When the weather turns warmer and you've switched from using your heater to cranking up the AC, you probably don't give your heating unit much thought. However, you still want to get your appliance serviced when it's not in use, and here are 3 reasons why.

Clear inspection

Having your heater serviced before you need it running ensures that it has a clean bill of health when you first crank it on. A clear inspection gives you peace of mind, knowing that your appliance will be reliable and well-functioning as the weather cools down. As a bonus, your HVAC contractor will typically check and replace your air filters so that when you do first turn on your heater, you won't get a blast of debris and dust that has been hanging around for most of the year.

Repairs before you need them

Your heater may have functioned well all season long, but that doesn't mean there aren't minute issues with the pilot light and heating elements that need attention. Small issues that you ignored during the winter, such as uneven heating or having to restart your unit often, can become much larger problems as time goes on without maintenance. If you neglect to service your heating unit during the off-season when you don't need it, you will be faced with making these repairs when you do. If you fix minor issues now, you won't have any issues with cranking on your heater for the first time as soon as the weather turns cool.

Less wait time

If you wait until fall or early winter to get your heater serviced, then you may be on a wait list to get your unit checked. Many homeowners will be asking for repairs around this time of year, so technicians can be pretty booked. Getting your heater serviced in the summertime can eliminate waiting and get you the reliable service you need more quickly. You should have your heater inspected once a year to make sure it is functioning as it should, and summer is perhaps the best time to make the call for maintenance.

To have your heater serviced, contact your local HVAC maintenance technician to inspect your unit and make repairs as needed. They can even put you on a regular yearly schedule so you can have your heater inspected on a regular basis. This is the best way to ensure you have the warmth you want as soon as the weather starts to turn chilly.