problem with getting it done later is that you may have to wear extra layers of warm clothing to ward off the cold while the heater is under maintenance.
Why Is Heater Inspection Necessary?
Heaters, specifically furnaces, boilers, and gas heaters, are potentially dangerous equipment if allowed to deteriorate with time and use. In summers, they mostly lay dormant as there is hardly any need for heating. This can cause them to fall prey to disrepair. In the same manner, continuous use of heaters during winter makes them suffer wear and tear. This, too, can lead to possibly hazardous situations. To avoid any instances of unwarranted breakdowns and threats to the occupant’s safety and well-being, heater inspections are necessary.
Another reason that mandates heater inspections is the product warranty. If your heater is new and still under warranty, remember, you can claim it only if the inspection routine as recommended by the manufacturer is strictly followed. Any lapses on your part will render the warranty null and void.
Frequency Of Heater Inspection
The frequency of heater inspection actually depends on how long and severe the cold weather is and on your household’s requirement for heat. An additional factor that has a bearing on frequency is the age of the heating system. So, one answer may not hold for all.
1. Length Of The Winter Season – If the area you reside in faces a long winter season with temperatures dipping really low, your heater should be inspected every 6 months. Since the cold will dictate a high demand for heat, you will not want the system to give up on you when you need it the most.
Similarly, if the cold in your area is minimal to moderate and the season exists only for a short period, following an annual inspection routine is recommended. Since the heater does not have to work overlong or overmuch, once a year inspection will see you in good stead.
If you do not face any winters at all, there is no cold-weather season, carrying out heater inspection every 2 to 5 years will suffice. Since the demand for hot water or heating in these areas is minimal, the furnace does not suffer much wear and tear. So, it does not need constant or frequent evaluation.
1. Household’s Requirement For Heat – Some homes have a high demand for heat irrespective of the season. This need increases manifold when the cold front approaches. Those homes where the heater works tirelessly throughout the year should carry out its inspection twice a year. In contrast, those homes that do not use a great deal of heat can get away with an annual inspection.
2. Age Of The Heating System – Usually, the life expectancy of a heater is 10 to 20 years. If your unit has crossed the 10-year mark and has the knack to act up from time to time, a bi-annual or six-monthly inspection is necessary. You can also get it done every quarter if your heater has a finicky design along with recurring woes. Others whose heater is less than 10 years old will be fine with an annual inspection.
Preventive Heater Maintenance
If you really want to do things right, this last bit is right up your alley.
1. Maintenance Before Starting The Heater – When you switch the heater on for the first time after a long gap, you may get a burning smell. Usually, it is the accumulated dust that burns off and gives that odor. Nevertheless, it could also be a result of a short circuit caused by loose wires. Hence, it is always better to carry out the furnace’s first maintenance just before you switch it on for the first time in the season.
2. Maintenance After Shutting Off The Heater – Right after the last use of the season, the heater should be given a tune-up once again. This way, you can take timely action to remove accumulations before they harden and become a headache. When shut, a clean system always starts on a good note and with minimal trouble the next time.
Closing Thoughts
Many think that just because they have brought a good heating system, there is no need to look after it. That is just a misconception. Like all machines, it too undergoes wear and tear. To keep your unit functioning efficiently, heater inspections and maintenance are necessary. You can have it carried out as a part of a comprehensive HVAC system maintenance where both AC and furnace will be given a thorough tune-up.
Aztil Air Conditioning is a household name in West Palm Beach, Florida, for looking after the heating and cooling system. If you need to schedule a heater inspection, look no further than us. With a strong team of trained, certified, and experienced technicians, we are your best answer. Since we are a full HVAC company, we take care of installation, replacements, repairs, and maintenance of residential and commercial units. To book an appointment, call us at any time. We are open 24/7 and 365 days a year. Call us now at +1-888-729-8452 and experience world-class service.
