Millions of homes in the United States are heated using a propane heater. Using a propane heater comes with a host of benefits.
Not only is propane affordable, it’s also non-toxic, better for the environment than other fossil fuels, safe to use, and highly versatile.
If you own a propane tank, it’s important to schedule regular propane tank services to ensure that it continues to operate efficiently and doesn’t prematurely reach the end of its lifespan.
Know How Often You Need to Have Your Heater Serviced
Having a properly-functioning propane heater during the cold winter months is a blessing for homeowners in Delaware.
It’s recommended that you schedule at least one—preferably two—services for your propane heater each year.
The best time to schedule these services is in the spring and in the fall.
The older your heater, the more maintenance it requires.
If you own a new or relatively new propane heater, it may be possible to only service it once during the year.
However, older propane heaters require more attention. You should consider servicing it twice depending on its age.
For a propane heater that is around 10 years old, it’s important to schedule twice-yearly services to ensure that it continues to work as efficiently and effectively as possible.
The Benefits of Regularly Servicing Your Propane Heater
Scheduling servicing for your propane heater will give you peace of mind, and ensure your heater is ready when you need it most.
Ensure safe use.
We have noted above that a propane heater is a safe means of heating a home. However, if there are any issues with the furnace, such as cracks or blockages, there is an increased risk of a potentially dangerous incident.
Be proactive in spotting problems.
Your furnace is in less demand during the warmer months, which makes springtime a great time to schedule a service. It allows you to catch potential problems ahead of time (i.e. the coming fall and winter months when it will be put back into use).
By spotting problems before the busier winter months, you will be able to ensure that your propane heater will be working properly when it is most needed.
Prolong the life of your propane heater.
Avoiding regular services for your propane heater will not only affect its performance today but also reduce its lifespan over the coming years.
An unserviced, dirty heater is more likely to wear down faster than a heater that is serviced once or twice per year.
A propane heater that has been properly looked after can last around 15 years. Paying for regular services throughout the years is a far more cost-efficient option than prematurely having to upgrade your propane heater due to neglect.
Maintain efficiency.
As with the majority of other household equipment, a propane heater gradually becomes less efficient as the years pass. A 12-year-old propane heater cannot be expected to operate as efficiently as a brand-new heater.
In the same sense, a neglected propane heater cannot be expected to operate as efficiently as a heater that is regularly serviced by a professional propane HVAC service contractor.
Signs You Should Service Your Propane Heater
By far the most effective way to maintain the performance of your propane heater is to schedule regular services, even if there is nothing apparently wrong with it.
Still, there are a number of clear signs that you may need to service your propane heater outside of your usual schedule.
Lack of hot water in your home.
There are a number of potential issues with this, including thermocouple malfunction, which prevents gas from getting to the burner in your hot water heater
Water discoloration.
Rust-colored or black water from your tap typically indicates an issue with the inner lining of the tank, potentially suggesting an issue with a failing anode rod.
A leak in your propane heater.
There are a number of potential reasons for a leak, including overheating, a loose plumbing connection, or a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve.
Other signs that your heater needs a service include:
- Water takes too long to heat
- Water is too hot
- Odd noises from the heater
- Issues with the pilot light and burner
Schedule Your Next Propane Heater Service Today
The bottom line is that there are many good reasons to schedule one to two propane heater service checks each year.
Kauffman Gas is always your premier choice for quality residential propane tank servicing in Chester County, Lancaster County, Delaware County, and Northern Delaware.
Our highly trained and qualified service technicians and drivers are always ready to help you whenever you need us.
We have thousands of happy customers and more than 77 years of first-hand experience. Contact us to schedule a service today.
