As the fall and winter seasons cause the temperature to dip, homeowners turn to their heating system for warmth and comfort. The average furnace is expected to last between 15 and 20 years, while heat pumps last an average of 16 years before requiring replacement. Over time, all heating systems lose efficiency that can affect their reliability and function, especially if they haven't been tuned up regularly by a professional. This raises the cost of heating your home over time and can leave you feeling less comfortable than you'd like at the temperature you're used to setting. While major damage to an older heating system may necessitate replacement, there are several ways you can help your heater last its full life expectancy. If your heater is less than 15 years old and still in good shape, it should be capable of providing the heat your home needs throughout the winter season. If you're looking to get the maximum function at the lowest cost from your heater this winter, it's time to consider the benefits of a professional heater tune-up.Getting Higher EfficiencyA furnace's AFUE rating, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, describes how effectively the heater turns fuel into heat on a scale of one to 100. The higher a heater's AFUE, the more efficiently it functions. While the required minimum AFUE for newly manufactured products has risen over time, an older furnace with a good AFUE rating can still deliver cost-effective heating for your home if it is regularly maintained. One of the major sources of efficiency loss in furnaces is dirt and dust buildup, which can affect the function of the burners and dramatically reduce the amount of fuel that is converted into heat over time. In some cases, a furnace can lose as much as five percent of its AFUE rating for each year it is not tuned up. Thus, if you're looking to get more from your current heater, the best place to start is by scheduling a heating tune-up. This service will clean and check your furnace's components to ensure they are in good working order to allow your heating system to operate with the maximum AFUE it's capable of providing.Getting Cleaner AirThe condition of your heating system can also affect the health and cleanliness of the air you breathe every day. When your furnace is dirty, some of this dirt is picked up by the flow of air through the system and carried into your living spaces every time your HVAC system activates. Poorly-functioning furnaces in particular may also generate unpleasant odors associated with soot or other buildup on the burner system, which can then pervade your home. A heater tune-up is a simple solution to cleaner, fresher-smelling air this winter-by removing buildup and cleaning the combustion elements of your furnace, this service will ensure that only clean air flows through the system and into your living environment. Between service visits, changing your furnace filter regularly will help to reduce dust and dirt buildup in your heating system to maintain these results.Are you ready to get more from your home's heating system in Manassas? The benefits of a heater tune-up are instantaneous and long-lasting, allowing you to enjoy a healthier, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient home all winter long. You can learn more about our heating services on the web , where you'll also find additional blog articles targeting home heating and cooling efficiency.
