Most people with furnaces installed in their homes know how important regular heating maintenance is. Usually, furnaces show tell-tale signs of poor maintenance earlier on than other types of heating equipment. Furnace owners know that dusty, dirty air, unpleasant odors, noisy operation, and higher than usual energy bills are pretty good indicators that maintenance is needed.
But, other heating systems might not show you the signs that they need to be maintained as readily. Below, we’ll give you a breakdown of why various types of heating systems need maintenance, so you can be better prepared for the cooler weather ahead, regardless of the type of heating system you own.
Types of Heating Systems & Why You Should Maintain Them
- Furnaces: As we mentioned above, furnaces give some pretty good indicators when they need to be maintained. The components inside your furnace can get dirty, and that gunk can make operation harder for your furnace. Add a dirty filter to the mix, and your furnace is working overtime to deliver heated air throughout your home. Maintaining your furnace helps it operate more effectively and efficiently, and enjoy a longer lifespan.
- Heat Pumps: Your heat pump system uses the heat from the outdoor air or ground to warm your home, unlike a furnace, which relies on fuel to operate. Because a heat pump has a compressor, it’s very important to get maintenance regularly to keep the compressor in good working order. A heat pump that’s well-maintained will also use less energy – anywhere from 10 to 25 percent less.
- Boilers: Often, during everyday operation, rust and other debris build up in your home’s boiler system. It can also be subject to leaks, dirty burners, and corrosion. This can cause diminished efficiency, and can even clog your system in some instances. Getting regular boiler maintenance can help prevent this from happening – helping your boiler work efficiently and last longer.
- Ductless Heating: Most ductless heating systems rely on a heat pump to operate. As we mentioned above, heat pumps need regular maintenance in order to keep the compressor and other components in good working order. Usually, each ductless unit throughout your home has its own filter, so it’s a good idea to make sure that gets the proper maintenance as well. This will help your system maintain good airflow, allowing better efficiency and comfort.
Additionally, just about all equipment manufacturers require maintenance in order to keep warranties intact. Failure to get the annual maintenance needed on your heating equipment may void the warranty – which can result in having to pay out of pocket should you need repairs or component replacements.
T.F. O’Brien can help you get the maintenance you need for your home’s heating system.
Whether you rely on a furnace, boiler, heat pump, or ductless system for your home heating needs, T.F. O’Brien is ready to help you get the annual maintenance you need. Simply give us a call at 516.488.1800 to schedule your heating maintenance appointment.