Most people associate a tune up with cars and other motor vehicles, but any electrical unit with an internal system can benefit from a tune up at the right times. Since you rely on your home heating and cooling units, which are expensive to replace, consider getting the appliances on a routine maintenance schedule so they last as long as possible and perform to their full potential.
Timing
Home heating appliances, such as your furnace, should be checked by a professional at least once a year and before you turn it on after a period of non-use, such as right at the start of fall or winter. Many, heater tune-up professionals will have a checklist of activities for the tune up, including cleaning, performance testing and diagnostics.
The same annual rule applies to your central air conditioning unit, as you want to have the appliance at full working capacity right before hot weather hits. The service professional will check the unit for debris, condensation pooling and performance levels.
In cases where you’re concerned about performance or are heavily using your heating or cooling units, you may want to have another check performed during the year. For example, if you notice your furnace is struggling to hit the desired temperature, arrange for a professional to check your system so you’re not suddenly without heat if a major problem is brewing.
Repair or replace?
You may find yourself facing a difficult decision if your professional suggests replacing your heating or cooling unit after a routine maintenance check. When you’re deciding whether to replace the unit right away or to wait until next season, consider factors beyond price.
For instance, if the professional recommends replacement because your furnace is old and no longer efficient, you can probably wait another season to get a new model. But if the replacement is necessary to avoid a costly repair or for safety reasons, you may have no choice. You don’t want to risk running into operation problems during extreme cold weather, as service calls are bound to take longer and may cost more.
Ask the technician about the different types of cooling and heating models available, the drawbacks and benefits of each type and their personal recommendations for your particular home. Get price quotes in writing and make sure you receive estimates from more than one company before making your final decision. Do a little research on the recommendations yourself to help guide you to the right type for home and to weed out companies that are up-selling.
Finding the right service
Many heating and cooling services offer discounts on maintenance checks around common service call times, such as the start of winter or summer. While discounts are certainly welcome, don’t be swayed by price alone. Make sure you check the credentials of any service you’re considering. Look for a properly licensed service and review customer feedback, such as Better Business Bureau reports, to find a reliable company.