What To Expect From a Professional Heating Tune Up

As the temperatures start to drop, many homeowners start to think about whether their heating systems will be able to cope with the coming winter. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to turn on your heating system on a cold day and no warmth being produced. For this reason, homeowners should consider a professional heating tune up. A professional technician will visit your home and perform maintenance, but what should you expect from this appointment.

How Often Should You Have a Professional Heating Tune Up?

Although it can be tempting to adopt an “isn’t broke, don’t fix it” attitude, this can be a costly mistake when it comes to your heating equipment. Heating systems can give off subtle warning signs of an issue that need attention before they develop into a serious problem. A professional technician can perform preventative maintenance that reduces the risk of a breakdown and those large repair bills. Most experts and manufacturers recommend having your equipment inspected and serviced once a year. Ideally, this should be scheduled for fall, before the weather starts to get cooler. This will ensure that when the temperatures do drop, you can have confidence that your heating system is ready to cope with the demands of the season.

What Happens During the Appointment?

Every appointment will vary slightly, but most tune ups will share the same basic tasks. So, here is a general overview of what you can expect during your appointment.
The first step is a thorough inspection of your heating system. The technician will check for any corrosion, wear or damage on the components, by examining all of the equipment and moving parts. The next stage is cleaning and lubrication; the technician will clear any debris that has accumulated inside the system while it has not been used. This dirt and dust can create issues if left inside your system as it may be pulled into the motor and cause damage. At this point, all the moving parts will also be lubricated to ensure smooth operation.
The technician will then make any adjustments and small repairs where necessary. Even something as simple as replacing a fan belt can significantly improve performance and efficiency; reducing the risk of a breakdown issue developing once the system is being heavily used. The technician will also check and change your filters if needed, check the system pressure, refrigerant levels or burner assembly, depending on whether you have a heat pump, boiler or combustion system respectively.
Finally, the technician will perform safety and performance tests to ensure that your equipment is operating safely and at optimum efficiency.

Although scheduling a tune up may seem like just another expense, it can actually increase the energy efficiency levels of your system, prevent repairs and extend the lifespan of your system. So, this professional attention can save you money in both the short and long term. Regular maintenance will keep your system and all its components in proper working order, reducing the amount of wear and strain. This can not only improve your comfort levels and reduce your energy bills, but can help you to avoid the frustration of being left without heat on the coldest winter days.