On Groundhog Day this year, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. That means we’re supposed to get 6 more weeks of winter weather much to the disappointment of people everywhere. But have you ever wondered just how accurate Phil’s ability to tell the future is? Can a groundhog in Pennsylvania really have an effect on your heating in Columbia, SC?
Let’s take a fun look at just how accurate Phil’s ability to predict the weather is. Although you shouldn’t decide on whether to get heater maintenance based on whether a groundhog sees his shadow, we’ll also discuss the many benefits of heater maintenance.
Groundhog Day: An American Tradition
Thanks to the German immigrants that settled in Pennsylvania in the 1800s, we now have one of the most unusual US holidays that even inspired a hit movie. According to German folklore, if the hedgehog saw his shadow on Candlemas Day there would be 6 more weeks of winter. Since hedgehogs weren’t as plentiful in the United States, the groundhog was chosen since it’s also a species that hibernates.
The very first Groundhog Day was celebrated on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. To this day, ceremonies are held all over the United States and even in Canada. The most famous celebration is the one that’s held at Gobbler’s Knob and the star of the show is Punxsutawney Phil.
How Accurate Are Phil’s Predictions?
While the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club maintains that Phil’s predictions have been accurate, other sources have disputed their claims. In fact, numerous reputable sources such as the NOAA have shown that only 39% of Phil’s predictions are correct. It’s a good thing for Phil that he’s so cute! It is also a good thing that most people don’t really rely on this furry critter to tell them what to expect from the weather.
Groundhog Day and Heater Maintenance
Here’s a fact about Groundhog Day that you can count on to tell you something about how long you might need to rely on your heating system. Groundhog Day occurs about halfway between the December solstice and the March equinox. That means there are potentially two months left in the heating season, even for South Carolina. That means if you haven’t had heater maintenance in the last year, now’s still a great time to do so.
Heater Maintenance: Facts and Myths
It’s a myth that heater maintenance has to be done before the heating season even starts. That’s just not the case! Your heater will benefit from maintenance even if it’s halfway through the heating season. Here are some perks of this service to keep in mind when it comes to mid-season heater maintenance.
- Reduces the likelihood of repairs: Approximately 85% of the repairs a heater needs during its lifespan could be avoided through annual maintenance
- Saves energy: When a heater receives annual maintenance, it’ll operate at an efficiency rate of 95% for almost the entirety of its lifespan.
- Extend the lifespan of your heater: Here’s one last fact that’ll prompt you to schedule that mid-season maintenance: it’s the best way to help your heater reach the end of its 15-20 year life expectancy.
Contact the team at Fulmer Heating & Cooling to schedule your annual heater maintenance service.