For some appliances, such as a microwave or toaster, it may be okay to wait for a breakdown before we even consider repairs or a replacement—mostly because these aren’t devices we rely on too heavily, however convenient they make our lives.
However, it would be unwise to use this same mindset when it comes to your home’s heating system. Your heater is a major investment in your comfort that requires professional installation. While it’s not too hard to go a few days without a toaster, a coffee maker, a blender, etc., a broken down heater during one of the chilliest days of the year can make life pretty unbearable.