The last thing you want when temperatures are hitting extremes in either direction is a malfunctioning HVAC unit. Maintaining the right temperature in your home offers comfort during sleep, entertainment, work, and times of relaxation. When it’s too hot, you can barely think straight, and attempting to fall asleep sheetless in front of a fan that blows hot air is exasperating.
On the other hand, cold hands, toes, and noses are distracting while you try to stay warm wrapped up in a blanket. Regular HVAC inspections and maintenance will prevent you from having to entomb yourself like a burrito. You and your home will always be at the optimal temperature.
Ensuring you stay at a comfortable temperature year-round is the most obvious benefit of having regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system. Read on to learn why it’s important to schedule twice yearly HVAC maintenance.
Higher efficiency equals lower energy costs
Having an HVAC inspection will allow technicians to determine how well your system is operating. If there are energy inefficiencies from ductwork, air filters, or debris, this will force your system to work harder. That means higher energy bills and also even shortens the unit’s lifespan.
Prevent costly and extended HVAC repairs or replacement
Having regular maintenance on your heating, cooling, and ventilation system will allow an experienced technician to identify any worn-out parts and prevent the need for major repairs. For example, low refrigerant levels or dirty coils could lead to major system damages. HVAC professionals are able to quickly identify these minor issues and repair them before they cause major damages and you end up needing to replace your HVAC unit completely.
Extend the life of your HVAC system
A quality HVAC system will last 12 to 20 years. However, if you fail to have AC tune-ups or furnace inspections on a biannual basis, the life expectancy will begin to drop. Maintenance ensures your system is running efficiently, which means it’s only working as hard as it needs to meet your comfort needs. As efficiency decreases, your system has to work harder to meet those same needs.
Improve indoor air quality
Dirty air filters and ducts can significantly impact the air quality in your home. Dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, and other allergens are controlled by your home’s ventilation system. Replacing air filters and having an HVAC technician inspected your ductwork can go a long way toward improving the air you and your family breathe.
Home HVAC maintenance you can do yourself
You can do a number of things throughout the year to ensure the efficiency and proper functioning of your heating and cooling system. Depending on how many people live in your home, how many have allergies, and how many pets you have, you’ll need to replace your air filter more or less often, generally between 1 to 4 months. Some units also have a light to indicate when the air filter begins to clog or the airflow is blocked.
You can also work to keep the outdoor unit tidy and clean. Remove any debris from around the outdoor unit, hose down the unit when it starts looking dirty, and trim back any grasses, shrubs, or branches at least 18 inches from the unit.
HVAC inspection and maintenance better left to professionals
Still, other HVAC maintenance tasks are better left to those experienced and certified in the operation, inspection, and troubleshooting of HVAC systems. During an HVAC inspection, the experts at CJS Heating and Air will check and perform maintenance on the following:
- Regulate the thermostat
- Tighten any loose electrical connections
- Check the condensate drain
- Lubricate moving parts
- Clean and adjust parts, such as AC blower and coils
- Check refrigerant (AC) and fuel lines (heating)
Having a full inspection and maintenance service twice a year is necessary to ensure all elements of your heating and cooling system are operational, saving you money on energy costs and extending the lifespan of your unit.
If your HVAC maintenance is long overdue, it’s time to get in touch with CJS Heating and Air for a heating and cooling inspection.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment!
