Your HVAC setup is vital to keeping your family safe and comfortable throughout the seasons. A new system is a major purchase – one that can cost thousands of dollars to install. It’s only natural that you would want to protect your investment and keep the setup in the best possible shape.
Why Every HVAC System Should Have a Maintenance Routine
Routine checkups and maintenance offer several tangible benefits, including running longer and lowering energy costs.
A Longer Life Expectancy
The number one motivator behind HVAC maintenance is to make the system last longer. Heating and cooling units are big purchases, and people are happier when they have to make them less frequently. A standard unit will last an average of 15 to 18 years, with absolutely no maintenance at all (barring breakdowns and repairs, of course). If you perform a high level of maintenance, you’ll likely see 25 or more years of service.
Even high maintenance is actually simple. Change filters regularly, service the machine seasonally, remove debris when you see it, and monitor refrigerant loss. Those four habits can buy an extra decade of use.
Lower Energy Bills
Today’s HVAC systems are more efficient than ever. However, they’re still machines that need upkeep to maintain performance levels. Without regular servicing, professionals estimate that your air conditioner will lose about 5 percent of the original efficiency every year. This translates to more wasted power and higher energy bills. With semi-annual services alone, studies prove that you’ll be able to maintain 95 percent of your unit’s original efficiency continuously.
More-Manageable Repair Costs
The only true way to detect problems early and reduce unscheduled downtime is preventive maintenance. Having seasonal services creates the opportunity for professionals to spot any potential problems before they affect the performance of your unit. For example, recognizing low levels of refrigerant early means that they can be replenished before your coils start to freeze.
Poorly maintained systems are also at a greater risk for experiencing major breakdowns. This is largely due to the fact that small, preventable issues put added strain on the entire system. Over the years, this extra work can cause catastrophic failure and may require an entirely new unit.
Dependable Comfort
When you spend take care of your unit, you reduce or eliminate future issues. This ensures that you’re not stuck with a broken system or frozen coils. This is especially important when dealing with the high temperatures that come with summertime in Colorado.
Regular maintenance is also more convenient. It may take a few minutes each week to check on the system, but you can schedule that time around your other obligations. In the end, those minutes could avoid a week’s worth of hassle when they eliminate the need for repairs or replacements.
Like any piece of machinery, a little bit of diligence and common sense can go a long way in protecting your HVAC unit and helping you get the very most out of it. Need help maintaining your HVAC system? Premier Comfort Heating and Cooling is only a phone call away. Contact us today.