When cold weather rolls through, the first thought many homeowners have is to turn up the thermostat and blast the heat. Our heating systems provide great comfort during the chillier months of the year, but it can be easy to forget that they require attention and care from time to time. In fact, many HVAC technicians stress the importance of scheduling annual maintenance services or “tune-ups.”

So, when is the best time of year to get heater maintenance? Let’s answer this question and more below.

What Happens During a Maintenance Service?

Before discussing the best time of year to get heater maintenance, it’s important to know what happens during one of these services. In short, you can expect an HVAC professional to inspect, clean, and test the unit for proper function.

For example, the technician will check the heating system’s air filter to make sure that it isn’t dirty or clogged. If the filter needs to be replaced, the technician will switch it out. Even this small maintenance task can have a significant impact on your household’s comfort since a dirty air filter can negatively affect your indoor air quality and heater’s performance.

Other common maintenance tasks include checking electrical connections, testing the thermostat, and adjusting loose parts. If the technician finds an issue that requires repair, they’ll suggest solutions to fix it. This is excellent news since the last thing you want is for a minor problem to snowball into a costly catastrophe!

You’re probably still wondering, “When should I schedule one of these services?” Of course, having this question is incredibly valid. Knowing when to book furnace tune-ups is crucial to ensure your heating system is working as smoothly as possible.

When Should You Schedule Heater Maintenance?

On the whole, the best time of year to get heater maintenance is fall. Scheduling one of these services before the cold weather settles in will ensure your heating system is ready for whatever frigid conditions await.

All in all, the earlier you get your furnace serviced, the better. Many homeowners tend to scramble to get their units tuned up once the chilly temperatures arrive, which can lead to scheduling backups. You’ll want to avoid the last-minute maintenance rush if you can.

The General Rule of Thumb

When it comes down to it, you’ll want to schedule maintenance the season before you intend to use the designated HVAC system. For instance, it’s a good idea to have your air conditioning system tuned up during early spring. This way, your AC will be ready for the warmer late spring and summer months.

Of course, if you have a heat pump, you’ll want to schedule tune-ups in the fall and in the spring. Since heat pumps have the ability to heat and cool a home, they’ll require maintenance just as a typical heater and air conditioner would.

Now that you know when to do furnace tune-ups, you might still be wondering: are they actually necessary? Can you go a year without scheduling maintenance? The answer to this question is a resounding no. Below, we’ll go over why these annual services are crucial.

What Are the Benefits of Heater Maintenance?

As a homeowner, it’s easy to overlook your heating system. When everything appears to be working perfectly fine, it’s common to adopt an “out of sight, out of mind” approach. However, this particular type of attitude can end up having many negative consequences down the road.

Scheduling maintenance with a technician allows you to catch problems before they have a chance to worsen. Plus, these services provide much-needed peace of mind during the coldest months of the year. You can rest assured knowing your heating system has been inspected, tested, and cleaned to ensure everything is running properly.

Although you know when to do furnace tune-ups, you might not be wholly convinced that they’re necessary. Let’s discuss a few noteworthy advantages of these services.

Enhanced Home Comfort

During the winter, you want to feel confident that your heating system will keep your family warm and comfortable. However, if you neglect annual maintenance, you run the risk of encountering a problem when you need your heater most.

For example, a dirty air filter can lead to many problems, such as hot and cold spots inside your home. Insufficient or inconsistent heating can get in the way of your family’s overall sense of comfort. Plus, a clogged air filter can negatively affect indoor air quality, which can lead to worsening allergies and other health problems.

Fortunately, getting your heating system serviced can help prevent issues like these from occurring in the first place.

Increased Energy Savings

Are you hoping to save money on your energy bills? Having your heating system tuned up can help you achieve this goal.

During a furnace maintenance service, a professional technician will ensure every component is working as smoothly as possible. When everything is running as it should, you end up wasting less energy while maintaining your comfort. This is excellent news — especially if you’re looking to cut down on your utility costs.

Fewer Breakdowns & Repairs

No homeowner wants to repair or replace their heating system if they can help it. Fortunately, regular maintenance can help you prevent these issues. When you get your furnace inspected, the technician will check for any concerning wear and tear. From here, the professional will provide you with a quick and dependable solution.

When learning when to get a furnace tune-us, it’s important to remember that the sooner you schedule one of these services, the better. This way, you can avoid having an expensive and frustrating problem on your hands.

Choose Arendosh and McVay for Your Comfort Needs

In short, the best time of year to get heater maintenance is fall. However, it’s worth mentioning that there is never a “wrong” time to schedule maintenance.

If it’s been an entire year or longer since you’ve had your heater serviced, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Arendosh Heating & Cooling. We offer seasonal heating and cooling maintenance to ensure your household is comfortable all year long. Our HVAC professionals inspect HVAC systems, diagnose problems, and offer repair solutions with your satisfaction in mind. And if you have trouble with your plumbing, get in touch with our sister company McVay Plumbing.

Contact us today for more information about our heating services in Pittsburgh, PA!