If you’re debating whether to tackle heating maintenance yourself or call in a professional, the answer is simple: leave it to the experts.
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your furnace or heat pump running smoothly all winter long. Professional technicians can spot potential issues before they turn into costly repairs, saving you time and money in the long run.
Here’s how to know it’s time for maintenance, why it’s a must, and what you can expect from a thorough inspection.
Signs Your Heating System Needs a Performance Check
Keep an eye (and ear) out for these red flags that something isn’t right:
- Your system struggles to evenly heat your home, leaving rooms chilly while others are too warm.
- The furnace either won’t turn on or runs continuously without shutting off.
- You hear unusual noises like screeching, grinding or banging from the unit.
- Your pilot light is burning yellow instead of blue.
- You notice a burning smell, which could indicate a serious problem that needs immediate attention.
How Often Should You Schedule Heating Maintenance?
To keep your heating system running smoothly, it’s recommended to schedule maintenance at least once a year. If you want to be really sure that your unit is in top shape, scheduling maintenance twice a year is even better.
Don’t want the hassle of remembering? Sign up for our Early Bird Maintenance Plan, and we’ll take care of the scheduling for you, giving you a heads up when it’s time for an inspection!
What Happens During an Inspection?
More than just a quick look, a proper inspection is a thorough checkup to ensure your system is working safely and efficiently. Here’s what you can expect:
- Electrical component testing, such as wiring, relays, and capacitors
- Lubricating moving parts to reduce friction and wear
- Inspecting the heat exchanger and ignition system
- Calibrating and testing the thermostat for accurate temperature control
- Cleaning and adjusting burners to improve fuel efficiency
- Replacing air filters to improve airflow and air quality
… and handling anything else your system needs to run in peak condition!
Why Is Maintenance Important?
Here’s just a sampling of the long-term benefits you’ll get from regular maintenance:
- Lower Heating Bills: Don’t want high energy costs this winter? Maintenance helps your system run at its best, saving you money each month.
- Improved System Efficiency: A well-maintained unit works smarter, not harder, keeping your home comfortable without wasting energy.
- Longer Lifespan: With proper care, your heating system can last over 15 years, giving you more value and fewer headaches.
- Fewer Costly Repairs: By catching small problems early, maintenance helps you avoid expensive, unexpected repairs down the road.
- Expert Guidance: Not sure whether to repair or replace your unit? Our pros provide honest advice, helping you make the best decision for your home.
Can You Handle HVAC Maintenance Yourself?
There are a few HVAC maintenance tasks you can handle on your own. For example, replacing the air filter is easy and helps keep your system running efficiently. You may also be able to calibrate your thermostat by following the instructions in your owner’s manual.
However, certain tasks should be left to the professionals – especially anything involving fuel or electrical components. Without proper training, trying to fix these issues can be dangerous and expensive, so it’s always best to call in the experts for those jobs.
Enjoy Sky-High HVAC Performance, Call Hummingbird Heating & Cooling Today
Is your furnace or heat pump acting up yet again? Give Hummingbird Heating & Cooling a call and we’ll soar to the rescue! We proudly serve homeowners throughout Syracuse, NY and beyond.
Contact us at (315) 399-9962 to schedule heating maintenance now.
