Summer is over, and the chill of winter is right around the corner. Freezing temperatures and inclement weather conditions will soon place heavy demands on your furnace and HVAC system. This increased usage of your heating technology will also force any flaws in the system to reveal themselves, as any accumulated damage or neglected problems will quickly escalate into larger, more serious issues. An improperly maintained furnace may lead to increased energy costs, as the efficiency is compromised. Undiagnosed mechanical issues can also greatly increase the risk of a catastrophic emergency breakdown, leaving you without heat when you really need it.
The very fact that many homeowners neglect furnace repair during the more temperate times of year means that winter is also the busiest season for HVAC professionals at companies like All Weather Heating & Cooling. The added demand that results from an increase in urgent calls means that the cost of emergency repairs can be higher at this time, especially if the repairs needed are on a larger scale. For that reason, we recommend that all homeowners take steps to maintain their heating systems before the weather turns cold.
Why Repair Your Furnace in Autumn?
To answer that question, it helps to understand why winter is the busiest season for many HVAC professionals. It’s fairly straightforward: Greater use of heating technology means higher incidences of things going wrong, as well as an added urgency when they do.
Think of it this way: If your furnace breaks down and it’s below freezing outside, you cannot wait to schedule a repair within a few days or weeks. You need repairs right now, not just for comfort, but for safety, as inhabiting a home that is too cold can place the occupants of a building at risk. Fortunately, many HVAC companies offer 24/7 emergency services so that you and your family can remain safe during the coldest months. However, avoiding the emergency in the first place is always preferable.
While HVAC maintenance can and should be performed throughout the year, there are several reasons why autumn happens to be the perfect season for furnace repair. It’s the last temperate time of the year when repairs can wait for a convenient time rather than becoming a critical emergency. The cost of these repairs can often be lower during the fall as well, as the demand for HVAC professionals isn’t as high. Remember that summer tends to be a very busy season for HVAC professionals as well, as we are frequently called to repair air conditioning units. See our post about avoiding emergency air conditioner repairs for more information on that season.
Fix Your Furnace During Autumn and Watch Your Energy Costs Fall
Avoiding emergency repairs due to a catastrophic HVAC emergency is not the only reason to invest in maintenance during the autumn months. Actually, you may never experience such a catastrophic breakdown (and we hope you don’t!), but that doesn’t mean your furnace is operating at optimal capacity. Neglecting your furnace repair may cause your equipment to break down, but it is just as likely to create a more subtle problem: a gradual but significant reduction in energy efficiency.
As the furnace performs its functions year after year, it tends to operate less effectively due to a number of factors. Parts can wear out, and dirt or chemical residue can build up in certain areas, blocking the flow of air or fuel. Filters become clogged, forcing the machinery to work harder to achieve the same results. When this happens, the furnace needs to burn more fuel (in turn, costing more money) to keep your home warm.
By investing in repairs during the fall, the system will operate far more efficiently and effectively during the winter.
How to Prepare Your Heating System for Winter
As soon as the leaves start to change and the summer heat begins to dwindle, homeowners should start thinking about scheduling their yearly furnace maintenance visit from their trusted HVAC professional. Your HVAC contractor will arrive with a checklist in hand, ready to inspect and, if necessary, repair each element of your furnace and overall heating system.
One critical element they’ll investigate is the thermostat. As the interface between man and machine, this is the way you communicate with your furnace to set your desired temperature. It is also a frequent source of problems for the system, as a faulty electrical connection or similar issue can cause the entire unit to fail to perform its job. Your HVAC professional will ensure the thermostat and other electrical connections are functioning optimally.
Your contractor’s responsibilities also include performing a thorough cleaning of each of the elements of the furnace that may become obstructed during normal operations. They’ll clean or change filters and flush fuel lines to allow for more efficient flow. They’ll also check other systems, including the heat exchanger and the blower fan, if there is one, so that any possible problems can be assessed and repaired.
Invest in Maintenance Year-Round
Autumn may be the perfect season for furnace repair, but there is no bad time to invest in maintenance for your HVAC system. The most important thing to remember is that your heating and cooling technology is like any other major piece of equipment. It requires care to work at full capacity. At least once a year, you should ask your HVAC professional to perform a basic tune-up. Periodically, you should also invest in other related home repairs, such as replacing degraded insulation throughout the entire home.
At All Weather Heating & Cooling, we’d be happy to perform the necessary maintenance to ensure your heating system is functioning optimally, during the autumn, the winter, and throughout the year.