Don’t neglect HVAC maintenance. Staying on top of it ensures your system lasts longer and operates as it should. Regular HVAC tune-ups are less expensive than extensive repairs or replacing the system. When damage is done because the system wasn’t taken care of, it can be a huge expense to take care of!

Take your time to find an excellent provider of the service. They should be affordable and complete a detailed inspection. Never assume they will do a great job, find out before you hire them! Ask what they look for and about their qualifications. Read reviews from other customers and evaluate the overall reputation of the provider. You need someone you can rely on to help you keep your HVAC system working properly.

A great provider will even remind you when your next inspection and tune-up are due! They will reach out by phone or email to remind you to schedule with them. This ensures it doesn’t slip through the cracks. Be mindful of when such tasks need done so you don’t forget about them. Life gets busy, but don’t let the routine checks get pushed to a back corner.

Semi-Annual Inspection

HVAC systems help you get the cool air you want hassle-free. Newer systems are quiet and energy-efficient. Older systems need to be checked on to make sure they aren’t struggling to perform. No matter how new or how old your system is, make sure it is evaluated by an expert at least twice a year. Such a system costs too much to ignore.

Scheduling AC tune-ups semi-annually is a great way to get a return on that investment. The inspection can confirm everything is working like it should. Belts and other parts can be replaced if they show signs of wear. The goal is to keep the system working efficiently without wasting power to do so. Schedule the inspection at the end of spring so your air conditioning system is ready to do for summer!

A semi-annual inspection is going to lower the risk of serious problems during the hot part of summer. It can take several days for someone to get to your home to check it out during the peak of the heat! When they come before the heat heats to check it out, you can feel confident when you turn the system on for summer you can rely on it!

A simple issue can turn into a large problem if you don’t take care of it right away. It can be hard to budget for that extra cost if you have a huge bill to repair the HVAC system. Budgeting for a tune-up can fit easily into your budget and give you an inside look at the system. At the end of the inspection, they should share with you what they found and what they recommend.

If they tell you the system is in good shape, that is encouraging. If they tell you there are minor repairs it is best to do them while they are there. They can take care of it so everything operates as it should. If they tell you the system isn’t going to last much longer, it gives you a heads up. It gives you time to start saving for extensive repairs or to replace that HVAC system.

While the specific services offered by a provider vary, the following should be checked with the annual inspection:

  • All belts and parts evaluated for signs of wear
  • Check all connections
  • Clean the condenser coil
  • Evaluate how efficient the system is operating
  • Functionality of the system
  • Listen for any odd noises
  • Remove any debris
  • Verify there aren’t any leaks

Cost-Effective

The cost of HVAC tune-ups depends on who you rely on for the service. It is a good idea to ask about the price before you book the appointment so you aren’t upset later with the bill. Typically, the cost ranges from about $65 to $279. If they need to replace any parts that will cost extra. They should share with you anything they feel needs replaced and why. Nothing should be done unless you agree to it.

Regular HVAC maintenance will extend the life of your system by several years. This is because any minor concerns are taken care of right away. When they are ignored, the system works harder and runs longer to cool the home than it really should. This takes a toll on the equipment.

Replacing an HVAC system costs thousands of dollars, so it is worth it to invest in regular maintenance. Such prevention can conquer small issues so they don’t become expensive problems down the road. If your system is under warranty but you don’t take care of it, the manufacturer may not honor the warranty. It depends on the terms and conditions.

Keep the records for your maintenance as proof of the effort on your part to keep the system working well. If you have to file a warranty claim, those records will help get the case decided in your favor. The company won’t feel you have neglected this system and not done your best to keep it operating correctly.

Emergency repairs can be expensive. The cost of getting someone out to your home on the weekend or a holiday to fix the air conditioning can be high. Not all providers have the means of emergency crews to send out. They take calls as they come in and schedule accordingly. It could be days or a week before they can get to your needs. If they do come out immediately, there may be extra fees for after-hours emergency calls.

Stay Comfortable

It is extremely hard to sleep well or relax in a home when you are too hot. This can cause health problems too including dehydration. In the worst case scenario, people have died due to the heat in their home when their AC system wasn’t working properly. Don’t let it get to that point, stay on top of your system needs so you can stay comfortable.

In addition to routine maintenance for your HVAC system, make sure you report anything out of the ordinary. If your system seems to run all the time or the home isn’t cooling down, something may be off. If you hear odd sounds from your system, call a professional to come take a look. It is rare you will need repairs between tune-ups but it may be necessary at some point. Taking care of the problem immediately reduces the risk of serious damage to the HVAC system.

Cleaner Air

Issues with an HVAC system can cause various particles to get into the air you breathe. When the system is tuned up regularly, the air you take in will be cleaner. You may not see the risk around you in the air, but they can cause health problems. They can increase breathing issues for those with asthma or COPD.

A good system operation can help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. While you should have carbon detectors in your home, the HVAC system can reduce the risk of any such problem causing serious health problems for those in the home. It doesn’t take much carbon monoxide to make someone ill.

A poorly operating system can create foul odors and smells to linger in your home. They can be a telling sign the air isn’t circulating as it should. Don’t ignore it or try to mask the odors. Instead, contact a professional to help you find the underlying problem. They can troubleshoot the issue and get your HVAC system working as it should again.

Help the Environment

We all have a responsibility to make the environment cleaner and healthier for all. When your HVAC is working correctly, it reduces emissions. Doing your part to help the environment has a positive impact. As more people are encouraged to take such steps, it can add up to a huge difference overall!

Save on your Utility Bill

AC tune-ups ensure everything works correctly. This will help you save on your utility bill each month when you run the air conditioning. You need to stay cool in your home, but you don’t want to have a bill that doubles or triples because the system is less than efficient. On average, a home can save about 15% on their utility bill when the system is functioning at optimum level.

Conclusion

Regular HVAC maintenance and tune-ups can almost double the life span of a typical HVAC system. If yours hasn’t been tuned up in the last year, now is the time to get it done before the hot temperatures of summer roll in! Don’t count on luck to keep your system running. Rely on a reputable company to check it out and help you keep that system going strong.

A system without proper maintenance is going to last about 7 years on average. When it is maintained and given a tune-up annually, it can extend that life to about 15 years! It can have a huge impact on staying cool, saving money, and getting the most value before you have to replace your system. Peace of mind with your system is important.

Related Article: Do Your Really Need HVAC Maintenance