Summer is over, and fall has officially arrived in California again. At this time of the year, our thoughts naturally turn to the colder months to come in winter. We find that our air conditioners are being used less often and the time to reach for the heat is fast approaching. One of the best things to do in order to prepare for winter is to schedule a maintenance check up for your heating system. Here are some things to consider prior to setting up your appointment.
Does My Heater Really Need Maintenance?
It is possible to do some routine maintenance yourself. A first step should be to change the air filter. Next, give your heater a good clean and make sure the area around it is clean and free from clutter. Beyond these tasks, there is not a lot that an untrained person can do to get their heater ready for winter. A trained professional will be able to carry out a more in depth series of tests and maintenance tasks. A heater that is well serviced is far less likely to break down at a critical time. A maintenance check will detect any minor issues or major problems, but remember that fixing a heater will always be more expensive than regular servicing.
Book Early to Avoid Disappointment:
Fall is a great time to get work carried out on your home in California. The weather is temperate and if you book early enough it is easy to get a trained technician to look at your system. Many people leave it too late and arrange an appointment late in the fall. This is a big mistake as everyone else seems to do the same thing. This means that local professionals become overwhelmed with requests, and an inevitable backlog is formed. This could mean a significant wait that could even stretch into winter. Always book as early as you can and you will get seen in a timely fashion.
What Can You Expect from a Maintenance Session?
The specifics of a maintenance session can vary a little depending on your locality. No matter where you live, there are common checks that will definitely be carried out.
The gas and power will be shut off to the heater so that work can be carried out in safety.
Temporary filters will be changed, and permanent ones will be thoroughly cleaned.
The burners will be cleaned and unclogged.
Other interior components will be cleaned.
Bolts, screws, and fittings will be checked for tightness.
Components will be checked to ensure that they are secure in their housings.
Gas lines will be tested and checked for carbon monoxide leaks.
The ignition system will be tested to ensure that it runs.
Safety shut off systems will be checked.
Key components will be checked, and any problems will be highlighted for repair.
The system will be run for 20 minutes to make sure that it is functioning correctly.
If any repairs are needed an appointment will be made.
Having a maintenance session for your heater will ensure that it is ready for winter, Your heater will be more energy efficient and less likely to fail when it’s needed. Any hidden problems that may be lurking inside your heater can be highlighted and fixed before they deteriorate further.