Heater Tune-Up: Why It’s Worth Tuning Your Heating

A significant portion of the average American homeowner’s budget is allocated for home heating costs. According to recent data from the United States Department of Energy (DOE),heating and cooling account for approximately 55% of the energy usage in single-family homes. Energy costs—particularly oil costs—ramped up in the winter of 2021–2022, and prices remain elevated as this winter sets in.

You may not be able to control energy prices, but you can control how you respond to them. As the weather turns cold, winterize your home and insulate your windows and doors. Keep an eye on your thermostat and avoid unnecessary energy expenditures. And to get the most out of your home heating system, consider a quick heating tune-up.

A heating system tune-up will save you money on your energy bills, and you’ll also enjoy several other surprising benefits. Here’s why it’s worth your while.

The Top 6 Reasons to Tune Up Your Home Heating System

A boiler or furnace tune-up is a reasonably modest investment that quickly pays for itself. Below are the positive effects that a quick service call will have on your wallet and your health. 

1. Improved Efficiency

First and foremost, tuning up your home heating system will make it more efficient. During a tune-up, your HVAC technician will inspect all system components, including the heat exchangers, blower motor, and fan blades. Depending on the state of your system, your tech may replace the filter, swap out worn or damaged parts, and clean off any accumulated soot, dust, and grime. These steps can ensure that your system is not wasting fuel or straining to bring your home up to your desired temperature. Servicing your heating system once or twice per year will help you save money on your energy bills and reduce your overall carbon footprint. 

2. Increased Safety

Poorly maintained or designed heating systems can present a number of potential safety hazards. Appropriate venting of furnaces, boilers, and other heating appliances is essential. If the byproducts of combustion are not channeled outside of the home, dangerous gasses, such as carbon monoxide, can accumulate. Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, so you’ll be unlikely to identify a problem without a working detector or professional inspection.

A home heating appliance can also pose a fire hazard, particularly if there’s faulty wiring, obstructed vents, or nearby combustible materials. A qualified technician can identify these safety concerns during a routine tune-up.

3. Reduced Repair Costs

Rule number one of homeownership is to address small problems before they spiral out of control. Something as seemingly insignificant as a clogged filter can trigger cascading component failures, and what was a $10 fix quickly balloons into a $500 repair bill.

When you have your heating system serviced your HVAC tech will address any minor issues, keeping the possibility of costly repairs at bay. The savings over time is well worth the furnace or boiler tune-up cost.

4. Extended Product Life

Any appliance will last longer if you adhere to a structured maintenance schedule. Furnaces and other major home heating appliances last for about 12 to 15 years on average. With diligent maintenance, you may be able to keep your furnace working for 20 years or more, delaying the expense of a new appliance. Neglecting to service your system could necessitate an appliance replacement before the unit is 10 years old.

5. Improved Air Quality

Tune-ups can help ensure that your home heating system is running cleanly and efficiently, which can help improve the air quality in your home. When you clean or replace your furnace’s air filter, your system can better catch airborne allergens and contaminants that irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.

Thorough technicians will also check for any air leaks, sealing them as needed to make sure your system is airtight and impervious to outdoor pollutants and fine particulate matter. Tuned-up appliances also burn fuel more efficiently, limiting the output of soot, toxic gasses, and other dangerous byproducts of combustion.

The improved air quality that a well-maintained system provides is especially beneficial for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

6. Increased Comfort

A regularly maintained home heating system will keep your home at a comfortable temperature and reduce the risk of cold spots. Faulty systems may struggle to bring your home up to temperature, leaving you uncomfortable when the weather turns cold. A system plagued by choked filters, duct obstructions, or faulty vents or fans will also be inefficient in circulating the heat in your home. Some rooms or corners will feel drafty or uncomfortably cool. Tuning up your system helps you avoid these nuisances.

How Much Does a Heating Tune-Up Cost?

The cost of tuning up a home heating system will vary depending on the type of system you have, the size of the home, and the complexity of the tune-up. Generally, a basic tune up for a single-family home will cost between $100 and $250. For a more thorough or complex tune-up, the cost can range from $300 to $800. This more expensive service typically includes inspecting and cleaning the entire system, checking for any signs of wear and tear, changing air filters, and making any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.

How to Maintain Your Heating System on a Budget

Tuning up your home heating system is an important part of keeping your home comfortable and safe during the winter months. It can also help you save money on energy costs and reduce your overall carbon footprint. And maintaining your system doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor.

Consider home warranty coverage to protect all your home appliances and systems, heating included. With Liberty Home Guard’s Total Home Guard or Systems Guard plan, you can make a claim to have your system maintained or repaired for less than it would cost to hire an independent contractor.

Learn more by exploring our website or calling our team at (866)-432-1283.