Why Is HVAC Maintenance So Important?
If you're like most homeowners, you most likely have a to-do list of items to work on in your home that is a mile long. It's filled with repairs and replacements that need to be taken care of, and it seems like adding even one more thing to the list is impossible.
One of the things that you should have on a regular schedule, however, has the potential to actually take things off the list, rather than adding to them. Yearly HVAC maintenance is one of the easiest things that you can schedule for your home, and can substantially reduce the amount of headache that you have with one of your major systems in your house. If done regularly, you'll enjoy a worry-free HVAC system with the other benefits mentioned below.
Fewer Repairs
If you've been delaying on getting your air conditioner or heating system worked on, it's only a matter of time before your system stops working completely. While it's not always the case, a lot of these repairs are usually caused by issues that are 100% preventable, such as buildup on your condenser coils or ductwork that hasn't been cleaned in a while. Regular HVAC maintenance can clean these areas, which makes your system operate more efficiently and reduces the number of repairs. If they do spot a problem area, then fixing it before the homeowner even notices it can save a lot of money on the actual repair itself.
Lower Utility Bills
Dirt and grime that builds up on the fan blades and condenser coils will cause your system to work harder, even if you don't notice it yourself. Other issues, such as the fan belt that is deteriorating or ductwork that has been separated, can also have a huge impact on utility bills, so it's a good idea to pull out your last few years worth of statements and notice your usage rates. While utility rates are going up nationwide, your usage should stay relatively the same. If you notice it going up, there are issues with your HVAC system that need to be inspected, and a good maintenance technician will find them.
Longer Lifespan
Air conditioners and heating systems can last a really long time—around 15 to 20 years, on average. While some will last this long, a poorly maintained unit may only reach the halfway point of that expected lifespan, which means you'll be replacing your systems twice as much as you would otherwise. While a yearly HVAC inspection isn't free, it's also a lot less expensive than replacing an air-conditioning system, so it's wise to regularly schedule this kind of HVAC service.