Homeownership is expensive. Without even getting into the rising costs of inflation, most new homeowners end up blindsided by the hidden costs of maintaining a home. On average, homeowners pay a whopping $17,459 in annual expenses, and that's not including the mortgage.
Given those high bills, we can forgive you for wondering, "Is annual HVAC maintenance necessary? What if I just skip it?"
Avoid the temptation! Though it might seem like a no-brainer to ditch your usual tune-up as long as your system seems to be running well, we wouldn't recommend it. Regular HVAC maintenance is a great way to catch minor issues quickly, keeping them from turning into massive problems that cost way more than the bill you'd get for preventative service.
If you're still on the fence about scheduling your next appointment, read on.
Your HVAC unit is easy to neglect. Because most of us run it on a set schedule, it's tempting to "set it and forget it," allowing the system to keep chugging along as long as you don't notice any issues. Unfortunately, this mindset can open the door to a lot of unnecessary problems, expenses, and headaches.
Regular maintenance is what ensures that your HVAC unit continues heating and cooling your home at peak efficiency. Without it, parts begin to wear down unseen, leaks and lubrication issues don't get noticed, and the entire unit becomes worse and worse at keeping your home comfortable. HVAC systems don't come with a check engine light like your car does, so their struggles aren't always easy to spot!
Here's the bottom line: if you want to preserve your investment, schedule regular tune-ups.
If you're still not convinced that regular HVAC tune-ups aren't a scam, let's do a quick run-down of the advantages:
Your system has a lot of moving parts, and some of those parts can have a huge impact on the people in your household. As they run, HVAC systems pull contaminants out of the air, which keeps it clean enough to breathe. They also maintain the humidity in your home, which is crucial for preventing colds in the winter.
Left unchecked, certain issues can become a huge hazard. If you have undiagnosed electrical problems, for example, you might be looking at a potential fire risk. If your system begins to leak carbon monoxide, your health and even life could be in jeopardy. Getting regular HVAC service catches these problems long before they can affect your health.
A healthy HVAC unit is a cost-effective one. When you let your system run at low efficiency, it consumes more fuel and results in a higher energy bill. Letting a pro enhance your unit's efficiency can lower those costs fast. Just as a tune-up for your car gets you better mileage, an AC unit tune-up improves the system's performance.
Unexpected breakdowns are expensive and annoying, but there's an easy way to keep them at bay. Catching minor issues before they become huge headaches can help you avoid frequent repairs or even full system replacements.
Though your annual HVAC tune-ups will cost money, they'll also save you money in the long run. Catching small problems early even gives you a better chance to make a financial plan for repairs instead of dealing with a sudden and massive bill in an emergency.
It's no secret that your central air conditioner works best when it's serviced well. Even better, regular service can extend a system's lifespan, allowing you to get extra years out of your investment. You could enjoy your system for 15 years or more with the right maintenance.
In many cases, the manufacturers of HVAC systems require ongoing maintenance as a condition of the warranty coverage. (Hint: this is because they know maintenance works!) If you don't stick to the service schedule, you might lose your coverage altogether.
What makes regular maintenance so effective? It's all about cleaning, check-ups, and preventative care.
Every homeowner should tackle a few basic tasks to keep their air conditioning system running smoothly:
Change your dirty filter once every 30-90 days (about 3 months)
Keep your indoor and outdoor units clean
Clean vents and registers and keep them unblocked
Check your thermostat's batteries and settings
Check your carbon monoxide detectors once a month
Maintain proper insulation throughout your home
Monitor your energy bills
Adding these tasks to your to-do list is a great way to keep an eye on your system. Don't forget to reach out the second you see, smell, or hear anything unusual coming from your HVAC unit.
Though you can do basic maintenance on your own, there are some things you should leave to the experts. Here are some of the things your technician will do for your HVAC system:
Confirm thermostat calibration
Inspect electrical connections
Check fluid levels
Lubricate moving parts
Check and/or flush the condensate line
Clean the condenser coil and evaporator coil
Inspect the blower motor
Check heat exchangers and combustion
Look for wear and tear, obstructions, or safety issues
If your technician notices any issues within the system, they'll diagnose the error and advise you on your next steps. For minor issues, this gives you a chance to figure out why and how soon to address the problem. For major issues, it can help you deal with a fix before a breakdown has a chance to happen!
If you've been wondering whether HVAC maintenance is necessary, we hope this post clears the air! Regular tune-ups are crucial for your system's operation, and they come with benefits you won't want to pass up.
When you're ready to schedule your next maintenance session, trust the team at Parker & Sons. As the one-stop shop for total home comfort throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, we're proud to offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee and convenient maintenance memberships.
Schedule your service online or call (602) 344-9027 to make an appointment.
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