Toronto, ON – September 8, 2023 – HomeServe’s 2023 State of the Canadian Home survey found that home heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are the home system most likely to break down with 22% of homeowners reporting needed a HVAC repair in the past 12 months.
In additional polling, 21% of homeowners said they’ve never had their HVAC system tuned-up and 18% said they have never changed their HVAC filter. Failing to maintain this vital home system can lead to uneven heating throughout the home, less efficient heat transfer, poor air quality and reduced motor life. More immediate for homeowners, an unmaintained system that breaks down can leave them sweltering in the summer and frigid in the winter.
In 2014, HomeServe established National Tune-Up Day, September 25, to remind homeowners to have their HVAC systems serviced before the heating season begins and to educate them about the importance of maintaining their HVAC systems for improved comfort, efficiency and safety reasons.
The average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 30 years, the average lifespan of a boiler is 15 years and regular maintenance helps extend those lifetimes and enables a system to work more efficiently. Neglecting maintenance can cause an HVAC system to work harder, adding up to 30% to a household’s energy bill.
Since nearly a quarter of Canadians say they have $500 or less or even no money at all set aside for a home emergency, homeowners should act now to prevent losing their central heat during what the Farmer’s Almanac predicts will be a seasonably cold to colder-than-normal winter with above average snowfall this year.
“Supply chain issues, inflation and the skilled labor gap mean that having an HVAC repair is more expensive than ever,” explained Tom Rusin, HomeServe North America CEO. “Waiting for a part to come in or for a contractor’s schedule to clear when you don’t have heat in your home is an inconvenience that could be avoided in many cases with a pre-scheduled maintenance visit to ensure the home heating system is ready for the cold weather.”
According to HomeServe data, the cost of a gas boiler or furnace tune-up averages at $150 but can go as low as $79 to $99 depending upon location and season, while a repair averages at $450 – so a tune-up can save a homeowner, on average, $300.
During a heating system tune-up, which takes about an hour, professional heating technicians typically run through a checklist that includes the HVAC’s safety systems and controls, thermostats, burners, pilot, gauge and low water cut-off, filters and belts, flue pipe and chimney draft, motors and pumps, blower assembly and condensate line.
HomeServe offers home heating protection plans, including plans that provide tune-ups, as well as service plans for water, sewer, electrical and other home emergencies. All plan holders have access to a Repair Hotline that is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and a network of local, licensed and insured technicians available to come to their home for repairs. More information is available at www.NationalTuneUpDay.com.
About HomeServe
HomeServe North America (HomeServe), the leading residential infrastructure repair services company with nearly 5 million customers across North America, protects homeowners against the expense and inconvenience of plumbing, electrical, HVAC and other home repair emergencies. HomeServe empowers its over 1,200 leading municipal and utility partners to educate, protect and advocate for their customers who are faced with home repair emergencies.
Through its network of skilled, locally based technicians, HomeServe makes a repair or install in a customer’s home every 34 seconds. HomeServe is also a leading installer of residential HVAC systems and has installed over $100 million dollars’ worth of residential efficiency upgrades over the past twelve months.
HomeServe has an exceptional customer satisfaction rating, is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and is endorsed by the National League of Cities. For more information about HomeServe and to get the latest home repair advice and customer stories, please go to www.homeserve.com. Connect with HomeServe on Facebook and Twitter @HomeServeUSA, Instagram @HomeServe_USA and on LinkedIn @HomeServe-USA. For company news, follow on Twitter @HomeServeUSNews.
HOMESERVE MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mike Van Horne
General Manager
Service Line Warranty of Canada
Phone: 647-325-7614
Email: mike.vanhorne@homeserve.ca
