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There is no better way to avoid unexpected breakdowns of HVAC systems than to schedule regular preventive maintenance.
Apart from mitigating failure of your heating and cooling system, regular HVAC maintenance further enhances its performance, provides more comfort, and lowers energy consumption. Keep reading to learn more about why HVAC preventive maintenance is essential.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on your HVAC system, wreaking havoc on your indoor air quality. According to an EPA report, indoor airborne pollutant levels are two to five times higher than outside levels. A
By getting an HVAC service, you get to change your air filters regularly and clean your HVAC equipment, ductwork, and vents, which enhances the system’s performance, boosting the indoor air quality of the building.
The design of HVAC systems enables them to filter pollutants and allergens from the air and accumulate them in the filters. Without proper preventive maintenance, these filters may suffer material buildup, failing to do their job. As a result, it affects the overall air quality.
Extend the Life of Your HVAC System
Investing in an HVAC system costs money, and thus, you might want to ensure it lasts for the longest time. Regular HVAC preventive maintenance extends the HVAC system life, postponing costly replacements. On average, the heating and cooling system can last for about 15 to 20 years. You can get some more years on top with a regular preventive maintenance plan.
Lower Energy Consumption
According to the US Department of Energy, air conditioners utilize about 6% of the entire electricity generated in the United States. With such high consumption, homeowners dig deeper into their pockets to pay nearly $29 billion annually for electricity consumed through air conditioning. And on top of that, the air conditioners account for about 117 million tons of carbon dioxide emitted each year.
Preventive maintenance significantly increases the energy efficiency of an HVAC system, cutting energy consumption. Also, by changing the air filters and cleaning the system, your HVAC system operates with less energy, reducing utility bills and environmental impacts.
Enhances Your Comfort
You rely on the HVAC system to stay comfortable the entire year. With regular maintenance, your system can generate and distribute the cool or warm air more steadily and evenly, creating a balance. It also reduces the chances of finding your frigid air blasting via the vents.
Preventive steps, such as ductwork cleaning, ensures that your home cools and heats as efficiently as possible.
Protects the Environment
A well-maintained HVAC system has less fuel consumption, which is perfect for the planet. As EPA continues to phase out items and substances harming the environment, you should know the kind of refrigerant used in your HVAC system. A certified HVAC contractor with experience in controlled refrigerant should help you understand the refrigerant type you are using, its environmental impacts, and your available options. The expert can also guide you in installing a programmable thermostat.
Prevents Costly Repairs
HVAC preventive maintenance enables property owners to avoid frequent and unnecessary repairs by identifying problems before they escalate to costly malfunctions.
Running your equipment or system until it fails may cost you ten times more than a regular maintenance program. On the other hand, regular HVAC maintenance lowers the risk of experiencing costly breakdowns by as much as 95%..
Boosts the Safety of Your Home
It’s risky to live with malfunctioning HVAC equipment in your home. Any faulty ventilation can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, and electrical failures can result in fire hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association report, heating equipment is the top cause of fires in most US homes.
The report further reveals that local fire departments attend to an estimated average of 48,530 fires caused by heating equipment each year.
Through preventive maintenance, you can minimize equipment failures while setting up a well-functioning furnace. It also safeguards your family against carbon monoxide, which can negatively impact your health.
In most cases, carbon monoxide leaks result from a cracked heat exchanger. A typical HVAC maintenance checkup list contains a carbon monoxide test to detect potential hazards. Your HVAC contractor may advise you on the importance of having a carbon monoxide detector.
Stay Under Warranty Coverage
When your HVAC equipment has a warranty, the manufacturer may request proof of regular annual maintenance before settling a claim. Most HVAC system components are expensive, so you need to invest in preventive maintenance to cover them under your warranty and save money.
While most property owners view HVAC preventive maintenance as an upfront expense to avoid, it is the path to extending the equipment’s life and enhancing its performance. It is also the best way to guarantee the safety of your home while avoiding costly repairs.
For best results, always engage the services of a professional during your HVAC preventive maintenance operations.