Whether you’re purchasing your very first HVAC or just researching how to make your current equipment more efficient, routine maintenance is the solution. Your heating and air conditioning units need tuning up to stay in top condition. Below, we’ll cover what maintenance is and the benefits it can provide you when you invest in this service regularly.
The Role of the Homeowner in Maintenance
Though you should let professionals like Loves Air handle the majority of HVAC maintenance tasks, there are a few things you can do yourself to keep your system operating efficiently.
One critical task is checking and replacing your system’s air filter when necessary. It’s best to pull out the filter at least monthly and hold it up to a light source. If you can see through the filter, you can use it for another month. If you can’t see through it, it’s time for an upgrade.
The outdoor condenser unit for your central air conditioner or heat pump must have adequate open space around it to function optimally. If leaves or other debris surround the unit, they can restrict its airflow, leading to inefficient operation. In some cases, too much debris can even overheat your system and cause it to shut off. It’s advantageous to inspect the area around your outdoor condenser once a month and remove any unwanted debris.
One other thing you don’t want to forget about is inspecting your air vents. Both your supply and return vents should remain fully open throughout both the summer and winter seasons, at least. This ensures optimal pressure inside your ducting so it can effectively deliver treated air to all the rooms in your home.
Benefits of Professional Maintenance
Professional maintenance goes more in-depth with inspecting, cleaning, and testing all the internal components of your HVAC system. Some common professional tasks include calibrating your thermostat, testing for carbon monoxide emissions, cleaning coils, and even testing electrical connections. As for when you should schedule service, your air conditioner should get a tune-up in the spring and your heating system in the fall.
Below are many of the benefits of annual HVAC maintenance.
Keep Warranty Valid
It’s common for HVAC manufacturers to require system owners to get professional service at least once a year. If you fail to do so, the manufacturer may deny any future warranty repair claims you submit. Ensuring you get service from trained technicians for both your heating and air appliances each year is a great way to achieve peace of mind about your warranty covering the costs of repairs.
Detect Problems Early
Your HVAC has many moving components that must work together for it to run well. Over time, different parts may wear out. During our annual tune-up, our technicians will assess every internal component of your system. If we notice excessive wear and tear or a piece that isn’t working, we’ll let you know.
We can easily fix issues before an upcoming season so that your heater or AC works flawlessly. Our annual tune-ups are an excellent way to significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a breakdown during the chilly winter and hot summer seasons.
Maintain Efficient Operation
With the rising prices of pretty much everything these days, the last thing you need to see is an increase in your heating and cooling bills. Our maintenance service is ideal for ensuring your HVAC system is operating as efficiently as possible. This will give you peace of mind you’re not overpaying for your energy bills throughout the upcoming year.
Promote Longer Life Span
Because new heating and cooling appliances can be expensive, it only makes sense to do everything possible to make your current setup last as long as you can. During our checkups, we’ll work to ensure both your heater and AC get the care they need to live long lives. It’s been proven over and over again that systems that receive routine maintenance are going to last longer than those that don’t.
Ensure Safety
Heating systems that burn natural gas, propane, or heating oil can create toxic exhaust fumes, like carbon monoxide. These must be vented directly to the outdoors for your safety. If your system malfunctions or is worn-out, or has an issue like a cracked heat exchanger, these toxic fumes can back up inside your home.
When they do, it can be dangerous to your health. During our routine inspection, we’ll run tests to ensure your system is venting gases properly. This can give you peace of mind about the safe operation of your unit during the winter.
Achieve Better Comfort
It can seem like nothing is more annoying than an AC that won’t keep you cool or a heater that leaves you freezing. When you invest in our professional maintenance services, you can enjoy better comfort from your HVAC. It will operate efficiently, so your home will be whatever temperature you need to remain comfortable.
Find Out the Remaining Life Span
One helpful advantage of getting yearly maintenance is you can discover how much longer your system is estimated to last. Our technicians are familiar with all types of heating and cooling units and can let you know when they’re nearing the end of their life spans.
This information allows you to be more proactive. You don’t just have to wait until your system completely fails during the middle of the summer or winter season to replace it. Rather, you can easily schedule a replacement whenever it’s convenient for you and your budget. You can even schedule an upgrade in the early spring and fall seasons when deals are available to get a nice discount on your new purchase.
Give You Peace of Mind
One benefit of HVAC maintenance that isn’t talked about a lot is the peace of mind it can bring you. As with any system in your home, routine service works to ensure your setup is working properly and safely. You don’t have to worry about when your equipment may break down or if you’re overpaying for your energy bills.
Other Maintenance Services: Duct Cleaning and Sealing
While HVAC maintenance needs to be done every year, there are a couple of other related tasks that should be done about every three to five years. The first is duct cleaning, which is where one of our technicians thoroughly cleans the inside of your air ducts. This will enhance the quality of air inside your home and better protect your system’s internal components from unwanted debris.
The second service is duct sealing, which is where we use a special serum to create a new layer inside your ductwork. This layer works to seal up any leaks your ducts may have. Ducting leaks allow your treated air to escape and cause high energy bills as your system tries to keep up with your heating and cooling demands. Furthermore, these leaks can allow unwanted dust and debris into your ducting from inside your wall and floor crevices. This can have a poor impact on your indoor air quality level. Aim for sealing up your ductwork every eight to 10 years for the best results.
Reliable HVAC Maintenance Service
Loves Air provides reliable HVAC maintenance service to the Modesto, CA area. We can also assist with all your repair, installation, and replacement needs. Call us today to book your next service appointment. Be sure to ask us about our Loves Family Plan for worry-free HVAC maintenance!
