Why It’s Important to Service Your Heating System Before Winter
As we head into fall and the temperatures begin to cool, it’s a good reminder that heating season isn’t far away. If you haven’t already had your heating system serviced, now is a good time to schedule it—before the cold weather arrives and service companies get busy with emergency calls.
A good rule of thumb is to have your heating system checked and serviced annually. Regular maintenance helps make sure your system is operating properly, efficiently and, most importantly, safely.
Different Heating Systems Have Different Maintenance Needs
❖ Oil Systems: Annual service is particularly important for oil-fired systems. Cleaning and servicing the system helps ensure the burner, nozzle and other components are operating properly before heating season begins.
❖ Gas Systems: Gas generally burns cleaner than oil, but that doesn’t mean the system should be ignored. Regular service provides an opportunity to check that the system is operating properly and that venting and other safety components are in good condition.
❖ Wood & Pellet Stoves: Chimneys, vent pipes and the stove itself need regular cleaning and inspection. If you’re not comfortable doing the necessary maintenance yourself, have a qualified professional inspect and service the system.
❖ Mini-Splits: Mini-splits can be easy to overlook because many provide both heating and cooling throughout the year. Filters need to be cleaned or replaced as recommended, and the system should be checked regularly. If you primarily use your mini-splits for heat, having them serviced before heating season is a good idea.
Maintenance Can Help Prevent Problems
Having your heating system serviced before you really need it gives you an opportunity to identify potential problems before you’re faced with a no-heat situation on a cold winter day.
Regular maintenance can also help your system operate as efficiently as possible and, just as importantly, provides an opportunity to check venting and other components that affect the safe operation of your heating equipment.
If You’re Thinking About Selling Your Home
Heating system maintenance can also become important when it’s time to sell.
During a home inspection, an inspector may look at service tags and the overall condition of the heating equipment. If it appears that the system hasn’t been serviced recently, a buyer may ask that it be serviced before closing.
Taking care of routine maintenance now not only prepares your home for the upcoming heating season—it can also mean one less item to address when you decide to put your home on the market.
Fall is a good time to look around your home and take care of those maintenance items that are easy to put off. A little preparation now can help keep your home comfortable, safe and ready for the colder months ahead.
Need a Heating Professional? If you need a recommendation for a local HVAC or heating service provider, visit the Professional Services section of my website for a list of local professionals and service providers.
Corinne Fitzgerald
FITZGERALD Real Estate
Serving Franklin County and Beyond
Call or Text: 413-320-9509
[email protected]