Did you know that it was actually the Romans who first invented indoor heating? Known as a hypocaust, it was a fairly complex system that funneled air from a furnace beneath the house. This was a technology for the rich since it required a servant to keep it going. While innovative, the hypocaust is potentially dangerous due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Heating technology has improved since then—no need for a personal servant to keep the system running. But that doesn’t mean your HVAC system comes without maintenance. On the contrary: there’s a wide range of benefits in keeping your heating system properly maintained. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
Maintenance Saves You Money
Lowering your energy bill can be a quick way to consistently save money in your household. A qualified technician can check to make sure everything is in order. They can test the thermostat calibration, inspect the ductwork, tighten any connections that have come loose, and more. All of these things can contribute to a higher bill than necessary.
How to Revamp Your Older HVAC System
If you’ve had your HVAC system for a while, you may not be up to speed on all the ways you can increase your unit’s efficiency. The government’s ENERGY STAR program asserts that even basic things, like re-sealing and insulating your heating and cooling ducts, can save you up to 20% on your heating bill. A maintenance specialist can help you determine the various ways you can update your existing heating system.
Longer Lifespan
A heating system can cost thousands of dollars to replace. When it’s well maintained, you can expect it to last for up to 20 years. A heating and cooling system you never bother taking care of, though, may decide to kick the bucket right after your warranty period has ended. The biggest killer here is unnecessary strains on your system, such as an impeded airflow—and a maintenance expert can spot these problems immediately.
Improve Air Quality
It should go without saying, but because of the way your HVAC system moves air through your home, it has a big impact on air quality. A clogged or dirty air filter that needs to be replaced could be re-circling dust, mildew, pet dander, and pollen into your home over and over again, contributing to health issues and allergy systems. Your heating specialist can even advise you on how to check and change the filter yourself next time if you’re not sure how to.
How well maintained is your heating unit? For more information on what to expect from an annual inspection, contact the heating experts at MRW Mechanical today at (781) 639-9222.