Many homeowners are familiar with the abbreviation HVAC, which stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. However, some homeowners are not aware of the importance of routine HVAC maintenance.
What Is HVAC Maintenance?
HVAC maintenance involves more than caring for your heater and air conditioner. It involves caring for ductwork, air filters, condensate drain pans, the outdoor condenser unit, evaporator coils, the thermostat, vents, refrigerant lines and much more. HVAC maintenance requires technicians to test, repair, clean, replace and inspect these components on a routine basis.
Why Is HVAC Maintenance Important?
It Saves You Money
There are several ways in which HVAC maintenance will save you money. First and foremost, routine maintenance will reduce the risk of expensive repairs. It will also increase your system’s lifespan. This means you won’t have to pay for a new heater, air conditioner or other HVAC parts as often. And, you’ll avoid costly installation fees.
Second, routine maintenance will save you money if you need to file a repair claim under warranty. HVAC parts are expensive, and many HVAC manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance. Providing proof will reduce repair costs significantly.
Finally, routine maintenance will ensure that your HVAC system runs efficiently and effectively. This will reduce energy use, thus reducing your energy bill. Your energy bill may decline by up to 30%.
It Helps Ensure Healthy Indoor Air Quality
There may be mold, mildew, dust and debris in your HVAC system. When these air pollutants are left to their own devices, they significantly reduce indoor air quality in several ways.
For example, dust and debris in your ductwork will travel to different rooms in your home when your system is running. This is an issue for occupants, especially those with allergies or asthma.
It Increases Your Comfort
Your HVAC system works hard year-round to keep you and your family comfortable. An HVAC system that efficiently and effectively distributes warm and cold air evenly, captures air pollutants and generally creates a comfortable atmosphere for occupants. Additionally, an HVAC system in tip-top shape won’t produce disruptive noises or disgusting smells.
It Protects Your Home
The integrity of your home is essential to your family’s comfort. And, a flooded basement as the result of a burst pipe is detrimental to said integrity. Fortunately, routine HVAC maintenance can prevent this. It can prevent various issues including frozen pipes and carbon monoxide leaks which are extremely dangerous.
It Will Help the Environment
A poorly maintained HVAC system uses an unnecessary amount of energy to provide a less-than-ideal indoor atmosphere. This may result from several issues, such as leaks and corrosion.
To prevent waste of valuable energy, schedule routine HVAC maintenance appointments. When your system is up-to-date, it works efficiently. Meaning it uses less energy, which reduces your energy bill.
It Provides Reassurance
The aforementioned benefits of HVAC maintenance will provide you with peace of mind. That’s what’s most important.
Homeowners deserve to feel at ease when they go to sleep at night. Taking every preventative measure possible will reduce the risk of issues occurring in the future, and it will make them easier to solve if they do occur.
How Often Do HVAC Systems Need Maintenance?
It’s important to service your HVAC system before you need it the most. That being said, your heater should be serviced in the fall. Likewise, your air conditioner should be serviced in the spring.
Furthermore, you should schedule a routine HVAC maintenance appointment once per year. It can be during pre-season check-ups or an additional preventive appointment!
Following these guidelines will ensure that your HVAC system is ready for weather-related issues and comfort demands.
An Effective Source Control Method
In short, HVAC maintenance is a form of source control.
It prevents leaks, corrosion, dirt and debris buildup along with a variety of other issues. Additionally, it saves homeowners time and money while providing them with a comfortable indoor environment and peace of mind. What is more important than that? Routine HVAC maintenance is a valuable tool that all homeowners should utilize.