The HVAC industry encourages homeowners to schedule routine maintenance. For most homes, that includes a heating tune-up in the fall and a cooling tune-up in the spring. Let’s explore why experts recommend this and the difference it can make for your household.
Improved Safety
Routine maintenance is particularly crucial for homes with fuel-burning furnaces and other appliances. Fuel-fired home heating produces carbon monoxide (CO) and other toxic gases as a byproduct. A well-functioning system successfully vents those gases outside the home. A malfunctioning system can let those gases seep into your living areas. During fall maintenance, a technician will check the ventilation system. It’s also imperative to inspect and clean the combustion equipment and test CO detectors.
Standard and Extended Manufacturer Warranty Coverage
It surprises many consumers to learn that HVAC warranties require routine maintenance as a condition of coverage. This is often true of the standard warranty included with your purchase and any extended coverage you may have bought additionally. When an HVAC technician completes a tune-up, they’ll provide you with documentation for your records. If you ever need to file a warranty claim, you’ll have all the proof the manufacturer may request. Without it, the manufacturer can deny the claim on that basis alone.
Achieve Optimal Energy Efficiency
Modern HVAC solutions are highly efficient, but they can become less efficient through use. That occurs through grime accumulation and normal wear and tear. Consider the air conditioners and heat pumps that many area homes have. These systems have outdoor condenser coils and indoor evaporator coils that are integral to the refrigeration process. As those accumulate grime, the heat exchange becomes less efficient.
During seasonal tune-ups, a technician will clean all your relevant equipment. That includes cleaning the condenser coil, evaporator coil, drain line, and drip pan. For furnaces, the technician will clean the carbon deposits on the burner and other combustion equipment. By maximizing efficiency this way, you’ll achieve smaller month-to-month heating and cooling bills. You’ll also minimize your household’s carbon footprint, which is better for the environment.
Fast and Consistent Comfort
Efficient HVAC equipment results in better home comfort. Optimized systems don’t have to cycle as often or as long. When sharp temperature changes occur, they can provide the necessary heating or cooling more quickly. They also ensure even heating and cooling throughout the home. That helps to avoid warm and cold spots and other airflow issues.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Dust can build up on your HVAC equipment and in your ducts. That’s concerning not only because dust is an allergen but because it absorbs chemicals and then off-gasses them. Evaporator coils are prone to microbial growth that can worsen allergies and make you sick. There can be mildew and mold in your ducts. Another consideration is your HVAC filter. A technician can check your filter and recommend replacement if needed. If you should have a higher-grade filter, your technician can advise which MERV rating to use.
Avoid Unexpected Repairs
Routine maintenance is the best way to avoid those unexpected HVAC issues that can crop up during summer and winter. One reason is that your HVAC technician will be the first person to run your HVAC equipment each season. You’ll avoid issues related to electrical connections, ball bearings, belts, drain lines, and so forth.
Proactive Repairs
Some minor parts will wear out over time through an HVAC system’s life. It’s not unusual, for instance, to have to replace a belt or ball bearings. Through routine maintenance, a technician can recommend these replacements in advance. Proactive repairs are generally cheaper, and they let you control the timing, which avoids any major headaches.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Routine maintenance can extend the life of your equipment. Consider that the average furnace lifespan is 15 years, but these systems can last 20 years and longer with proper maintenance. Tune-ups also allow systems to age more gracefully and help avoid premature replacement because a system costs too much to run.
Routine HVAC Maintenance in Evansville
G. R. Freeman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has served Evansville, IN for nearly 50 years. Our company is a proud Rheem partner, but our technicians service all HVAC brands and models. We’re available for manufacturer-approved tune-ups by appointment and around the clock for emergency services. We provide routine maintenance for fuel-burning and electric furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and more. Our company also offers a maintenance plan through which you can save money on routine tune-ups. To learn more about these services or to book an appointment, call today, or contact us online.
