Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are mechanical systems that heat and cool buildings. They’re designed to draw in air, adjust the air’s temperature, and distribute the air throughout the building to ensure the occupants are comfortable.
HVAC maintenance should occur twice each year to ensure the heating and air conditioning systems are ready for winter and summer. There are several reasons why you should maintain your HVAC system, and these reasons are explored here.
Maintaining your HVAC unit will protect your health.
HVAC systems have a significant impact on air quality, which can affect your health. Heating and air conditioning systems draw in air through return vents. The air travels through ducts until it reaches the HVAC unit. Once there, the HVAC system either heats the air, or the condenser removes heat from the air. Once the air is at the desirable temperature, the HVAC unit sends the air through ducts and out supply vents.
When your HVAC unit draws in air, it also draws in contaminants, such as pollen, pet dander, and mold. These pollutants can be redistributed throughout your home when the HVAC unit sends air back to the supply vents. Contaminants can be trapped in your air filter or picked up in the return or supply ducts. Poor air quality can trigger asthma and allergic reactions. Contaminants can also cause itchy eyes, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Maintaining your HVAC system ensures the system is clean and prevents allergens and toxins from recycling through your home.
Maintaining your HVAC unit will save you money.
HVAC maintenance can save you money in the long run because your system will operate effectively. When HVAC systems aren’t maintained, they may have to work harder to heat or cool the air, which can cause your energy bill to increase. If you notice a change in your energy costs, it could indicate there’s an issue with your HVAC system.
Maintaining your heating and AC unit can prevent costly repairs because your HVAC technician will replace worn parts before the system breaks down. Preventative maintenance also extends the life of your HVAC system, which means you’ll save money because you won’t have to buy and install a new system frequently.
To ensure your HVAC system’s operating correctly, refer to fall and spring HVAC maintenance tips from HVAC experts. The best time to have your AC unit serviced is in the spring, before the warm summer months. Get your system checked by a certified HVAC technician to ensure any potential mechanical issues are identified and addressed before summer. It’s also a good idea to schedule duct cleaning and have cleaners remove any obstructions to ensure air can flow through the ducts. If your system has a dirty filter, replace it with a clean filter. Also, have your ducts checked for air leaks. Holes in ducts can cause air to seep in or out. Air leaks allow unfiltered air to enter your air supply, increasing the level of toxins in the air. Air leaks can also affect the air temperature, allowing cold air to circulate during the winter and spreading hot air throughout your home during the summer.
Have your HVAC technician perform fall maintenance before the cold winter months to ensure everything is working correctly. This is crucial if you live in an area where temperatures regularly dip below freezing. You may not be able to stay in your home if you don’t have heat, and using space heaters will increase your energy bills.
HVAC maintenance prevents service disruptions.
Spring HVAC maintenance ensures your system is ready for summer, which is crucial. A malfunctioning AC unit is the last thing you want to deal with during a heatwave. Spring maintenance ensures you’ve identified potential issues and taken steps to replace worn parts.
Fall maintenance will ensure your heating system is ready for winter. Without heat, your home’s water pipes can freeze and burst, causing thousands of dollars in property damage. Family members may get sick if they’re staying in a home without heat, which is why you may need to pay for a hotel if your heating system breaks down in the winter.
Your HVAC system alters your air temperature, which can ensure your comfort and health during the winter and summer months. Its air filter removes pollutants from your air, ensuring you have clean air circulating throughout your home. Maintaining your heating and air conditioning system protects your health, and it saves you money. It also prevents your system from breaking down, causing service disruptions that could affect your ability to stay in your home.
