Why You Should Invest in Preventive HVAC Maintenance
Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings HVAC Services & Maintenance
Top Reasons You Should Invest in HVAC Preventive Maintenance
As a homeowner, you count on the fact that your heating and cooling systems are going to run efficiently and effectively. Unless you’re taking the necessary steps to ensure proper performance, though, you could be wasting money on energy bills while putting premature wear and tear on your equipment. Preventative (also commonly called “preventive”) HVAC maintenance is an absolute must for any savvy homeowner looking to protect their investment in their home comfort systems. Read on to learn more about how to plan and schedule HVAC preventative maintenance with easy DIY tasks and the help of a trusted HVAC service provider like Airtron.
What is HVAC Preventative Maintenance?
HVAC preventative maintenance is the routine management of your heating and cooling system to ensure your equipment is functioning as it should and to stay ahead of any major issues. A preventive maintenance program, like Airtron’s Essential HomeCare plan, is often set up by your HVAC technician or service provider, and may involve semiannual checkups — once in the fall before you turn on the heat, and once in the summer before you kick on the AC — of your entire HVAC system.
Currently, only around 30% of Americans schedule regular maintenance for their air conditioning and heating systems, but we say that number should be much higher. Tune-ups do a lot more for your HVAC unit than you might think. They can also make an impact on your home, your family… and your bank account.
Reasons to Invest in a Professional HVAC Preventative Maintenance Contract
Scheduling a maintenance plan with a professional HVAC service sounds like one more expense you don’t really need, but it’s actually vital to the health of your heating and cooling system. And it just might save you money in the long run.
Less Risk of Equipment Breakdowns
Annual tune-ups can ensure that your HVAC equipment is in good working order. They will also identify potential issues before they become major problems.
Equipment breakdowns are inconvenient and costly, and if you find yourself needing to replace a blower, compressor, or evaporator coil when early detection and repair could have avoided the situation, you’re likely to have some regrets. Breakdowns can also mean downtime for your HVAC system, which can be unpleasant and potentially even dangerous at the height of the cold weather or hot weather months.
Pay $0 for covered repairs with Essential HomeCare from Airtron.
Better Energy Efficiency
Performing routine maintenance tasks on your HVAC system keeps it running smoothly and efficiently, meaning you’ll use less energy to power your equipment. Not only is this better for the planet and better for the comfort of your home, but it also results in lower energy bills.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Annual maintenance from a qualified HVAC professional, plus a few at-home maintenance tasks, can really make a difference in the quality of the air you and your family breathe. Something as simple as changing your air filters every one to three months can improve your indoor air quality dramatically. It can also ensure proper airflow throughout your home, which keeps your environment cleaner and clearer of dust and debris.
Increased Safety
Dirty ductwork or broken-down HVAC systems don’t just mean the potential for costly repairs — they can also result in dangerous consequences like house fires or carbon monoxide leaks. Routine maintenance can help you spot safety hazards before you end up in a precarious situation.
Longer Lifespan
The bottom line is that HVAC preventative maintenance will help keep your air conditioning system, heat pump, outdoor units, and complete HVAC system running well into the future. Routine maintenance keeps repair costs low and ensures that you maximize the lifespan of your HVAC unit. When you keep your HVAC equipment operating at peak performance, you’ll save money and live a more comfortable life in your home.
Preventive Maintenance Checklist for Heating Systems
You don’t want your heat pump or furnace malfunctioning right when the leaves start falling. Furnace maintenance should ideally occur before you first fire up your heating system for the season. A professional HVAC technician should:
- Check thermostat settings.
- Inspect vents for leaks or blockages.
- Ensure no signs of corrosion or cracks are evident on the heat exchanger.
- Verify proper ignition on the burner.
- Lubricate all moving parts.
- Check all electrical components.
- Inspect for signs of wear on belts.
- Verify system operation.
- Clean or change the air filter.
Meanwhile, you can also conduct some DIY routine maintenance in between professional checkups. Make sure you’re replacing the air filter yourself based on the recommendations of your furnace manufacturer and your HVAC company. You can also visually inspect the unit for signs of wear and tear, and keep an eye on any unusual activity, like a furnace that runs too frequently without kicking off, or doesn’t keep your home comfortably warm.
Preventive Maintenance Checklist for Cooling Systems
Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also be dangerous. A professional should perform A/C maintenance before the summer season to ensure you’ll be safe and cool during the hottest months. This maintenance should include:
- Verifying thermostat settings
- Checking controls and safety switches or controls
- Cleaning the condenser coil
- Verifying refrigerant levels
- Lubricating all moving parts
- Verifying electrical connections
- Inspecting and adjusting belts
- Cleaning and inspecting motors
- Checking the condensate drain
- Verifying system operation
- Cleaning or changing the air filter
As with your furnace maintenance, you should also keep an eye on your air conditioning system. Replace air filters between professional tune-ups, keep your outdoor air conditioner unit clear of debris, and monitor how often your AC runs and how efficiently it cools your home.
Still Wondering About the Value of a Professional Preventive Maintenance Contract? Contact Airtron!
Although the idea of investing your hard-earned money in setting up a professional service contract may seem like just another expense to worry about, having such an agreement in place can truly be a lifesaver. Not only will annual system checkups boost your home comfort levels, but they will also help to add life to your equipment, reduce your monthly energy bills, and help to preserve any warranty coverage that is contingent upon regular maintenance.Don’t wait another moment to set up an HVAC preventative maintenance contract. Reach out to Airtron Heating and Cooling and ask about our Essential HomeCare plans to get started today. We’re happy to serve the home comfort needs of residents of the greater Indianapolis area.
