It’s easy to take our HVAC system for granted. We assume it’ll warm us up when it’s chilly, and cool us down when it’s hot – until it stops working unexpectedly. Extreme hot or cold temperatures force your system to work extra hard and as a result, unfortunately, this is often when they break down. The last thing you want is no AC in the middle of a sweltering summer. In addition to avoiding the worst-case scenario, there are plenty of reasons why HVAC maintenance is so important.
Improved Efficiency
Research shows that a neglected HVAC unit works, on average, at least twenty percent harder to deliver the same heating and cooling performance as a healthy, maintained system. The less wear and tear there is on the system, the simpler maintenance will be during months when it isn’t used as much. The more smoothly your system is running, the less energy it’s expending. This means less mechanical stress, more money in your pocket and, ultimately, a smaller carbon footprint.
Fewer Expensive Emergency Repairs
image via Flickr by Andrea Jones
Your HVAC system should be treated like a car. Regular tune ups, filter changes, and small repairs help to prevent a full system breakdown down the road. While there are a few things you can do yourself to maintain your system, having it professionally serviced will save you money in the long run. The cost of regular check ups and minor repairs is nothing in comparison to a new HVAC system. Preventative maintenance has been shown to reduce the likelihood that your system will fail, or that you’ll face costly emergency repair by up to ninety five percent.
Healthy Indoor Air
A well maintained HVAC system can serve as full home air filtration. This means cleaner air and better breathing for the whole family. Surprisingly, indoor air can be up to five times as polluted as the air we breathe outside due to allergens and a variety of volatile organic compounds found in many of the chemicals we use to clean our homes on a daily basis. A neglected system not only won’t filter your air efficiently, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold which can lead to devastating respiratory problems, both acute and chronic. If this does happen in your home then you need to contact a mold remediation company to clean all moldy ducts and systems.
System Longevity
Most homeowners would like to put off having to purchase a brand new HVAC unit for a long as possible. Regardless of your budget, shelling out thousands of dollars for something that could easily have been avoided probably isn’t at the top of your To-Do list.
Some hvac systems are generally designed to last anywhere from ten to twenty five years. Unfortunately, skipping regular maintenance could reduce the lifespan of your unit by up to fifty percent. In between scheduled maintenance appointments, changing your filters on a regular basis is a great way to ensure your system runs as efficiently and for as long as possible.
HVAC maintenance is very important for many reasons, most of which, at the end of the day, involve keeping money in your wallet. Scheduling pre-season maintenance is especially beneficial, as it allows time for any repairs to be made before extreme hot or cold sets in.
