3 Benefits Of Regular HVAC Maintenance

If you fail to provide proper maintenance to your HVAC system, it can become ineffective and inefficient, making your family miserable. Not only may you find it difficult to reach a comfortable temperature, but your energy bills may continually rise. If you are sick of paying too much for heating and cooling, or if you haven't maintained your system in a while, check out these three benefits of regular HVAC maintenance.

It Reduces the Need for Expensive Repairs

There are a few maintenance steps you can do yourself, such as changing or cleaning the filter. However, a professional inspection can help reduce the need for expensive repairs. On average, regular maintenance costs about $70 to $100 a visit. Some companies may offer maintenance contracts at about $150 a year, which covers multiple maintenance visits throughout the year. If repairs are needed, you will likely need to pay extra, unless they are included in the contract or maintenance visit.

This price may seem expensive, especially if your system is working well, but without regular maintenance and cleaning, the system continues to wear down until an expensive replacement is required, which may cost $2,000 to $15,000. Additionally, all the unnecessary strain and wear from a poorly maintained system shortens the lifespan, so you will have to replace it sooner.

It Boosts System Efficiency

As the system ages, lack of maintenance doesn't just cause the system to break down more often. It causes the system to lose efficiency too. Forced-air HVAC systems are already inefficient because they use so much energy to powerfully and effectively heat and cool your home, so when a system can't function as efficiently due to dirt, dust, friction, damaged parts, etc., it costs you even more money to reach a comfortable temperature.

Another reason forced-air systems can be inefficient is the ducts. Ducts transport the heated and cooled air throughout the home, but on average, about 20 to 30 percent of the air is lost due to leaks from holes or gaps in the ductwork. Heat gain and heat loss can also occur if the ducts aren't properly insulated. Regular maintenance may help you identify issues with the ducts so you can get them repaired to boost efficiency. If your ducts are dirty from dust and debris, consider asking about duct cleaning too. Clogged ducts can reduce efficiency and strain the system.

It Can Improve Air Quality

An important feature of your HVAC system is to circulate the indoor air so it doesn't become stagnant, but a poorly maintained and cleaned system can actually worsen air quality. To start, if you haven't cleaned or replaced the filter, it allows more debris to gather inside the system. Not only may this cause problems with circuits, reducing efficiency or increasing the risk of a fire, but it also allows more debris to enter the ducts.

Once inside the ducts, dust and other allergens have a direct path to your breathing space. This can cause unpleasant odors, especially if moisture and mold are a problem. However, if you or your loved ones already have certain breathing problems like COPD or asthma, any irritant can worsen these conditions. Regular maintenance keeps the system clean so that fewer irritants penetrate and enter the ductwork.

When it's working properly, you likely hardly notice your HVAC system, but when it begins to malfunction, it can lead to an uncomfortable home and expensive repairs. With regular HVAC maintenance, you reduce the risk of losing efficiency because of damage or wear and tear. If you need to have your system maintained or repaired, or if you simply want more information regarding AC maintenance and cleaning, contact a technician in your area today.