An HVAC system is a significant investment in your indoor comfort. It has mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, and some of these are moving parts. Any complex piece of equipment requires a certain level of maintenance, and a prime example would be your automobile. No driver would countenance driving their car if it wasn’t roadworthy and well maintained because it would be dangerous, and it could damage the vehicle. Yet, people will run their HVAC system year on year without any servicing, and then they are surprised when it fails or becomes less energy efficient. HVAC maintenance programs can keep your system in great shape; it may last longer and cost less to run.
What is an HVAC Maintenance Program?
If you’re unfamiliar with an HVAC maintenance program, it’s typically offered by your local HVAC specialist. Essentially, for a few hundred dollars per year, they can maintain and service your HVAC equipment on a regular basis. This may seem like a waste of money, but in reality, it’s a fantastic investment that will save you money in the medium to long term.
Will HVAC Maintenance Keep Your System Running Well?
There are a large number of things that can go wrong in any HVAC system. If the system is well maintained, it’s less likely to break down when you need it most. The reason for this is that regular maintenance by an HVAC specialist will highlight potential problems earlier. This is important; when a problem is spotted earlier, it’s usually far easier and cheaper to fix. The longer a problem is allowed to continue, the worse it will become, and the more expensive it will be to fix.
Can Regular HVAC Maintenace Extend the Lifespan?
The short answer is yes. Every HVAC system has a finite useful lifespan of approximately 15 years. There are a number of factors that determine if the HVAC system lasts this long, such as the make, the model, the hours of use, and the maintenance levels. A homeowner has control over all these factors from the initial purchase, to how the system is used and any investment made in HVAC maintenance. When you consider the cost of a new HVAC system, it makes sense to get the most life out of your current system.
Will HVAC Maintenance Lower Your Energy Bills?
As an HVAC system ages, it will become less effient leading to a lack of peformance and higher energy bills. Over the lifespan of the system this could add up to a significant amount of money. In fact, it would cost far less to invest in regular HVAC servicing and maintenance for your system.
Will I Need to Keep Track of the Servicing?
No, once you sign an HVAC maintenance contract with your local heating and cooling specialist, you can leave everything in their capable hands. When the HVAC maintenance is required, the company will contact you and schedule a mutually appropriate time to carry out the work.
What if my HVAC System Has Not Been Serviced for a While?
Many people have missed quite a few annual HVAC maintenance opportunities. This leads them to believe that there is nothing that they can do, and they have to live with the consequences. This is not true in many cases; a more comprehensive service can often reverse many of the problems associated with a poorly maintained HVAC system. But, some heating and cooling systems that are older may be beyond help, and in this case, it’s a better idea to invest in a new heating and cooling system.
Can I Service My Own HVAC System?
No, working on HVAC equipment is a very specialized field that requires formal training and experience. It can be dangerous to work on unfamiliar equipment, and this could lead to a serious injury. Aside from this, many of the components in your HVAC system are sensitive and very prone to damage if you don’t understand how the system works. Working on your own HVAC system may seem like a great way to save money, but it could cost more in unnecessary damage and the necessary repairs.
Should I Use an HVAC Professional?
Yes, it’s important to hire an HVAC professional to work on your heating and cooling system. A “handyman” will not have the specialist skills, expertise, and equipment to work on your system safely. They may cause further damage, and they are unlikely to find potential problems. A good HVAC company will only ever use genuine parts, and if something goes wrong, they will return to fix the problem without charging extra money.
Can I Save Money on Servicing Costs?
Absolutely. One of the best things about a good HVAC maintenance contract with a reputable local HVAC company is the savings that can be made. Every good HVAC company will prioritize its loyal customers that have maintenance contracts. They may even offer special discounts on certain parts and services that are not available to the general public. So, if you do have a problem with your HVAC system, you should get priority treatment. This could extend to a guaranteed 24 hour response to get your system back up and running quickly.
Wiil I Get a Warranty?
Yes, most HVAC specialists offer a full warrant on servicing and parts. This is important because you need to be sure that you’re covered if something goes wrong later.
In Conclusion
Let’s face it; no-one enjoys spending money on things that don’t seem to deliver immediate results. But, if you take a longer term view of things, regular HVAC servicing and maintenance is the smart choice. Identifying smaller issues before they can develop into larger problems later is a great way to avoid large unexpected repair bills. The energy savings alone are well worth the investment, and the gains in performance are significant.
If you’re interested in HVAC maintenance, contact your local heating and cooling specialist. Ask them about their maintenance programs and what they cover before making a final decision.