7 Reasons to Schedule Heating System Maintenance Now
Scheduling furnace maintenance before heating season arrives can help prevent breakdowns and improve efficiency.
By Tom Moor
It may still be warm where you are, but colder weather isn’t far away. Is your heating system ready to tackle another season? The best way to ensure it’s good to go is with professional maintenance by a qualified HVAC dealer.
Read on to discover the importance of scheduling regular heating maintenance, what it entails, and why you shouldn’t put it off.
Why timing matters for heat pump or furnace maintenance
Some of the main benefits of having service performed early in the season (late summer or early fall) include:
#1 Preparing for early cold weather
Predicting the weather is like trying to guess what your cat’s thinking – it’s a guessing game, and you never know when the first blast of cold air will arrive. If you wait too long to schedule heat pump or furnace maintenance, you run the risk of decreased efficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter lifespan. Early maintenance ensures your system is ready to keep your home warm, comfortable, and safe.
#2 Preventing breakdowns
Do you cross your fingers the first time you turn on your furnace or AC, hoping it still works? Unfortunately, systems (especially older ones) that have sat idle for several months may not start back up. Maintenance can help prevent that by checking for worn parts, cleaning and lubricating key components, and swapping out dirty air filters.
#3 Beating the rush
When the first cold spell hits, HVAC dealers are flooded with maintenance, repair, and replacement calls – potentially causing you to wait several days for an appointment. Skip the line by scheduling an inspection in the late summer or early fall when HVAC technicians can often service your system within a day or two.
#4 Enhancing safety
Getting out in front of furnace maintenance helps catch safety issues like gas leaks, carbon monoxide risks, or faulty wiring before they become dangerous. A simple tune-up gives you peace of mind that your system will run safely all season long.
#5 Improving efficiency
Running your heating equipment before professional maintenance can reduce its efficiency, leading to higher monthly energy bills. During a furnace tune-up, an HVAC technician cleans necessary parts like burners and blowers, tightens electrical components, and lubricates moving parts to ensure everything is operating efficiently. During a heat pump tune-up, they inspect and clean parts and check system operation to ensure you’re warm when the first cold snap hits.
#6 Increasing system lifespan
A properly maintained unit runs more smoothly and efficiently, preventing wear and tear on critical parts. Delaying maintenance – or skipping it altogether – can shorten the lifespan of your furnace or heat pump, leading to a costly replacement much sooner than expected.
#7 Plan ahead for future replacement
Regular heating maintenance gives you a clear picture of your heating system’s overall health. If your technician spots signs it may only last another year or two, you’ll have time to research options, budget, and plan for a replacement – without the stress of making a rushed decision.
How much does furnace maintenance cost?
The average cost of a furnace tune-up is about $100, although it can range from $70 to $200. That’s a relatively small price to pay to avoid a furnace repair, which can average $150 to $3,000 depending on the part(s) that need to be replaced.
Factors that affect the cost of furnace maintenance include system type (oil furnace, gas furnace, heat pump, boiler), its condition, labor rates, where you live, and the accessibility of the heating equipment.
How much does heat pump maintenance cost?
The cost of heat pump maintenance typically ranges from $75 to $200, with an average price of $150. Like a furnace tune-up, labor rates in your area and the condition of the heat pump will affect the overall cost. Expect to pay more if the system requires repairs, such as a refrigerant recharge.
How often should heating inspections be performed?
Schedule maintenance once a year, ideally in the fall before you turn the heating system on for the first time. However, if the heating season has already started, schedule an appointment anyway – service in the middle or end of the season is still better than skipping it altogether.
Consider enrolling in a preventative maintenance plan
A preventative maintenance plan is a service agreement with an HVAC company that ensures routine tune-ups and inspections on a set schedule. It’s a good idea because it ensures your system gets regular care without you having to remember to book appointments.
Many plans also come with perks like priority service and discounts on repairs. Compared to paying for one-off appointments, a plan can save money in the long run by catching small issues early and preventing costly breakdowns.
Contact an American Standard® dealer for heating maintenance
A poorly maintained furnace or heat pump can reduce your home’s comfort and efficiency, while putting extra strain on the unit. Regular tune-ups keep your heating system running at peak performance. An American Standard® dealer has the expertise and tools to inspect, clean, and tune up your system so it’s ready for the season.
Author: Tom Moor
Expert review by Amy Gulas, Product Manager, Furnaces
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