How Often Should A Heating System Be Serviced?

One of the first questions homeowners ask after we install a new heating system is, “How often do I need to have it serviced?” You might think a brand-new system can go a little longer between tune-ups, but the fact is, getting maintenance once a year is key to keeping your boiler or furnace running like new—and even help you save money.

Your heating system is one of the largest investments you make in your home. The best way to protect your investment is to have professional maintenance service performed on your equipment every year. Our technicians are pros who take your system through a multi-point check designed to catch little problems before they turn into expensive breakdowns. You may think you’re saving a little money by skipping your annual maintenance, but chances are a breakdown will cost you a lot more than the tune-up.

Not convinced? Here are five reasons to give your boiler or furnace the care it needs:

1. Reliability: Your equipment will run when you need it most. It’s not the average winter temps that strain your equipment. It’s the stretch of single-digit days and those polar vortexes and bomb cyclones that force your heating system to work extra hard to heat your home. Routine maintenance catches heating system problems in their early stages, helping you avoid inconvenient equipment breakdowns and the potentially costly repairs that come with them.
2. Lower bills: A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, burning less fuel to keep you comfortable. That translates into savings on your fuel bills – often as much as 10 percent.
3. Better return on your investment: In short: Your equipment will last longer. Regular maintenance can add years to the life of your furnace or boiler. Neglected heating equipment will need to be replaced earlier than expected—a big expense that can be avoided with seasonal tune-ups.
4. Warranty protection: For most people, a good warranty is a key consideration with a major purchase like a heating system. Why jeopardize that coverage? Most heating equipment warranties require routine professional service as a precondition; skip your tune-up and your manufacturer could be voided, leaving you to pay out of pocket for the expense.
5. Better air: If you own a forced-air heating system, a well-maintained furnace will help keep air moving while also controlling household humidity – two significant contributors to healthy indoor air.

What’s Included in a Tune-up?

• Calibrating your thermostat
• Checking overall heating function
• Checking electrical connections
• Testing safety and limit switches
• Cleaning and testing burners

Is It Ever Too Late for a Tune-up?

There’s no bad time for a tune up, but there are better times. Most people put heating-system maintenance on their fall to-do list. And, autumn is a great time to do it—you know your furnace or boiler will be ready to go as soon as you need it on that first chilly night. The problem with everyone trying to schedule a fall tune-up is that appointments fill up fast and it’s hard to get a convenient time. Scheduling a tune-up in the spring or summer lets you have your choice of appointments, and the benefits don’t wear off: your heating equipment will be cleaned and ready to go a few months later.

Ready to schedule your tune-up? The pros at Pitstop are ready when you are. Contact us today!