Tag: should

Why Should Homeowners Schedule Heating Maintenance This Fall?

Get Heating Systems Ready for Colder Weather With Maintenance

As fall begins, colder weather is on its way, so it's important to prepare the home's heating system. Scheduling professional heater maintenance in the autumn offers a multitude of benefits, ensuring the system is not only ready to tackle the chill but is also operating efficiently and safely throughout the winter. This post will discuss heating maintenance, including its advantages, what it entails, and why it’s best done in the fall.

Benefits of Maintaining the Heater

save moneyAnnual heater maintenance offers several advantages. A well-maintained heating system operates with greater energy efficiency, meaning it can achieve and sustain desired indoor temperatures using less energy. This optimized performance translates directly into lower utility bills, as the heater won't have to work as hard to keep the home warm. Furthermore, professional technicians can identify and address minor issues before they escalate into major problems, significantly reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns that can leave the home without heating and costly repairs during the coldest months when the household relies on the heater the most.

Beyond utility bill savings and reliability, regular maintenance also contributes to the longevity of the heating system. By keeping components clean, calibrated, and in good working order, annual heating tune-ups help to minimize wear and tear. This preventative care extends the overall lifespan of the heater, protecting a homeowner’s investment and delaying the need for a premature and expensive heater replacement. So, scheduling routine heater maintenance is a proactive step that ensures the home remains comfortable, energy costs stay manageable, the heating system is more dependable with fewer issues, and continues to serve the household effectively for longer.

What Does Heater Maintenance Entail?

filterDuring an annual heater maintenance visit, a trained professional performs a comprehensive series of checks and services to ensure the heating system is running optimally and safely. This includes a thorough inspection of all major components, such as the heat exchanger, burner, and electrical or gas connections, to identify any signs of wear or damage. The technician will also clean key parts, lubricate moving parts, check and adjust thermostat settings for accuracy and efficiency, and test safety controls to prevent malfunctions. The inspection and tasks professionals do during maintenance visits all contribute to the system's overall performance and home comfort.

While routine professional maintenance is crucial, homeowners can also play an important role in their heating system's efficiency and longevity by regularly changing air filters. Although a technician will typically inspect and replace the filter if necessary during a maintenance visit, air and furnace filters require replacement more frequently than routine maintenance. Air filter replacement is typically needed every one to three months. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, forcing the heater to work harder, which wastes energy, increases utility bills, and puts unnecessary strain on the system. Neglecting this simple task can also lead to reduced indoor air quality and, over time, can contribute to system breakdowns, making routine filter changes a vital part of ongoing heater care.

Is It Too Early to Worry About the Heater?

While some people may wait until winter to worry about maintaining the heater, pre-season check-ups in the fall can be beneficial for a few reasons. Heater or furnace maintenance now in the fall ensures the heater operates at peak efficiency when the cold sets in. A well-maintained heating system requires less energy to heat the home, directly translating into lower utility bills during the fall and winter months when the heating system will be working its hardest. By optimizing its performance before heavy use, maintenance in the fall can lead to a more cost-effective heating season.

Scheduling heater maintenance in the fall can also be beneficial for scheduling and convenience. Heating contractors are typically less busy during the autumn months compared to the peak winter season, allowing for greater flexibility in scheduling service at a time that's most convenient for homeowners. Maintenance in the fall also provides a crucial window to identify and address any potential issues or necessary repairs before the heater becomes more essential due to colder weather. Resolving problems early on prevents unexpected breakdowns and ensures the home remains warm and cozy throughout the coldest parts of the year.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has more than 45 years of experience serving the Austin community. They offer flat-rate pricing and provide personable, experienced staff that homeowners can trust. Call them for heater maintenance and repair services in Austin, TX.

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Why Should Homeowners Schedule Heating Maintenance This Fall?

Get Heating Systems Ready for Colder Weather With Maintenance

As fall begins, colder weather is on its way, so it's important to prepare the home's heating system. Scheduling professional heater maintenance in the autumn offers a multitude of benefits, ensuring the system is not only ready to tackle the chill but is also operating efficiently and safely throughout the winter. This post will discuss heating maintenance, including its advantages, what it entails, and why it’s best done in the fall.

Benefits of Maintaining the Heater

save moneyAnnual heater maintenance offers several advantages. A well-maintained heating system operates with greater energy efficiency, meaning it can achieve and sustain desired indoor temperatures using less energy. This optimized performance translates directly into lower utility bills, as the heater won't have to work as hard to keep the home warm. Furthermore, professional technicians can identify and address minor issues before they escalate into major problems, significantly reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns that can leave the home without heating and costly repairs during the coldest months when the household relies on the heater the most.

Beyond utility bill savings and reliability, regular maintenance also contributes to the longevity of the heating system. By keeping components clean, calibrated, and in good working order, annual heating tune-ups help to minimize wear and tear. This preventative care extends the overall lifespan of the heater, protecting a homeowner’s investment and delaying the need for a premature and expensive heater replacement. So, scheduling routine heater maintenance is a proactive step that ensures the home remains comfortable, energy costs stay manageable, the heating system is more dependable with fewer issues, and continues to serve the household effectively for longer.

What Does Heater Maintenance Entail?

filterDuring an annual heater maintenance visit, a trained professional performs a comprehensive series of checks and services to ensure the heating system is running optimally and safely. This includes a thorough inspection of all major components, such as the heat exchanger, burner, and electrical or gas connections, to identify any signs of wear or damage. The technician will also clean key parts, lubricate moving parts, check and adjust thermostat settings for accuracy and efficiency, and test safety controls to prevent malfunctions. The inspection and tasks professionals do during maintenance visits all contribute to the system's overall performance and home comfort.

While routine professional maintenance is crucial, homeowners can also play an important role in their heating system's efficiency and longevity by regularly changing air filters. Although a technician will typically inspect and replace the filter if necessary during a maintenance visit, air and furnace filters require replacement more frequently than routine maintenance. Air filter replacement is typically needed every one to three months. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, forcing the heater to work harder, which wastes energy, increases utility bills, and puts unnecessary strain on the system. Neglecting this simple task can also lead to reduced indoor air quality and, over time, can contribute to system breakdowns, making routine filter changes a vital part of ongoing heater care.

Is It Too Early to Worry About the Heater?

While some people may wait until winter to worry about maintaining the heater, pre-season check-ups in the fall can be beneficial for a few reasons. Heater or furnace maintenance now in the fall ensures the heater operates at peak efficiency when the cold sets in. A well-maintained heating system requires less energy to heat the home, directly translating into lower utility bills during the fall and winter months when the heating system will be working its hardest. By optimizing its performance before heavy use, maintenance in the fall can lead to a more cost-effective heating season.

Scheduling heater maintenance in the fall can also be beneficial for scheduling and convenience. Heating contractors are typically less busy during the autumn months compared to the peak winter season, allowing for greater flexibility in scheduling service at a time that's most convenient for homeowners. Maintenance in the fall also provides a crucial window to identify and address any potential issues or necessary repairs before the heater becomes more essential due to colder weather. Resolving problems early on prevents unexpected breakdowns and ensures the home remains warm and cozy throughout the coldest parts of the year.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has more than 45 years of experience serving the Austin community. They offer flat-rate pricing and provide personable, experienced staff that homeowners can trust. Call them for heater maintenance and repair services in Austin, TX.

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Warning Signs That Heater Repair Is Needed All Homeowners Should Know

Does Your Heating System Need Service?

Homeowners often take their heating systems for granted until they fail to work when it’s cold outside. A professional should fix a malfunctioning heater as soon as possible to prevent additional issues from occurring. This blog post will share some common signs that heater repair may be needed. 

A Spike in Utility Bills

billsWhen a homeowner receives a utility bill that is higher than normal, it often indicates a problem with the efficiency of the heating system. A loss of efficiency can occur for several reasons, including a broken or faulty component of the heating system, maintenance being skipped, or the heater being old and inefficient. 

So, suppose homeowners notice their system works inefficiently due to a spike in heating costs. They should have a professional inspect the system, determine the cause, and make the necessary fix, whether that is heating maintenance, repair, or system replacement. Once they finish, the system should work more efficiently, which is reflected in lower utility bills.  

Abnormal Sounds and Smells

bad smellIf a homeowner hears strange sounds such as a rattling, squeaking, banging, or grinding sound in their heating system, a professional should be called to check the heater for issues. The heater should be relatively quiet when running, so if there are any noticeably different sounds, it’s a sign of problems.

Unusual smells such as a burning smell or the smell of smoke should not be ignored since they are another sign heater repair is needed. These burning smells could indicate serious issues like overheating or a cracked heat exchanger that could be dangerous if not repaired. 

A Cold Home or Uneven Heating

Sometimes, homeowners may notice that their homes aren’t getting as warm as they should be or that the heat is uneven, creating some cold spots. Any time there are problems with the heating, whether it’s a complete loss of heat or that the home's temperature doesn’t reach the temperature on the thermostat, it’s a sign to call for service. 

Several issues could cause insufficient heating, so a contractor can inspect the heating system to find the underlying cause of the problem. Once they have found the cause, they can determine the best solution to restore proper heating and comfort to the home, whether that be heating repair or replacement.  

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated company serving Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas since 1977. They provide flat rate pricing, financing, and fast friendly service. Call them today for heater repair services in Austin, TX.  

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Why Should You Schedule Air Conditioner Maintenance Now?

Why It Pays To Schedule AC Service Before the Heat of Summer

As spring gives way to summer, most homeowners have already started using their air conditioners to stave off the heat. But as the Texas heat (not to mention humidity) intensifies heading into the summer months, so will the AC unit’s workload. If the unit hasn’t been serviced in a while, that workload may prove too much for the system to handle, resulting in poor performance or a breakdown.

Scheduling preventative air conditioning maintenance is the best way to avoid these problems. Homeowners who wait too long to call for maintenance often find themselves forced to call for AC repair instead. But that’s not the only reason to jump on spring maintenance. Read on to learn three reasons why now is the best time for an air conditioning tune-up!

More Scheduling Availability

more scheduling availabilityAs summer rolls in and the days grow hotter and muggier, demand for air conditioning services will grow. With the influx of calls for AC tune-ups, repairs, replacements, and other services, AC technicians will have their hands and schedules full. For this reason, trying to get a convenient AC service appointment during the summer can be like trying to get a brunch reservation on Mother’s Day!

But in the spring, homeowners are more likely to have their pick of time slots before the rush begins. They can choose a short service window on a day that best suits them rather than being at the mercy of their AC service provider’s busy schedule.

Keep the AC Working All Summer Long

Avoiding a scheduling nightmare is great, but avoiding the nightmare of being without air conditioning on a hot and humid day is even better. And since a lack of maintenance is the number one cause of AC breakdowns, routine service is a must for those who don’t want an interruption in their air conditioning.

A typical AC maintenance visit includes a thorough inspection of the unit and tests of the electrical systems, fan motors, refrigerant levels, and other components. This can give technicians a clear picture of the unit’s performance and alert them to any potential issues. Homeowners can avoid a surprise summer breakdown by fixing these problems early and addressing other common causes of wear and tear.

Extend the AC Unit’s Lifespan

extend AC unit's lifespanYearly maintenance doesn’t just keep the unit going strong for the summer but can also keep the unit going strong in the long term. The average life expectancy for newer air conditioners is about 15-20 years. The frequency and quality of maintenance are important in deciding whether a given unit will make it to the higher end of that range or even higher.

Having the air conditioner serviced regularly will help mitigate normal wear and tear, improve efficiency and performance, and nip potential problems in the bud. Air conditioning repair can be costly, particularly for major issues like a burnt-out motor, so it’s best to try and prevent it for as long as possible. There’s no better preventive measure than spring maintenance!

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated business serving the community of Austin since 1977. Their commitment to safety, service, and quality has earned them an A+ rating with the BBB, numerous awards and 5-star reviews, and Nextdoor’s “Neighborhood Favorite” title. They provide flat-rate pricing, financing, and fast, friendly service. Call them today for air conditioning services in Austin, TX.

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