Even though a modern heater should stand up to quite a bit of wear and tear, it requires regular maintenance. Well, I mean, if you want it to last for as long as possible. With a little bit of preventative maintenance and regular service calls, it should last for many years to come.
Ways to Maintain Your Modern Heater to Extend Its Lifetime
Here are some tips to help prepare your home and vehicle for the winter season.
Schedule Seasonal Maintenance
No matter what steps you take to keep your heater running smoothly, you will need some professional assistance as well. Scheduling seasonal service calls is one of the most effective ways to ensure your HVAC system continues to run smoothly and efficiently. To avoid unnecessary issues, homeowners should plan on their HVAC systems being serviced at least twice a year.
Don’t Ignore Unusual Noises
If you recently noticed your heater is making unusual banging or clanking noises, then you need to contact a heating repair contractor as soon as possible. When minor damage is ignored for long periods of time, it could result in much more expensive issues later on. Some of the other signs of potential heater damage include:
- a sudden rise in the energy bills
- varying temperatures throughout the home
- unusual smells coming from the vents
Check and Replace the Air Filters
No matter what type of heating system you have in your home, you most likely have at least one air filter that will need to be replaced. When an air filter becomes clogged with dust and other airborne debris, it will put an incredible amount of strain on the system and potentially damage multiple components. During the coldest months of the year when the heater is being used every day, you might need to replace the air filters as often as once every month or two.
Replace Old Insulation
Old or damaged insulation will make it nearly impossible for you to keep your home at a consistent temperature. That means your heater is going to work extra hard to bring the temperature up, and that can lead to premature damage. In the average home, the attic insulation should be replaced every 10 to 20 years.
Preventative maintenance and regular service calls can help you avoid catastrophic breakdowns. Your heater will still need to be replaced at some point. While every model is slightly different, the average residential and vehicular heater must be replaced at least once every 15 or 20 years.
About the Writer: Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
