7 Ways to Save on Heating Repairs

A heater repair can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars, but there are ways to save and avoid draining your finances. Heating systems (and HVAC components in general) are complex. Fixing or replacing faulty blower motors, thermocouples, heat exchangers, capacitors, ignitors, and wiring requires materials and labor. Once there’s a problem, the expenses of heating repair are unavoidable. However, here are seven ways to protect your budget and the health of your heating system.

1. Do Not Attempt a DIY Fix

Some homeowners try to repair heaters themselves instead of hiring a professional. Whether your goal is to save money or simply show off your handiness, this doesn’t have any benefits. A DIY heater repair risks mistakes such as misdiagnosing the issue, purchasing the wrong part, or installing it incorrectly. 

The task might also require tools you don’t have. Plus, there’s a risk of damaging the unit or injuring yourself. Or, at the very least, you could void the warranty, so the cost of fixing the initial problem and any damage you cause must be paid for out of pocket. Therefore, DIY fixes are never a good idea. 

2. Promptly Address Any Heater Issues

If you postpone a heating repair, more serious and expensive issues can occur later. The unit may also break down and require early replacement. In an urgent situation, a heating contractor may charge two or three times their normal call-out fee. You can save money by calling them during business hours and when the situation is not dire.

Calling a professional as soon as possible can prevent big repairs, avoid an emergency, and extend the system’s lifespan. To avoid a heating emergency, call your local heater repair company when you notice the following signs of trouble:

• Increasing energy bills
• Dusty heating vents
• Malfunctioning pilot light
• Popping, squeaking, and other strange noises
• Longer heating times
• More frequent cycling
• Water leaking from the unit
• Your furnace appears worn out

3. Contact a Qualified Heating Contractor

Only a heating services contractor with the right qualifications should repair your furnace. If a repair tech does not have the proper experience, letting them service the unit can do more harm than good. They could make the situation worse. In this case, you must call the same company again or hire another contractor for additional repairs. To avoid unnecessary hassles and expenses:

• Read online reviews of heating contractors.
• Check their credentials before hiring a heating company.
• Contact friends and family members for recommendations.
• Ask a contractor questions about their experience.
• Get price quotes in writing before agreeing to any service.

4. Replace an Aging Heating Unit

If your old heating equipment is starting to show its age, planning a replacement can avoid spending money on emergency heating repairs. Older units also tend to need more frequent fixes. That means spending on parts, materials, and labor each time. Purchasing a new furnace and having it installed requires an initial investment. However, avoiding repeated repairs can be a more affordable option in the long term, especially when you consider energy savings and a new warranty.

5. Purchase a Home Warranty

A home warranty for heating repairs is an option if the manufacturer’s or dealer’s warranty doesn’t cover as much as you’d like. According to Forbes, a major home heater repair can cost $1,200 or more. That’s a big hit on the average homeowner’s budget. A home warranty that covers heating and other systems, such as plumbing and electrical, can help you avoid paying significant expenses. Some home warranties even cover appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, and more.

Purchasing a home warranty is beneficial if:

• You don’t know how old your heating system is.
• It’s unknown how long ago your appliances were installed. 
• The previous owners did not keep complete maintenance records.

Such a warranty makes financial sense if you continue using older systems and appliances. You can also ask your local heating contractor if the unit is still covered and, if not, what options they recommend.

6. Sign Up for Your Heating Contractor’s Maintenance Plan

Your local HVAC company may offer a warranty if you join its service plan. An extended parts and labor warranty can offer coverage into the later years of your heater’s life. Trio includes such a plan for the lifetime of your membership. Plus, you receive an annual heating system tune-up, discounts on repairs, and a guaranteed rapid response in an emergency. Our maintenance plan ensures your system gets the service it needs and that all records are accurate, which helps keep the warranty valid.

7. Schedule Annual Heater Maintenance

If your HVAC company doesn’t provide service reminders, keep a schedule for when to request preventative maintenance. It can avoid major heating repairs and ensure your system runs reliably and efficiently. Although a contractor may charge for some services, routine maintenance keeps expenses more predictable. 

The sooner minor issues are fixed, the less likely they’ll cause wear that creates systemwide problems. Therefore, you can save up to thousands of dollars over your heating system’s lifespan. This includes cost-savings both in repairs and longer intervals between equipment replacements.

We recommend scheduling heating maintenance in early fall to avoid service delays and higher costs during the busy season.

Call Trio for Professional Heating Repair and Maintenance

At Trio Heating & Air, we service heating and cooling systems in homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Our licensed and highly trained technicians can perform any type of heater repair. They also repair heaters of all types. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We make sure you have reliable heating and your energy bills are kept in check. To request heating repair at reasonable prices and learn more ways to save, call (415) 223-5096 today.