For many homeowners, preventive summer heater maintenance is seldom top of mind when the weather is warm, but skipping this upkeep task could lead to costly consequences.
Staying on top of your heater’s working condition during the off-season offers several benefits that can save you time, money, and headaches. The value of early preventive maintenance will prove itself during colder months when you absolutely need your heating to be dependable and efficient.
Whether you rely on a central heating system or baseboard heaters, keeping your unit in peak condition in the summer months will deliver financial benefits, as well as peace of mind. Continue reading to learn why you’ll want to incorporate summer heater maintenance as a part of your recurring household maintenance schedule.
5 Reasons to Have Your Heating System Checked During the Summer
- Prevent Costly Repairs
- Extend Heater Lifespan
- Improve Energy Efficiency
- Ensure Safety
- Prepare for Winter
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1. Prevent Costly Repairs
Small problems in your heating system often go unnoticed until winter, when you need to rely on it most.
HVAC repair technician removing a furnace service panel
By scheduling maintenance during the summer, HVAC professionals can detect minor issues, such as worn-out components or clogged filters, before they escalate into expensive repairs.
Gas furnace, hot water heater and air conditioning unit in a large empty basement
Proactive maintenance will reduce the likelihood of systemic breakdowns. Tackling small problems means fewer emergency fixes and a reliable heating system when temperatures begin to drop.
2. Extend Heater Lifespan
Every heating system has a limited lifespan, but how well it’s maintained significantly affects how long it lasts.
A pristine hydronic baseboard heater cover
Regular upkeep, such as cleaning your baseboard heaters and covers correctly keeps everything running smoothly year after year. When you neglect maintenance, the system will work harder than necessary, which, in turn, will shorten its lifespan. A well-maintained heater can last 10 to 15 years, maximizing your initial investment.
HVAC technician inspecting a central heating furnace system
3. Improve Energy Efficiency
When your heating system is clean and properly tuned, it consumes less energy to do its job.
HVAC repair technician inserting a new high quality air filter into a modern home furnace
Dust buildup, clogged parts, and poor airflow can cause your unit to strain, driving up energy bills. Taking time during the summer to focus on professional cleaning and adjustments will boost efficiency and save you money on utility costs from the first cold day of usage.
For actionable tips on saving energy, make use of your HVAC maintenance guide and follow the steps recommended for energy efficiency improvements.
An energy efficient heat pump
Pro Energy Efficiency Tip
Invest in an ENERGY STAR heating system to save even more money on your energy bills. ENERGY STAR will even help you find energy-efficient products for your home or business and offer discounts.
4. Ensure Safety
Heater maintenance is vital for detecting potential safety hazards. If left unchecked, faulty electrical connections, gas leaks, or improperly vented systems can be dangerous.
Colorful wiring used in the circuitry of a 20-year old home furnace
Summer is the perfect time to have a technician address these serious risks. Keeping your heater well-maintained significantly reduces the chances of fire hazards and harmful emissions, contributing to a safer home environment for your family.
5. Prepare for Winter
The last thing you want during a cold snap is a heater that won’t turn on, or one that circulates lukewarm air while you suffer during extended periods of frigid temperatures.
Warm living room setting during a cold winter day
Summer maintenance will help ensure your system is prepped and ready to handle the demands of winter. By scheduling a check-up now, you’ll have the peace of mind that your system will flawlessly perform when it matters most.
Given that it is not plausible to replicate true winter conditions during warm months, summer is ideal for inspecting and maintaining components (e.g. filters, burners, coils, electrical connections) rather than conducting full performance testing. For example, many modern heating systems have safety features or lockouts that prevent operation when outdoor or indoor temperatures are too high, to avoid damage or inefficiency.
However, consult a professional HVAC technician to ascertain what expertise and specialty tools they have that can help overcome testing limitations when ambient temperatures are too high for certain performance tests.
Closing Comments
Proper heating system care is important for saving money, maintaining safety, and keeping your home comfortable year-round. If you aren’t sure where to start, reach out to a heating expert or refer to a detailed HVAC maintenance guide. Professional services go a long way in keeping your heating system in perfect condition. Schedule your summer maintenance checkup now to avoid unnecessary stress and worry when winter rolls around.
HVAC technician repairing a large energy-efficient residential heat pump
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