Keeping You Warm Through Chattanooga Winters
Winters here in the Tennessee Valley can have you enjoying a pleasant 50°F afternoon followed by an overnight freeze right on its heels. Not to mention cold snaps that can dip even further into the teens. December through February are some of the coldest and wettest here in the Scenic City, and that’s exactly when a heating system you haven’t had checked in a while (or ever) decides to cut out. That’s why heating maintenance in Chattanooga, TN, is nonnegotiable.
Pioneer Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electrical has been serving the Tennessee Valley since 1981, and we’ve done our part to keep residents all over Chattanooga warm through our coldest stretches. We have licensed and experienced technicians ready to help you keep your heating up and running around the clock!
What’s Included in a Chattanooga Heating Tune-Up
A heating maintenance visit isn’t simply having a pro check the outside of your unit and saying it’s fine. The Pioneer team will come in and do their due diligence. Here’s how.
Inspect and clean the heat exchanger
Pioneer techs check for any cracks or corrosion, since a compromised heat exchanger actually poses a pretty serious health risk since it allows toxic carbon monoxide (CO) to leak right into your home’s air supply. That’s why we also recommend getting protected by CO detectors for good measure.
Test the thermostat and calibration
Calibrating your thermostat correctly is fundamental; it makes sure your thermostat and heating system are working together. Testing your thermostat helps avoid cold spots and keeps your system from wasting any power.
Check and replace air filters
This is a big one, and one that’s actually overlooked. When your air filter’s clogged up, it means your unit’s running longer and harder. We’ll check and replace your air filter so there will be proper air intake and improve your indoor air quality to boot.
Lubricate moving parts and inspect the blower motor
Making sure all of the hardware (bearings, fan belt, blower wheel, etc.) is working well together helps reduce strain on your heating system. That’ll lead to quieter operation and even smaller EPB bills.
Verify safety controls and ignition/pilot
We test every safety switch and flame sensor so that everything’s safe as can be and that there will be a shutdown if any failure occurs. It’s a key way you stay safe and also get reliable heating on a cold February night in the Valley.
Why Annual Heating Maintenance Matters
Getting a yearly check on your heating goes a long way and is a small investment for long-term gain. Skipping it might save you a few bucks in the fall, but that’ll quickly lead to mid-winter emergencies when the heating cuts out over a preventable issue. Here’s what an annual heating check gives you:
- Lower monthly energy costs, since your unit will be running as good as it can
- Extended equipment lifespan, since you’re not weighing it down with dust and buildup or letting it run with worn parts
- Fewer emergency breakdowns in the winter because any minor issues were caught early on
- Quality home safety because you had a heat exchanger check which, if left unchecked, could lead to safety hazards
- Warranty compliance, since a lot of manufacturers need regular documentation of maintenance checks to keep warranties in place
Signs Your Heating System Needs Maintenance
What are the main signs you’re in serious need of a furnace tune-up in Chattanooga? Here’s what to look for:
- Rising EPB/Chattanooga Gas bills
- Uneven heating between rooms in your house
- Your heating system’s short cycling
- You’re hearing any strange noises coming from your heating system
- There’s a yellow pilot flame (it should be blue)
- You’re noticing dusty air, especially when your unit kicks on
Noticing any of these? Give the Pioneer crew a call ASAP; we’ll come out and give your system a once-over and go from there.
Schedule Heating Maintenance in Chattanooga, TN
Ready to make sure your heating stays on and works like it should? Call on the heating pros at Pioneer Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electrical. We’re the Chattanooga crew that’ll keep your heat pump, furnace, and heating in general to keep you and your family warm when those January temps plummet overnight. We’ve been at this since 1981, and we’re proud to serve all parts of the Scenic City!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I schedule heating maintenance?
Once a year, and ideally around fall before you actually need to rely on your heating system 24/7. The Pioneer team can work out a heating maintenance schedule that’ll work for you so you don’t have to stress. Crockett Club members actually get reminders that their systems need maintenance and can take advantage of priority scheduling.
Does maintenance really lower my heating bill?
It does. When your heating system is struggling to work, whether because of dust buildup or worn down parts, it has to run much longer (and draw a lot more power) to reach the temp on your thermostat. But it’s using much more power to get to that normal function, driving up your Chattanooga Gas and EPB charges each month.
Do you service both furnaces and heat pumps?
Yes to both! Our team’s experienced in all things heating and comfort, and that includes comprehensive heat pump and furnace maintenance services when you need them. Heat pumps are pretty popular here in Chattanooga, and they need looking after just like your furnace. We’re happy to help with both.