Why Heating Repair Matters So Much at the End of Heating Season

Keeping your family warm isn’t an easy feat. But if you’re struggling with an inefficient heater, it makes things much harder.

Whether you’re seeing an unusual spike in your energy bills or your heating system is starting to show signs of wear, prompt repairs are essential. Here are a few reasons why.

1. It’s a Safety Issue

When your heating system breaks down, it can emit dangerous gases into the air. These include carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, which can irritate and sicken people, and even lead to death. You can prevent this by using carbon monoxide detectors and ensuring that your furnace is in good working condition.

A faulty heater may also contaminate the air in your home with bacteria, mold, dander, and other particles. You can reduce these risks by having a professional clean and service your unit annually.

An older, inefficient heater can cause your utility bills to climb. A professional will ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency, which can lower your energy costs each month. They can also catch small problems before they lead to a breakdown, saving you money in the long run. Moreover, a functioning heater can improve the resale value of your home. This is important for homeowners who plan to sell their property in the future.

2. It’s an Energy Issue

When your heating system begins to malfunction, it usually causes your energy bill to spike. High bills are an indication that your furnace has to work hard to provide the same level of comfort and if left unattended, will ultimately become worn out and costlier to operate.

A well-maintained HVAC system should use relatively low amounts of electricity and gas to keep a home warm. A faulty thermostat, for example, can force your heater to constantly run even when your home is at a comfortable temperature. And a rattling sound in your furnace could be an indicator of a problem with its motor bearings. Your HVAC technician will be able to spot these problems and rectify them before they become worse. Keeping up with your repairs is the only way to ensure your heating system will stay as efficient as possible throughout the year. And efficiency is the key to reducing your energy costs. Eventually, you may find it is more cost-effective to replace your old system rather than repair it.

3. It’s a Maintenance Issue

When your heater stops working on a cold night it’s not only inconvenient but it can also cause serious damage to your home. Keeping up with heating repairs prevents these problems and saves you from having to spend the money to replace your unit before its natural lifespan is over.

Getting a maintenance inspection is essential for your heating system’s health. A professional can spot small issues before they turn into major ones. A squealing noise from the furnace, for example, could indicate the fan belt needs replacing.

Cleaning and maintaining your heater also helps it work more efficiently so you can heat your home with less energy. Without regular service, your heating unit has to work harder and parts wear out faster, making it expensive to replace them later. You can avoid these costs by taking the time to schedule an annual maintenance inspection. The technician who performs the service can recommend ways you can help keep your system healthy for as long as possible with preventative maintenance.

4. It’s a Safety Issue

When a heater isn’t functioning well, it uses more energy to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. This results in higher energy bills each month, and a heating system that isn’t functioning properly can also lose its ability to heat your home adequately.

If your electricity and/or gas bills start to climb dramatically, it’s time to get a professional inspection of your heater. The same is true if you see that the gas furnace pilot flame is yellow rather than blue or if you notice rust on the system’s pipes or soot around the heating unit.

These are all signs that the heater’s heat exchanger is likely cracked, a dangerous situation that can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. This dangerous condition lands people in hospital emergency rooms and claims hundreds of lives each year. Fortunately, by scheduling routine inspections, you can catch these problems early and avoid them altogether. This will keep you, your family, and your home safer.