HVAC systems are a crucial part of any modern home as they work to keep us warm during the winter months and cool during the summer months. Although these machines are incredibly powerful and intuitive in their own ways, they still require frequent maintenance checks just like any other household appliance. Yet, it can be hard to know how to care for these items and which type of professionals to call if we require a helping hand. As a result, this article will discuss everything you need to know about the importance of HVAC maintenance as well as some of the services you can use to protect your most valued systems.
1. Save Money on Your Utility Bills
When we are faced with a looming set of financial challenges, many of us are fully aware of the stressors that come with tightening our belts. Though it never hurts to cut down on luxury items such as brand-named toiletries or frequent trips to the grocery store, your biggest culprit may be your energy consumption. As our HVAC systems age, they tend to use more energy to help power themselves. Plus, if there is a hidden fault within the system, your HVAC unit may be forced to guzzle down the electricity in order to cope with its sudden loss of function. That’s where the importance of HVAC maintenance comes in. Over time, this excessive energy use tends to build up and can be reflected in your latest utility bill. In turn, if you notice that your monthly energy is beginning to rise unnecessarily, it may be time to look into getting an HVAC replacement. Since modern HVAC systems are considered to be much more energy efficient than their older counterparts, you’re bound to see a reduction in your household bills in just a few months. In fact, Jenning’s Heating states that homeowners could expect to save around 20%-40% on their next energy bill. Thus, you’re free to use this bit of extra cash for what matters most, like a family vacation or a new car.
2. Helps the System to Last Longer
Though it would be great if our HVAC systems lasted forever, this dream is just too unrealistic to be true. If you’re known for using your HVAC system all year round, chances are that it’ll need a spot of TLC to help it keep on running. Yet, if you neglect these crucial maintenance chores, your HVAC system may end up looking worse for wear. Moreover, if you don’t keep up with these check-ups your unit may fail unexpectedly, leaving you without a source of cool air or heating. Therefore, it’s good practice to research some local HVAC repairs so that you can nip these common issues in the bud before they get any worse. Alongside fixing any issues within your unit, these technicians can also offer regular services. According to Hannaberry HVAC, homeowners should strive to have their HVAC unit serviced at least once a year. So, by keeping on top of these regular maintenance tasks, you can work to extend the overall longevity of your HVAC system. This will not only help you save money on costly repairs, but it will also ensure that you aren’t left without your HVAC unit when you need it most.
3. Keeps Your Home Safe From Extreme Temperatures
As the world continues to battle the effects of climate change, it seems that what was once considered to be extreme weather conditions are now deemed to be the norm. In this case, you may view your AC unit or furnace as a lifeline or imperative asset. So, for those who live in very hot or cold environments, it’s imperative that you understand the importance of HVAC maintenance. If your HVAC system is no longer performing as it should, you should look into finding some local furnace repair services, as exposure to very cold climates can lead to a wealth of harmful physical health conditions. During this process, a trained HVAC contractor, or sometimes a series of experienced electricians, will begin by assessing the overall condition and performance of your furnace. If there are only a few minor issues, the technician will likely complete the repairs in a few hours. But, if the furnace is deemed to be too old or unsafe, they may recommend purchasing a brand-new one. Though this can be a great asset to just about any home, it should be noted that it can be quite pricey. Architectural Digest explains that a new furnace can cost anywhere between $2,807 to $6,783, but the national average usually sits at $4,696.
4. The System May Still Be Under Warranty
Warranties are very popular within the wider circles of the manufacturing industry and offer a guarantee to repair or replace a product if it breaks down over a specific period of time. According to Ambient Edge, most HVAC companies offer a 12-15-year warranty on all of their products, meaning that the customer can simply order a repair service if they’re experiencing issues. This is a great incentive for certain customers, but if you don’t strive to keep your HVAC system in good working condition, you may be breaching the conditions of the contract. As such, you may be forced to purchase a new unit out of pocket unnecessarily, all because you didn’t follow a strict maintenance schedule in the first place. Thus, it’s good practice to get in touch with your local AC supplier to find out more about your warranty and perhaps gain some advice and guidance on how to take better care of your unit. In turn, not only will this make your unit last longer, but it also ensures that you’re not constantly replacing your HVAC prematurely.
5. Ensures the Air Remains Clean
Though there are a ton of benefits associated with living in a concrete jungle, there’s no denying the high levels of toxic pollution found in these urbanized areas. Even though you may not be able to see these contaminants in the air, they have the potential to wreak havoc on your physical health, causing issues such as asthma, COPD, and autoimmune diseases. Luckily, a lot of modern HVAC units are fitted with superior filters, meaning that before the cold air is pumped back into your home, it’s cleansed of any germs or toxins. Thus, this is a useful resource for those suffering from breathing difficulties and who are not keen on spending copious amounts of money on a separate air purifier. However, if you don’t keep these filters clean or leave them to decay, they essentially become redundant. Thus, if you’re eager to give your AC unit an added touch of TLC, try reaching out to a local HVAC contractor and asking about a deep cleaning service. During this process, the technician will disassemble your air conditioner and start cleaning each individual part, making it easier for them to remove large quantities of dust and debris. Although many homeowners could do this job by themselves, it’s advised that they rely on the professionals for a helping hand as they could end up causing even more damage to their unit. Fixr.com explains that this service typically costs around $150, making this an affordable way for property owners to fully appreciate the importance of HVAC maintenance.
6. Increases the Value of Your Home
If you’re fortunate to live in a very hot state, you’ll be well aware of the merits linked to the importance of HVAC maintenance. The same thought process applies to furnaces and those living in very cold environments. In turn, if you’re looking to enter the property market in the next few years, having a well-maintained HVAC system can be a keen selling point for potential buyers. This is because the new owners will not feel inclined to splash out on a new unit, as they know that the previous one works just fine. Plus, these systems also help your home to appear more functional and contemporary, meaning that the new owners will not have to rely on old forms of central heating and cooling to keep themselves comfortable during extreme weather conditions. Thus, understanding the importance of HVAC maintenance can work wonders for your overall home remodeling process. Young’s Home Comfort suggests that although it’s unlikely that homeowners will receive a full return on their initial HVAC investment, they can expect to see a 20%-30% increase in the selling price of their property. As such, this means that you can use this little bit of extra cash to get started on refurbishing and decorating your new place.
7. Helps You Remain Comfortable All Year Round
Due to the events related to the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us have been forced to spend more time indoors. Whether it’s due to health reasons or homeschooling our children, more time inside means that we often have to make ourselves feel more comfortable. So, perhaps you end a long day of meetings by cranking up the furnace and enjoying some trash TV, or maybe you enjoy feeling a refreshingly cool breeze on your skin as you kick back and relax. These simple comforts are imperative to our physical and mental well-being, so if you don’t fully appreciate the importance of HVAC maintenance, you may not be able to enjoy these things as much as you like. Therefore, it’s advised that you include a regular servicing program as part of your wider air conditioning repair process. Throughout a regular service, a trained contractor will assess the inner workings of your HVAC system, helping to nip any concerns in the bud to ensure that they don’t get any worse. This Old House states that a regular HVAC check-up usually costs around $75-$200 and, considering this service only needs to be carried out around once a year, it can be seen as a very affordable way to keep your essential systems up and running.
8. Creates a Better Home Working Environment
Although remote working conditions have their perks, if you’re not operating in an optimal environment, you can easily see a decline in your performance and productivity. This is especially true when it comes to your HVAC system if you’re forced to work in uncomfortable temperatures due to a faulty unit, you could have a lot more extra stress to deal with. So, if you’re keen to build a home working space that can help you focus more and enjoy your day job, it’s crucial that you understand the importance of HVAC maintenance. Sometimes, an overly noisy AC unit can limit your ability to concentrate on work and can also be detrimental to online video calls. These uncomfortable sounds are also a key sign that something is wrong with your system, so it’s best to get in touch with a local HVAC company straight away. The technician will usually respond well to your complaint and work to find the root cause of your concern, which may mean replacing certain parts or fixing a broken connection.
9. Protects the Environment
As we all strive to do our bit to save the planet, learning the importance of HVAC maintenance can give you a much-needed head start in this process. When your system continues to show keen signs of aging and decay, it’s often forced to use a lot more energy in order to keep it running effectively. By pumping out an abundance of wasted energy, causes the planet to suffer, especially when it comes to harmful ozone layer depletion and excess carbon emissions. But, if you reach out to a native HVAC installation company sooner rather than later, they can supply you with a collection of energy-efficient local HVAC repairs. Therefore, this is a useful strategy to follow if you’re eager to lead a much more environmentally friendly life, without going over the confines of your budget.
Discovering the importance of HVAC maintenance can be a great way to save money as well as the planet. However, there are so many other benefits associated with this process, all of which can help homeowners lead a much happier and healthier life. Thus, if you’re eager to get your HVAC system back in optimal condition, be sure to follow the advice and guidance discussed throughout this article.
