Heating Season Checkup

Why should you bother with a check up on your heating system when we don’t heat that much in our climate? 

Although we have had very mild winters lately, we still have a need for heating, and if you pay attention to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, it says that this winter will be a very cold one.  On average we have about 850 heating hours a year here in the Coastal Bend.  Although most of our heating hours are above 45 degrees, we still need heat. 

            The main concern with heating is safety.  If your air conditioner malfunctions, you are uncomfortable, but if your heater malfunctions it can be dangerous.  If you have a gas furnace you especially need to have it checked every year.  All the safety switches need to be tested and the combustion needs to be checked.  The newer furnaces are much safer than the old ones, but even the new ones need to be serviced every year.  If you have a furnace that has a pilot light then you really need to have it checked to make sure there are no leaks in the heat exchanger.  Leaks in the heat exchanger can allow combustion products such as carbon monoxide to get into the home.  This is a serious safety concern.

            If you have electric heat, you need to have your system checked also.  Running electric heat puts a big load on your electrical circuits.   The heating up and cooling down of the wires can lead to expansion and can loosen connections.  All of the connections need to be checked to make sure they are tight.  A loose connection can lead to higher amperage and could burn wires.  There are also safety switches, and relay points that need to be checked to make sure the system is operating properly.  If a heat strip sequencer sticks closed it can cause the heat strip to run continuously, this will greatly increase your electric bill. 

            The investment in a comprehensive service check-up of your heating system is well worth the money.  Even if there is nothing wrong with the system, you can sleep better at night with the peace of mind of knowing it is in good shape.  For only $69 we can send out a qualified and highly skilled service technician to do a complete inspection of your heating system.  Or an even better deal is to invest in a Maintenance Agreement for only $120.  This includes two complete inspections, one for heating and one for cooling.  It also entitles you to Priority Service, discounted parts and service, and no overtime charges ever.