Why Heater Maintenance is Important in Texas

If Texans have learned anything in the past few years, it’s that our weather can be unpredictable! While past winters have been cool and comfortable, others have been quite the opposite. For example, just last year, Texas saw a winter storm of historic proportions!

Tyler and the rest of Smith County, as well as every county in the state, saw significant impact from below-freezing temperatures and more than five inches of snow, something not commonly seen in the Southwest.

Unfortunately, many people were unprepared for this, meaning they found out something was wrong with their heater a little too late: when they needed to use it!

And while Aire Serv of Smith County was there helping customers get things up and running again with repairs and even installations during this historical event (something we’ll always do), our Tyler HVAC technicians recommend having heating maintenance done beforehand to prevent problems.

The Benefits of Pre-Season Heater Maintenance

An annual inspection should be done right before the beginning of the heater season. This will ensure your home’s heating system is prepared for whatever type of winter weather Texas has in store this season and that you and your family stay safe all season long.

Annual heater inspections and seasonal tune-ups are designed to:

• Catch problems early and have them fixed before the heater is needed
• Ensure your heater is clean and clear and won’t diminish your indoor air quality
• Double check performance to prevent a huge spike in your energy costs

Even if the upcoming winter months aren’t anywhere near as chilly as it was in February 2021, it’s still going to be cold. Remember, Tyler has an average winter low of 36°F! Don’t skip annual inspections, or you may regret it.

6 Heating Maintenance Tips to Keep Your System Operating Efficiently

If you’re looking to ensure your heater is in tip-top shape, there are a handful of things you can and should do before the cool weather rolls in. Here is what Aire Serv of Smith County recommends for your heating maintenance checklist:

1. Turn Things On

When inspecting your heater, first turn things on and switch your thermostat to heat. Turn up the temperature a few degrees to trigger the heating cycle and listen closely. Do you hear anything?

If you hear things click on, that’s great news! If not, check your power source and try again. If things still aren’t working, it’s best that you caught this before you needed your heater. Now, call one of Aire Serv’s HVAC professionals to perform an inspection.

2. Check Airflow for Heat

Once things are powered on, and the air is cycling, ensure the air is coming out warm. If air is blowing, but you’re not getting any hot air, the thermostat controller may be to blame. Play with the settings and reach out for help if you cannot figure it out on your own.

3. Replace Your Filter

Your air filter keeps dust, dirt, allergens, pollen, and more from circulating in your home. The only downside about your filter is that it will get dirty and need to be replaced, especially since it gets constant use for months at a time.

It’s best to replace your filter every season to ensure your air quality is breathable and comfortable for your family. When our team completes a heating inspection, this is one of the first things we’ll check and replace as needed.

4. Check Your Air Ducts

A heating unit is important, and so are the air ducts that help circulate warm air. Because of this, you should keep your heating system’s air ducts clean and in good shape. Dirty or damaged ductwork will lead to inefficiency and uneven heating. It may even contribute to poor indoor air quality.

If you spot any damage or can’t remember the last time you had your home’s ductwork professionally inspected and cleaned, reach out to our Tyler HVAC company today for ductwork inspections and maintenance before winter.

5. Winterize Your AC

Winterizing your air conditioning system is an important part of seasonal HVAC maintenance. This will include removing any debris stuck in the unit, disconnecting power to prevent the unit from turning on in case of a blackout, and covering it to protect it from winter weather.

6. Replace Your Equipment

While this is not anywhere near required, choosing to replace your old heating system may be something worth doing for the sake of your family’s comfort and heating bill – especially if your heater or furnace is 15 years or older!

Outdated heating equipment can cause the following issues:

• Uneven heating of your home
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Household fires

Again, replacing your heating system isn’t mandatory. Still, a heater that’s past its prime can operate inefficiently, have worn parts, and lack modern safety features vital to your family’s health and well-being.

Got a Checklist to Winterize Your Home? Let Us Help!

Whether you’ve spotted a possible problem in the process of prepping your home for the winter or decided to secure your peace of mind and have it done completely by a professional, call Aire Serv of Smith County for help.

We’re the Tyler HVAC company you can count on to get your home heating system ready for whatever weather Texas has in store. Our trained, experienced, and friendly HVAC technicians specialize in heating inspections, repairs, installations, and more.

Contact us online today to learn more about our heater services in Tyler and schedule your seasonal inspection!