In order to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently, routine maintenance is necessary. Unfortunately, a lot of people neglect to have their HVAC system serviced on an annual basis. This can lead to an increase in repairs needed, decreased efficiency, and a shortened life span of your furnace or air conditioning unit. Routine maintenance doesn’t take a lot of time, and it’s a very affordable process that can save you some money over time.
Lowers Your Energy Bills
One of the most important benefits of regular HVAC maintenance is the ability to keep your energy bills under control. When you have an inefficient heating or cooling system, it can drastically increase the amount of money that you’re paying to cover your utility bills. This is because your system needs to work harder and consumes more energy to keep your home comfortable when it has not been properly cared for.
During a service visit, a HVAC technician will take a look at the inner components of your heating or cooling system to ensure that things like wires, motors, and fan belts are free of damage. They will also perform a thorough cleaning and lubricate moving parts.
In addition, a professional will change out your air conditioner or furnace air filter. The air filter’s primary function is to protect the interior parts of your HVAC system from dust and debris. A clogged filter can reduce the efficiency of your system because it hampers airflow. However, technicians also change out this component because they know that the filter catches contaminants that would otherwise recirculate throughout your home, which could compromise your indoor air quality. An annual
visit by a HVAC professional benefits you because a clean, well operating
heating or cooling system is more efficient and less expensive to run.
Reduces Repair Costs
A routine maintenance appointment often addresses minor issues that would have otherwise been unnoticed if you didn’t schedule the appointment in the first place. By having a technician take care of things like worn fan belts or a motor that needs to be lubricated so it moves freely, you may avoid a major heating or cooling system repair. A poorly maintained HVAC system may even result in a major breakdown.
When a breakdown happens, not only will you have to pay for the repairs to be done, you will be faced with scheduling an emergency appointment to have the problem fixed. To help you avoid this expensive and stressful situation, a professional can take care of any issues that may lead to your HVAC system breaking down during annual service visits.
Extends the Lifetime of Your HVAC System
Keeping up with routine HVAC appointments will extend the life span of your system. Minor problems can end up doing a lot of damage when they’re not taken care of promptly. For example, when the motor shaft and bearings in your air conditioner are not cleaned and lubricated regularly, it causes its motor to work overtime to keep your home cool. Overheating and stress cause unnecessary wear and tear on this component and the rest of the air conditioner. Unfortunately, this may shorten the lifetime of your cooling system considerably.
Not only can regular service visits by a professional benefit you by making your heating and cooling systems last longer, but the technician can also give you advice on when it may be time to replace an air conditioner or furnace. For most homeowners, it is much better to know in advance when they may need to replace a heating or cooling system. Rather than scrambling for an emergency replacement, they can plan ahead for this expense. Homeowners will also have the time necessary to research the energy-saving benefits of multiple systems and choose the one that is most cost-effective for their home.
Makes You Aware of Ductwork Issues
The system of ducts in your home is used to transfer conditioned air to your various rooms. Over time, ductwork can develop leaks that allow your heated or cooled air to escape before it arrives where it’s needed. As part of your routine HVAC maintenance, you can have your ducts inspected to determine if there is an issue that needs to be addressed.
It is estimated that having your ducts sealed can improve energy efficiency in your home by up to 30%, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. By having a professional assess your ductwork, you will be made aware of any issues so you can take care of them, which may reduce your utility bills.
Protects Your Warranty Coverage
Your HVAC system equipment came with a warranty when it was first installed in your home. Most manufacturers require you to keep up with routine maintenance and repairs in order to maintain warranty coverage. A yearly inspection is usually all that’s needed in order to stay compliant. Regular service visits by a HVAC technician will ensure that your warranty agreement stays valid. In addition, if you ever need to take advantage of your warranty coverage, the paperwork provided to you after regular maintenance visits will be needed to prove that you did not violate the terms of the warranty.
Protects Your Indoor Air Quality
In addition to caring for your furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork, HVAC maintenance can also ensure that your HVAC system is not contributing to low air quality in your home. For example, dirty ductwork may be recirculating dust and other contaminants through the various living spaces in your house. These particles may then be inhaled by household members, causing respiratory issues.
During a service visit, a technician will make you aware of any HVAC issues that may be negatively impacting the quality of the air in your home. This can help you protect your family’s health. In addition, addressing low-air quality issues may reduce the amount of money you have to spend on doctor’s visits and reduce lost wages because of illness.
Contact the Professionals
At Fahnestock HVAC, we have been serving the residents of Wichita, Kansas and the surrounding areas since 1946. Our technicians are NATE certified and excel at customer service. We install, maintain and repair heating and cooling systems. In addition, we also provide indoor air quality, plumbing, and electrical services.
If it has been a while since you have had routine maintenance performed on your HVAC system, contact us today so we can get you back on track!