Heating Maintenance

Essential Heating System Maintenance for Peak Performance

Your heating system represents one of the most significant investments in your home’s comfort and efficiency. At Staab & Sons, Inc., we understand that regular maintenance isn’t just about preventing breakdowns—it’s about optimizing performance, extending equipment lifespan, and maintaining the safe operation of your heating system throughout the harsh winter months. Since our story began in 1929 with Jerome & Edna Staab, we’ve witnessed firsthand how proper maintenance transforms the reliability and efficiency of heating systems across Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding areas. Our HVACR employees are factory authorized, NATE certified and EPA certified technicians who bring unmatched expertise to every maintenance visit.

The difference between a well-maintained heating system and a neglected one becomes strikingly apparent during the coldest days of winter. Systems that receive regular professional attention typically operate at 95% or better of their rated efficiency, while unmaintained units often struggle at 60-70% efficiency, wasting energy and money. We have been serving our customers in Allegheny and surrounding counties for many years, developing comprehensive maintenance protocols that address every critical component of your heating system, from heat exchangers and burners to safety controls and ventilation systems.

Comprehensive Furnace Inspection and Cleaning Procedures

Our maintenance process begins with a thorough visual inspection of your entire heating system, examining everything from the condition of the heat exchanger to the integrity of the venting system. We meticulously clean all burner assemblies, removing carbon deposits and debris that accumulate during normal operation. This cleaning process alone can improve efficiency by up to 30% in systems that haven’t received regular maintenance. Our technicians calibrate gas pressure settings to manufacturer specifications, ensuring optimal combustion efficiency while maintaining safe operation parameters.

The cleaning extends beyond just the burners—we address the blower assembly, removing dust and debris that restricts airflow and forces your system to work harder than necessary. All our employees are professionally trained in their field of expertise along with Staab and Sons’ high level of business ethics, ensuring every maintenance task meets the highest industry standards. We inspect and clean flame sensors, checking for corrosion or carbon buildup that could cause unexpected system shutdowns. Each electrical connection receives attention, with our technicians testing for proper voltage and amperage while tightening any loose connections that could create dangerous arcing or system failures.

Critical Safety Checks on Your Heating System

Safety remains paramount in our maintenance approach, particularly when dealing with combustion-based heating systems. We perform comprehensive carbon monoxide testing at multiple points throughout your home, using professional-grade detection equipment that measures parts per million with laboratory precision. Our technicians inspect heat exchangers using specialized cameras and testing methods to identify microscopic cracks that could allow dangerous combustion gases to enter your living space. As the winners of the 2011 Better Business Torch Award for business ethics, we never compromise on safety protocols or recommend unnecessary repairs.

Performance testing involves measuring temperature rise across the heat exchanger, checking for proper airflow through the system, and verifying that safety controls respond appropriately to various operating conditions. We test limit switches, pressure switches, and flame rollout sensors—critical safety devices that protect your home and family from potential hazards. With over four generations of experience and there is not a job or system, large or small, that we cannot handle, we’ve developed testing procedures that catch problems before they become emergencies.

Preventive Heating Maintenance Benefits

Regular heating maintenance delivers measurable benefits that extend far beyond simple peace of mind. Our maintenance services help you achieve:

• Energy savings of 15-30% annually through optimized combustion and improved heat transfer efficiency
• Extended equipment lifespan with properly maintained systems lasting 15-20 years versus 10-12 years for neglected units
• Reduced repair costs by identifying and addressing minor issues before they escalate into major failures
• Improved indoor air quality through regular filter changes and duct inspection
• Warranty protection as most manufacturers require annual professional maintenance to maintain coverage
• Enhanced comfort with consistent heating performance and elimination of hot and cold spots

Knowledge and expertise to get the job done right the first time around is the cornerstone of our quality service our customers have come to expect! Our maintenance programs adapt to your specific heating system type, whether you have a traditional furnace, boiler, heat pump, or hybrid system. Each requires unique maintenance approaches, and our certified technicians possess the specialized knowledge to service all major brands and models effectively, ensuring optimal performance regardless of your system’s age or configuration.