People regularly tend to overlook maintenance because we’re always facing some other issue that is in the spotlight at that moment. Chances are you wouldn’t drive your car for 30,000 miles without getting an oil change – you’d just be asking for trouble. If you apply this analogy to your HVAC, it’s understandable that regularly maintaining your HVAC can really save you both trouble and money in the long run. You surely must admit that it’s better to deal with a problem if there is one right away, then to wait for it to come knocking on your door. On that note, here are a few reasons that will help you understand why HVAC maintenance truly is necessary.
Saving Money
Did you know that your monthly electricity bills tend to rise when there is a problem with your HVAC? You may not notice it at first, but as your HVAC is getting older if not regularly maintained it will lose its efficiency and quite literally struggle to function properly, which is why it drains more electricity. As it ages, your HVAC loses its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio points, costing up to a staggering nine percent of its efficiency per point.
Fulfillment of Warranty Requirements
Not only your bills will get higher, but it is also very important to mention that most HVAC manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance when a repair claim is submitted under warranty. You should know that some of the components that make your HVAC system work are fairly expensive, so investing in annual maintenance will cost a lot less than having to change these parts later.
Air Quality and Health
The first and most obvious sign that will happen is the presence of a bad odor. HVAC units are designed so that they don’t generate any smell, so if you do happen to smell anything bad not only it will get smellier, but it will possibly even get dangerous. There are a couple of possible reasons for this, and none of them are good. They can range from pest infestation, algae that can potentially lead to mold or even to microbial growth, all of which can cause or worsen respiratory problems for those living in the home or building. In fact, this air conditioner repair company suggests immediately addressing this problem. This is particularly significant if you or any family members suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma. On the other hand, a well-functioning HVAC system will keep the quality of air in your home higher, since the part of the function of your HVAC system is to filter pollutants out of the air.
Keeping Your Home Safer
Well…we’ve all heard the horror stories. Somebody of another someone, that certain someone else knows has gone away during the holidays and returned to find a frozen home. And okay, this can happen, although the higher probability is that it will result from a very unfortunate domino effect of frozen or burst pipes, water damage, and worse. Now on a more serious and important note, the most common cause of carbon monoxide leaks is a cracked or failed heat exchanger. According to the Centers for Disease Control, exposure to even low levels of carbon monoxide can cause incredibly serious health issues, or even be deadly if undetected in time. An HVAC maintenance checkup typically includes a carbon monoxide test that would detect any potential hazard. Also, the benefits of installing a carbon monoxide detector are tremendous.
Efficiency and Lifespan of Your HVAC
As it was mentioned before, the efficiency of your HVAC system tends to decrease with time if not regularly maintained. In fact, research shows that dirty or unmaintained units need to work 20% harder to produce the same amount of cooling or heating as a well-maintained machine. The efficiency of your HVAC will be a lot more stable with the simple maintenance during the spring and fall months and with proper HVAC maintenance, a unit can last over 10 years. Considering the amount of money a person spends to install an HVAC unit, it makes absolute sense they would want to keep it running well for as long as possible. Be sure to check out options like this Furnace Repair Toronto and other options.
Helping the Environment
For those concerned about their carbon footprint, keep in mind that a well-maintained HVAC system consumes considerably less energy – and that’s good for the planet. You can also ask your HVAC contractor about the benefits of using a programmable thermostat or switching from oil heat to natural gas so you can reduce your system’s impact on the environment.
One should never underestimate the impact of regular maintenance since a little can really go a long way. Because the breakdown process of your HVAC is gradual, you can get ahead of the problem and easily get it fixed before it’s late. Keep your system well maintained, and it will provide you with comfort and fewer issues for years to come.