It’s that time of the year again — the time for cold fronts, rain, and leaves changing colors. Although it might seem like fall just arrived, winter is already right around the corner. It doesn’t last long here in College Station, but when it does come around, you’ll be rushing to turn on your heater like the rest of Texas.
Thankfully, we still have some time left before the truly chilly months arrive. Our experts at Barker’s Heating and Cooling believe there’s no better time than now to schedule a heater tune-up for your HVAC system. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of heater tune-ups and why the best time for one is now!
Is A Heater Tune-Up Really That Important?
Emergency Repairs
Most can agree that there’s nothing worse than having to wake up in the middle of a cold winter night due to your heater breaking down. Scheduling a heater tune-up with a qualified HVAC technician during the fall prevents issues like this from happening. They can catch minor issues before they potentially turn into something more serious (and expensive).
Wait Times/Higher Rates
If you put off your heater tune-up and wait until something goes wrong, you might need to wait longer than usual for repairs. The summer and winter months are some of the busiest seasons for HVAC technicians due to emergencies such as the one mentioned above. Because so many of them come up during these times, rates are often much higher and cost you more than an annual tune-up would.
Lower Energy Bill
A heater tune-up ensures that your heater lasts you all winter, but it also allows your heater to work more efficiently. If your heater is working harder than it needs to, this not only can damage your system but also causes your energy bill to spike.
What’s Included In A Heater Tune-Up?
Aside from the benefits of avoiding long wait times and expensive emergency rates, what else is included in a heater tune-up? Here are a few:
- Inspect and clean burner
- Inspect heat exchanger
- Check gas pressure and flame
- Clean interior and exterior of your furnace
- Change air filter
- Test carbon monoxide levels
Does My Heater Need To Be Replaced?
Whether or not your heater needs a full replacement mainly depends on its age. Most heaters will last you 15-20 years with proper maintenance. But there are other signs that might suggest you need your heater replaced. Some examples include:
- Higher energy bills
- Uneven heating
- Unusual sounds like rattling or banging or humming
- Excessive debris
- Frequent repairs
Your HVAC system puts in constant work year-round. As you’d expect, this can take a toll on your unit, and at some point, it will likely need repairs. You don’t want this to take you by surprise during those cold winter months, especially if you have family members that require proper heating, such as infants or the elderly.
At Barker’s Heating and Cooling, we would be happy to help you stay warm this winter with a proper heater tune-up this fall. Contact us to schedule your visit today!
