Why is it important to schedule regular HVAC maintenance?

Your HVAC system is something that you use all the time. Sometimes, it even runs 24 hours a day. It plays a huge role in making sure that you and your family are comfortable in your home. That means if it breaks down, your family will most likely have an unpleasant time at home. It will either be too hot or too cold – depending on the season.

If you are concerned about the money that you will spend, do not think it is a waste. The truth is, when you schedule regular HVAC maintenance, it is more likely that you will save more money.

How can an expense save you money? Well, making sure that your HVAC system is well-maintained will bring the following benefits.

When your HVAC unit is working properly, it will consume less energy. If your air filters are dirty, your unit will work harder because it has to work its way around all the dirt. That will make it consume more energy. However, if the filter is consistently cleaned, it will be more energy efficient. Not only is that good for the environment, but it is also good for your wallet. You do not have to pay a lot of money on your energy bills.

If you fail to schedule regular HVAC maintenance, you will never know if there are parts that need to be repaired. When that is left in its broken state, it might cause more damage. It might affect the other parts and components near it. Once that happens, you will end up spending more money on the repairs. Instead of just paying for one repair, you might end up fixing the other parts around it.

Replacing a part is usually more expensive compared to simply repairing it. Instead of using that part longer, you will have to shell out money to pay for a new one. That is more costly. If the regular maintenance can spot these damages, you might not have to replace anything. Sometimes, a simple cleaning job can save a component or part from being repaired or replaced.

A typical HVAC system should last more than a decade. If you fail to schedule a regular HVAC maintenance checkup, all the repairs might damage the overall integrity of the system. When it runs inefficiently, it will cause unnecessary stress. That can compromise the life span of the HVAC unit. You might get home to a completely broken HVAC system. Buying a new one and having it installed will cost you a lot of money. You want to use the system as long as possible and that means taking very good care of it.

Believe it or not, your HVAC system can also be a danger to your family if you are not aware that it is already failing. The furnace may already be cracked causing carbon monoxide to poison the family. Or a damaged electric HVAC system can be a fire hazard if it short circuits. Make sure these will not endanger you or your family.

If your HVAC system is not well-maintained it can compromise the quality of the air circulating in your home. When the air is dirty, it can trigger a lot of respiratory problems in the family. Instead of spending on medical treatments and prescription drugs, why not just make sure that your HVAC system gives you clean air all the time?

One way to save on your HVAC maintenance is to know when you can DIY certain tasks and when you should go to a professional. Sometimes, there are things that you can do yourself and will not require you to pay a professional fee. These tasks include changing the air filter, removing the dirt and debris around your outdoor unit, and making sure the vents are not blocked by any furniture or decorative material. If your outdoor unit is surrounded by plants and other foliage, you might want to trim that yourself. These simple tasks will ensure that your HVAC system is cared for properly.

On the other hand, you should also know when a professional is needed. There are times when we are faced with more complicated maintenance tasks. If you do not know what you are doing, you might end up making things worse. To avoid this, you should just leave it to professionals.

Among the HVAC maintenance tasks that should be left to the professionals includes problems with the thermostat, electrical connections, condensation drain, system controls, refrigerant charge, fuel line connections, burner combustion, etc. When it comes to lubricating or moving parts, you should also let a professional do it for you. The cleaning of the blower and evaporator and condenser coils should also be done by a professional.

Usually, scheduling HVAC maintenance twice a year is enough. The best time to do it is during the spring and fall. Try to schedule it early into the season so that you have time for repairs or replacements before the weather becomes too hot or cold.