Heating Service – Why Is It So Important?

Central heating is a fundamental part of a home, making the winter months both bearable and cozy. Heating and air conditioning systems are complex, and they have many “moving parts” that could cause big issues if they failed, which is why repair and maintenance of your HVAC systems are so important.

Oklahoma City is known for very harsh weather conditions, and your heater breaking down in December is something you don’t even want to imagine – it wouldn’t be much worse than your cooling system breaking down in August, but only barely.

Heater repair is best left to the experts, and the same applies to heater inspection and service – however good your intentions and DIY cred, odds are you will miss signs of wear that an expert would notice.

If we have still not convinced you, let’s go over the many reasons why it’s so important to service and maintain your HVAC periodically.

Why are HVAC services important?

The very first inspection of your HVAC should happen immediately after the system installation, and at least once a year after that. This is necessary for your safety, comfort, and to save you money in the longer term. Let’s count the reasons.

Safety first

How often do you check your car’s oil and water? What about the brake fluid and fibers? Would you be comfortable driving a car that hasn’t been inspected in over a year?

The furnace of an HVAC system has many potentially dangerous components: there is usually gas or oil and a live flame, and there are electrical circuits and wiring, all of which could pose a fire hazard. Also, a malfunctioning furnace could emit dangerous quantities of carbon monoxide, endangering the health of your family or your employees and customers.

Keeps equipment efficient

Something as simple as a dirty filter can force your HVAC unit to work up to 30% harder to push air out, with its corresponding increase in energy bills. A thorough inspection involves a lot of cleaning and replacing filters, belts, and small parts, all of which keep your heating and cooling equipment working at top capacity while using the minimum of energy.

If you know what electricity costs nowadays, and remember that 30-40% of a household’s bills is spent on air conditioner and heating, you will realize the savings outweigh the expense required for regular service calls.

Cheaper and easier repairs

Let’s talk about cars again. If you car has an oil leak, and you don’t fix it, what is going to happen? The motor will run without enough oil, there will be friction and overheating, and sooner or later you will find yourself with a damaged engine block, which is about as expensive as car repairs get. Now, wouldn’t it have been better to just fix the leak in the first place?

The same applies to your home heating, heat pump, furnace and ductwork. These systems are running usually for months on end, 24/7, and are subject to much wear and tear: belts crack, bearings get dirty or lose lubrication, filters get dirty and clogged. Changing a cracked belt doesn’t cost much, but fixing all that can go wrong when that belt breaks probably will.

A yearly inspection will uncover small damages and wear-and-tear, all of which can be fixed easily; but which can also turn into major problems down the line if you do not fix it right away.

Fewer emergency calls

Following on what we just said, if you fix the leak you will not end up stalled in the highway calling for a tow truck. Regular maintenance detects and prevents issues, meaning far fewer emergency calls all year long.

Here’s a fun fact you maybe didn’t know: if you get a regular service plan with us, you will also get priority emergency calls, your holiday/weekend fees will be waived, and we will even throw in a discount on the parts needed for your emergency repair.

Longer life for your HVAC unit

A watched pot never boils, and a regularly serviced HVAC doesn’t break down. If you keep parts oiled, filters clean, and belts fresh (among many other checks), your HVAC will last you many years.

On average, an HVAC unit is expected to last 15-25 years if serviced twice a year, and as little as 8 if it is never serviced. Considering how expensive these units are, you want to look after your investment and make it go as long as possible. Even getting a year or two more out of it means you don’t have to spend the money a second sooner than needed, and money in the bank is definitely better than spent in replacing appliances ahead of their time.

Consistently better air quality

Dirty filters and ducts will slowly fill up with dust, mold, mites, and other allergens, and the fans will push all of those nasty particles out into the air of your home or office. This can represent a serious risk for anyone with asthma or respiratory conditions, and cause allergy-like symptoms in otherwise healthy people.

You wouldn’t drink dirty water – why are you willing to breathe dirty air? Keep your heating system and ductwork clean, especially during times of medical concerns such as right now with the COVID pandemic.