You depend on your HVAC system for the majority of the year. There are only a few days every year when the weather is so perfect that you can crack the windows open and be comfortable in your home. HVAC preventive maintenance is an easy way to prevent expensive problems in the future and catch them as early as you can.
What Is HVAC Preventive Maintenance?
HVAC preventive maintenance is a series of maintenance tasks that homeowners can take to ensure the longevity of their HVAC systems. Every homeowner has heard horror stories about how much their friends had to pay to repair their HVAC system. When you own your home, you want to do the best you can to make sure that you don’t have one of those stories to share.
With preventive maintenance, you plan one or two times per year when you or a hired professional checks your HVAC system to ensure that it is still working effectively. It is recommended that you check your system once in the spring and once in the fall. By scheduling HVAC preventive maintenance in the spring, you can be sure that your air conditioner is working right before the summer is in full swing. Similarly, an inspection in the fall can make sure your HVAC system is ready for the winter.
Why Is HVAC Preventive Maintenance Important?
HVAC preventive maintenance is vital for preventing problems in the future. By practicing regular maintenance, not only will problems get caught early, problems that would usually arise over time can take longer to develop. The following are some of the additional benefits that preventive maintenance can provide:
Longevity of HVAC System
Air conditioners and heating systems work best when they are in good condition. To ensure the best conditions, it is essential that they are adequately maintained. If one part of the system fails, the other parts might fall right behind if the problem is not addressed as soon as possible.
It is understandably easy to forget about your HVAC system until it shows signs of trouble. However, if you wait for trouble, it might be too late. The average HVAC system can last between 10-25 years. With adequate HVAC preventive maintenance, your unit can last closer to that 25 years with minimal costs.
Lower Energy Bills
HVAC preventive maintenance helps your system use up less energy which can save you some money on your energy bill. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, heating and cooling accounts for about half of a typical home’s energy usage. This means that an HVAC unit that has been taken care of and runs at peak performance will not only heat and cool your home but it can also save you money on your monthly bill.
Lower Repair Costs
If you make the mistake of thinking that your HVAC system can be ignored because it runs just fine, you could be setting yourself up for major repair costs in the future. If you notice something that seems out of the ordinary, trust your judgment and call for help as soon as you can. The issue that you notice might not be a big deal, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
The Comfort of Your Home
We don’t get to decide when the air conditioner will break or when the heater will go out. However, things always seem to break at the worst time. Without adequate HVAC preventive maintenance, your heater or air conditioner might decide to break down on the hottest or the coldest day of the year. If you check your system a few times every year, you might catch the problem before it is too late.
Health and Safety
A part of HVAC preventive maintenance is cleaning all of the dangerous substances off your unit. Mold and dust are two things that are attracted to your HVAC unit. When your system is running all year around, dust collects, and mold can form. If the mold and dust are not cleaned off, it can affect the air quality in your home. For individuals with heart and lung conditions, it can make it harder to breathe.
HVAC Preventive Measures You Can Take
There are things you can do to take care of your home’s HVAC system. Some things can be done by yourself, but it is better to have a trained professional who can provide a thorough inspection. Some chores that you can do on a regular basis and on your own time include:
- Checking your AC filter monthly
- If you notice dirt accumulating on your outdoor unit, hose it down
- Check the batteries on your thermostat
- Keep the area around your HVAC unit clean and clear
When you schedule HVAC preventative maintenance with professionals, you will get a fully detailed account of what is going on in your system. Your service will include the following HVAC preventive maintenance tasks:
- The tightening of the electrical components, if needed
- Checking for dirty filters
- Lubricating all moving parts of the system
- Interior cleaning (removal of leaves, sticks, and other debris)
- Testing the thermostat
These are only some of the tasks that will be performed to ensure proper care of your HVAC system. HVAC preventive maintenance is something that should be taken seriously before it is too late. You would not drive your car for years without an oil change or tire rotation, so don’t ignore your home’s preventive maintenance needs. Not only can major repairs be costly, they often happen when you are not ready.
Schedule Your HVAC Preventive Maintenance Inspection in Austin, TX.
At Schneider Mechanical, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best products and services. With over 10 years of experience serving the members of Austin, TX, we are confident in our ability to give you the best results. Our team of professionals is here to help with all of your HVAC preventive maintenance needs. Contact us today for more information on HVAC preventive maintenance.
