keeping your duct work clean

Dealing with heating repair issues can be expensive, and problems can seem to pop up out of nowhere. The best way to reduce the chances of an expensive repair bill hitting you suddenly, though, is to be diligent in taking care of the unit in your house. Be mindful of these four concerns, and you'll avoid racking up bigger costs in the long run.

Schedule an Inspection

The heating system in a house should be inspected once a year. If it's connected to an additional unit that handles air conditioning needs, you'll likely want to have it inspected in the spring. If your heating system is a standalone setup, then try to have it inspected in the early fall.

Tune It

During the inspection period, you can also ask the contractor handling the job to take the time to tune your system up, especially if it hasn't been worked on in more than a year. Cleaning can also be done, to ensure that your setup will be operating as efficiently as possible.

Filters

Changing the filters in a heating system depends heavily on both the types of filters you use and the presence of potential sources of filth. Four-inch models ought to be swapped out every two months, and five-inch wants should be swapped every three months. Folks who live by themselves and have no pets may be able to go as long as every six months, but it's still a good idea to check every couple months just to be sure. If you're dealing with concerns like dust from a woodworking area, you may want to consider maintaining a three-week schedule for performing filter changes.

Qualifications

Sometimes it's better to spend more money now to avoid spending even more in the future, and that's the case when it comes to hiring a qualified contractor. Every state has a licensing commission, and you can check with them to ensure a company has been registered before you hire them. It's also a good idea to ask whether a contracting firm is bonded and insured.

There are a number of professional organizations in the industry, including the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. Many major manufacturers in the industry, including Rheem, Ruud, Trane and Lennox, also certify contractors to deal with heating repair work on their systems. Companies like Mauzy Heating, Air & Solar can help with your needs.