Proactive HVAC Care: A Guide to Your System’s Optimal Efficiency

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Many people rate the HVAC system as one of their favorites when it comes to modern conveniences. They use the system daily to remain comfortable in their homes. However, they only think about these systems once something goes wrong, and they are no longer comfortable.

HVAC systems need regular maintenance to operate efficiently, and Superior Service can handle this maintenance on behalf of homeowners. Without this work, various problems may arise. The homeowner will notice that the home does not stay at the desired temperature, their energy bills will increase, and they may see a decline in air quality. Regular preventative maintenance can reduce the risk of these issues.

Homeowners may be hesitant to spend the money on preventative maintenance. When a high repair bill hits them, they regret not doing so. The average cost of a new HVAC system today is $7,000; nobody wants to pay that unless they have to. Maintenance will extend the time between replacements.

What Is Preventive Maintenance?

Preventative maintenance is a proactive approach to caring for an HVAC system. This maintenance aims to reduce the risk of a system breakdown while optimizing its efficiency. Regular maintenance helps extend the unit’s lifespan and ensures it operates reliably and safely. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, every dollar spent on preventative maintenance saves $4 in repair costs.

The Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance helps keep energy bills under control. The United States Department of Energy reports regular maintenance can help reduce energy costs by up to 30%. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is significantly dirtier than outdoor air. Preventative maintenance helps keep the system clean and improves the home’s air quality. Furthermore, this maintenance helps prolong the life of the HVAC system. This maintenance is necessary for replacing a system in the last 10 years. Regular maintenance of the system may last 20 years or more.

Thanks to the extreme temperatures many areas experience now, families need a reliable HVAC system. When children and elderly adults live in the household, keeping the home comfortable is essential for their health and safety. Preventative maintenance can help maintain this temperature. Furthermore, regular maintenance reduces the need for emergency repairs, which can be costly and frustrating.

Scheduling Preventative Maintenance

Homeowners frequently ask how often they should have their system maintained. Several factors play a role in preventive maintenance scheduling. The type of system and its age are two factors that come into consideration. Homeowners should look at the manufacturer’s recommendations and consider the local climate when determining how often to maintain their HVAC system. Most systems need maintenance twice yearly, usually in the spring and fall. However, newer systems may only need to be maintained once a year.

Tasks Homeowners Can Complete

Homeowners should regularly change the system’s air filters and check the thermostat to ensure it works correctly. They should also remove debris and vegetation around the outside unit to ensure proper airflow. However, some tasks are best left to a licensed HVAC technician.

When a licensed HVAC technician visits the home, they clean and lubricate all moving parts within the system. They also check refrigerant levels to ensure there are no leaks and clear condensate drain lines so they don’t become blocked, leading to system failure. They will inspect the electrical connections and tighten them as needed and replace or clean the evaporator coils. They will also check the blower assembly and inspect the heat exchanger to ensure no problems are brewing. With regular inspections on the homeowner’s part and preventative maintenance handled by a licensed technician, every person can ensure their HVAC system is ready when needed.