COVID-19 has changed everything — here’s how it’s impacting your home this winter

Every homeowner has heard that routine maintenance will help their home systems last longer. With routine tune-ups, essential appliances and equipment will be more reliable. By catching small problems before they get out of hand, you won’t have to deal with any surprise breakdowns.

Like having the mechanic check the family car before you head out on a big road trip, being proactive about furnace maintenance can help prevent a lot of headaches.

Well, this lesson is now more important than ever — and here’s why.

Supply chain dilemmas mean slower furnace repairs

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupted supply chains across the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry have not yet fully recovered.

Assembly line workers have not all returned to work. At some facilities, manufacturing processes have been held up for months. Many of the world’s ports can’t release major shipments. And some raw materials have simply run out for the time being. This means even the leading manufacturers are struggling to produce air conditioning units and furnaces as fast as consumers need them. At Tiger Services, we’ve heard directly from our top furnace brands that delays are inevitable.

If a homeowner’s heating system calls for a significant repair or replacement this fall and winter, manufacturers and service providers are advising their customers to expect delays. If the necessary parts aren’t available at the local supply house, the homeowner might have to put up with an uncomfortably cold home until the parts can arrive.

This will certainly come as a surprise to homeowners accustomed to immediate service and same- or next-day repairs. And it certainly doesn’t bode well for the upcoming holiday season. It’s also not ideal for families who are continuing to work, study and spend down-time at home as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

But, at a time like this, it’s important for members of the HVAC industry to set realistic expectations and help homeowners the best they can. With families spending more time at home, ongoing supply chain issues and a chilly winter up ahead, furnace maintenance can be a saving grace.

Proactive maintenance can help mitigate any unexpected breakdowns

To help minimize the risk of a sudden HVAC system breakdown, homeowners should prioritize preventative furnace and air conditioning maintenance. This is true not just for San Antonio residents but also for homeowners around the country.

Scheduling a quick and painless maintenance call now can mean catching a potentially bigger problem before it escalates. It can be the difference between facing a system malfunction and a costly, delayed repair or simply patching up a minor issue and carrying on in comfort.

Don’t wait for your air conditioner or furnace to malfunction — the parts your contractor needs to fix it might not be available right away. Instead, invest in a little maintenance now, and you’ll be rewarded with a reliable heating and cooling system and a comfortable home, with no unwanted surprises.

Reap the benefits of routine furnace maintenance

When you book a furnace tune-up, an experienced HVAC technician can test all the system’s components to see if there are any minor concerns or potential red flags you should be aware of. With all problems addressed on the spot or within a short timeframe, you’ll be able to relax and stop worrying about a possible breakdown.

You’ll breathe easier with improved indoor air quality when your heating system has been cleaned and the filters are changed. A reliable and efficient furnace will also help lower your utility bills while keeping your home at a consistently comfortable temperature. Moreover, your home will be safer from carbon monoxide and fire hazards.

In the event that there is a malfunction down the road, you will have met all the requirements for any applicable manufacturers’ warranties. But, in most cases, you should be able to expect a longer lifespan for your furnace.

Join Tiger Services’ AMP program for year-round protection

An Advanced Maintenance Plan (AMP) from Tiger Services will ensure you get routine maintenance twice per year. Plus, you’ll automatically have priority status for any service you might need. Our three-month satisfaction guarantee means you have nothing to lose. On the contrary, you’ll have peace of mind and maintenance perks (like 15% off all repairs) to gain.

Ready to “AMP up” your home’s heating system and keep the family cozy all winter long? Call or text us at (210) 344-0060 to schedule furnace maintenance and get enrolled in our Advanced Maintenance Plan today.