You’ve probably heard it time and time again: maintaining your HVAC system is extremely important. However, for many people the idea of having their system maintained seems needless or unnecessary when they know their system will more than likely continue to work without this additional service. So why is it such a vital part of owning and operating your HVAC system?
These questions usually come from those who don’t really understand what HVAC service actually does. Without proper maintenance, various components in your system can and will break down sooner, and your entire system’s lifespan could be shortened by several years. The idea of having to replace your HVAC equipment sooner is something no homeowner wants to think about. Not to mention maintenance also has a direct impact on the amount of energy your HVAC equipment uses, which means an un-maintained system is going to cost significantly more to run.
What Maintenance Does for Your System
Think of your HVAC system sort of like a car—if you don’t change your oil or rotate your tires regularly, your car will eventually break down and need some potentially expensive repairs (or even leave you stranded somewhere). Your heating and cooling system is the same way—if you don’t perform regular maintenance on it, important parts could break down and lead to costly repairs (plus being without your system when you really need it).
Maintenance involves a number of different services, including lubricating moving parts, cleaning important ones which may have become dirty, and a thorough inspection for any issues which may be forming. There may not be anything wrong with your system now, but maintenance can help spot signs of a forming issue, which will help you prepare for it and even get it fixed before it can become a serious issue later.
Why Duct Cleaning Is Important
While maintaining your air conditioner and heater is one thing, it’s also important to maintain your air ducts which carry the conditioned air around your home. Over time, dust and other debris like mold and mildew can accumulate in your ducts, and these substances can pretty heavily degrade the quality of the air in your home. Not only does this contribute to your air filter becoming clogged up faster, but it leads to things like allergy symptoms, asthma attacks, and even serious health issues if the problem gets particularly bad.
A duct cleaning service is also helpful because it usually gives your maintenance professional a chance to inspect your ducts for damage. Duct damage can lead to inefficiency in your HVAC system which costs more money, as well as problems like unwanted heat loss (or intrusion), ineffective heating and cooling, and even air pressure problems in your duct network. Air pressure problems could in turn cause issues for your HVAC system itself, including damaging your blower fan and motor, which could become an expensive replacement.
Is It Time to Schedule Maintenance?
When should you have your system maintained professionally for optimal performance and longevity? This is an excellent question: not having your system maintained often enough can actually negate some of the benefits of the maintenance service. If you want to get the most out of your system and maximize your investment, regular maintenance is key.
You should have your HVAC equipment maintained twice a year: once in spring for your air conditioner and then again in the fall for your heater. These services generally take just a few hours and are highly affordable when you consider how much they help you save in the long run. You should have your air ducts cleaned every two to three years, depending on the air quality in your home, how often you change your HVAC filter, and other issues like any pets in the home, any smokers in the home, and any significant dust presence.
Schedule your maintenance service with the team from Earnhardt Heating & Cooling! Call us today at (336) 814-2613.