Why August is the Right Time to Schedule Your Heating System Tune-Up

Fall is right around the corner here in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and though you may not quite yet be thinking about when you’re going to kick on your heater, August is the perfect time to schedule your annual tune-up. August is early enough to find and make any necessary repairs before the cold weather arrives; plus, you can have a priority appointment instead of having to wait so long when business picks up later in the season. Continue reading to learn why August is the right time to schedule your heating system tune-up. Also, as a bonus, we will outline what exactly you should expect to have included in your next annual maintenance.

Why Is August the Right Time to Schedule a Heating System Tune-Up?

Is August too early to schedule your annual heating system maintenance? The answer is no! In fact, there are a few reasons why you might want to prioritize August as the month of your heating system tune-up:

• Lower energy costs and fueling costs
• Beat the end-of-season tune-up rush
• Extend cooling and heating equipment lifespan
• Reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns

Related Post: Benefits of Summer HVAC Maintenance

Do you want to know more about what your August heating system tune-up includes? Keep reading for a look at the heating system components your professional technician checks, inside and out.

The Most Important Elements of a Heating System Tune-Up:

The External Components of Your Heating System

The inspection begins with the external components of your heating system, some of which include the storage tank, chimney base and chimney, and the flue pipe. You’ll notice that many of the external components are used primarily for storage or ventilation, which are just as important to the proper function of your heating system as the internal parts. The storage tank is visually inspected for any signs of impact damage, deterioration, corrosion, or leaks. The air filters are removed and cleaned or replaced if necessary. A dirty and neglected air filter is one of the leading causes of failure in heating systems, so this is a crucial step! Finally, the flue pipe, chimney base, and chimney are cleaned out thoroughly to prevent blockage. Exhaust gases and other byproducts of combustion need to be properly vented outside to keep the air within the home healthy and safe.

Combustion and Distribution in Your Heating System

The technician will then inspect the components directly involved in combustion and the distribution of fuel and heat, including the nozzle, oil lines, and the heat exchanger. The nozzle is in charge of distributing the heating oil into the combustion chamber, and it must be set to conform to manufacturer specifications. The spray pattern must be the right size and shape to ensure complete combustion. Oil lines are checked for leaks, dents, or kinks. If the line runs underground, the technician must confirm it is made of coated copper or has protective tubing to prevent corrosion. The heat exchanger needs to receive adequate airflow to keep it from being cracked or damaged. If the airflow over the heat exchanger is appropriate, and there are no visible signs of damage, the technician can move on to other areas.

Schedule Your August Heating Tune-Up

Be sure to schedule your annual tune-up for your heating system today! There’s more to a tune-up than just the items listed above, but this should give you a pretty good rundown on which parts of your heating system are inspected, cleaned, repaired, and replaced. We at PayLessForOil.com are proud to be the Westfield, MA area’s only online heating oil service to host an exclusive partnership with an HVAC company that offers emergency repair and annual system maintenance for heating systems, including furnaces and boilers. Contact us today to schedule your annual heating tune-up.