As a homeowner, one of your responsibilities is scheduling routine HVAC maintenance. When your HVAC system fails to function properly, you could have difficulty maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home.
You especially don’t want to lose the ability to cool your home during summer in Florida, so scheduling a maintenance appointment to identify potential problems beforehand is imperative. If you have been considering scheduling maintenance for your HVAC system, here are eight year-round benefits you could enjoy.
1. Save Money
HVAC maintenance can help you save money in the long run. This is especially true when you compare the cost of routine maintenance to the cost of a major repair. Maintenance usually doesn’t cost much, although prices do vary from company to company, and they depend on the specific tasks completed.
Emergency repairs can cost even more, especially if major components must be removed and installed. For example, replacing a compressor in Florida’s climate can add up to thousands of dollars. Routine maintenance, however, can prevent you from having to pay for such expenses.
2. Keep Your Warranty Active
Your warranty can play a major role in covering expenses related to repairs and maintenance tasks. Most HVAC systems come with a warranty from the manufacturer that covers specific components for a specified period.
Understanding the terms of your warranty will help you know when to perform regular maintenance. Some warranties may even require you to keep track of your maintenance visits. If you fail to do this, you could end up having to pay out of pocket for repair costs.
3. Extend the Lifespan of Your System
Regular checks and HVAC maintenance play a major role in extending the lifespan of your HVAC equipment. When the components of your HVAC system are regularly cleaned and inspected, they are less likely to malfunction. In Florida, a well-maintained central AC can last 12 to 15 years.
Scheduling seasonal maintenance can help you get the most out of your HVAC system. The expenses associated with fully replacing your HVAC unit can be astronomical, so using maintenance to your advantage can be a cost-effective financial strategy in the long run.
4. Improve Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is important, and if you are like most people, you value having clean, allergen-free air to breathe inside your home. Routine HVAC maintenance can considerably improve the quality of your indoor air and keep it free from contaminants, allergens, and dust.
Dirty filters can circulate particles throughout your space, causing respiratory problems and other health issues. By having your filters routinely replaced and your system inspected, you can ensure your air is as clean as possible. Professional duct cleaning may be beneficial in certain cases, such as visible mold, pest infestations, or heavy dust buildup, but filter changes remain the most important factor for healthy air.
5. More Energy Efficiency
One of the key benefits of scheduling maintenance regularly is improved energy efficiency. When your HVAC unit is well-kept, it will operate more efficiently and consume less energy to cool or heat your home. Using less energy translates into a lower energy bill and a more environmentally friendly operation.
Even basic tasks, such as checking refrigerant levels or replacing filters, can significantly improve your unit’s energy efficiency. HVAC units come with efficiency ratings known as SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). A higher rating translates to more efficiency, and when you perform routine maintenance, you can ensure your system runs at its best.
6. Optimal Operation
Another major benefit of HVAC maintenance is efficiency optimization. In other words, your HVAC system will run the way it is supposed to while using the least amount of energy. If your system isn’t maintained regularly, it may have difficulty functioning. This can cost you more over time. For example, if your HVAC filter is clogged and never changed, it won’t be able to filter out debris. The same goes for condenser coils and other components. You don’t want to run your HVAC system when it is inefficient, as it can put wear and tear on your system and drive up your energy bill.
7. Reduced Wear and Tear
Regular maintenance can reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system. Wear and tear will occur naturally over time, but when you maintain your system, the process slows down. This reduced rate of wear is highly beneficial, so scheduling regular maintenance can prolong the life of your HVAC system.
For example, if your system is dirty and unmaintained, your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain your desired temperature and lose functionality over time. When you reduce system wear and tear, you can avoid huge repair bills and premature damage.
8. Peace of Mind
When you prioritize routine maintenance, you can give your family peace of mind. Knowing your unit is less likely to break down or malfunction is priceless, especially since a breakdown at an inopportune time can present major inconveniences.
For example, you don’t want to be left without AC in the middle of a hot, humid Florida summer. During a maintenance visit, your HVAC system should be cleaned and any potential problems diagnosed before they can transform into major, expensive problems. If you don’t schedule maintenance, there will be no way to know what shape your HVAC system is in.
When Should I Schedule HVAC Maintenance?
For the best results in Florida, schedule routine maintenance twice a year—once in the spring before cooling season and once in the fall before heating season. Maintenance visits should be carried out by a professional HVAC technician. Each visit should involve cleaning your unit, and a tune-up should be done if necessary.
You will also want to schedule maintenance if your unit is behaving strangely. If it is cooling unevenly or short-cycling, it is time for a maintenance appointment. The longer you go without tending to your HVAC unit’s problem, the more wear and tear the problem will place on your system. During a maintenance appointment, a technician can assess any potential problems and offer a cost-effective solution.
D.I.Y vs. Professional Maintenance
Homeowners can and should handle basic maintenance like replacing air filters, clearing leaves or debris around outdoor units, and keeping drain lines clear. However, more complex maintenance tasks—such as refrigerant checks, electrical inspections, or coil cleanings—should be left to professionals.
By scheduling a maintenance appointment with a professional HVAC technician, you can be sure your inspection is carried out properly. HVAC technicians have a wide range of skills and in-depth knowledge of HVAC systems. During your appointment, they will be more than happy to share that knowledge with you.
Schedule Your Maintenance Appointment
In short, HVAC maintenance is necessary if you want your system to operate properly and efficiently. If you are considering scheduling maintenance, Plumbing, Cooling & Electrical Nerds is here to assist. Our trained technicians routinely perform extensive maintenance for Florida homeowners from all walks of life.
Contact Plumbing, Cooling & Electrical Nerds today to schedule service at your convenience.
