Why is Maintenance So Important?

Why Is Maintenance So Important?

The purpose of preventative maintenance is to keep your HVAC system up and running all season long with no surprise breakdowns, while operating at top efficiency. You rarely see your HVAC system face to face, so it’s easy to forget about it and neglect it. Imagine doing the same with your car. If you never have the oil changed or refuse to take your car in for any kind of tune-up until the check-engine light comes on, you can’t expect it to last more than a couple of years.

Your HVAC system is the same way. No matter how expensive the system is or what the manufacturer promises, a complicated piece of mechanical equipment is subject to breakdowns and needs repairs every so often. Reduce the incidence of repairs by keeping on top of annual maintenance.

What are the Benefits of Annual HVAC System Maintenance?

You should consider that some benefits of regular maintenance are immediate while others prevent future problems from developing.

Some of the most prominent benefits include:

• Lower energy bills:You might assume that since the equipment is heating or cooling your home without any apparent problem that everything is fine. However, have you looked at your energy bills lately? A neglected system slowly loses its ability to keep your home comfortable at the same level of efficiency it once did. (Just as a car tune-up delivers better gas mileage, your HVAC system consumes less fuel after receiving professional maintenance.)
• Fewer repairs:Do you hear a strange sound or notice an odd odor coming from your furnace? Calling for a tune-up right away could help catch problems before they become disastrous. For example, a fraying belt could result in strange operating noises. If a technician replaces it in time, you can avoid the expensive repair that results from a snapped belt whipping around inside. By preventing future repairs, annual maintenance pays for itself.
• Lower chance of a catastrophic breakdown:Everyone wants an incident-free cooling and heating season. After all, it’s incredibly inconvenient and uncomfortable when equipment breaks down on a sweltering summer afternoon or frigid winter night, right when you need your HVAC system most. The odds of this happening when you schedule inspections every year are greatly diminished.
• Longer equipment life:Air conditioners, furnaces and other HVAC equipment function best when they’re regularly serviced and cleaned. One malfunctioning part can cause a domino effect that causes the entire system to break down. Regular maintenance prevents this from happening and adds years to your equipment’s lifespan.
• Safer equipment operation:A failing HVAC system does more than cost a lot of money to repair; it also can endanger your family. For instance, if the furnace develops a crack in the heat exchanger, carbon monoxide gas can escape and poison the air you breathe. Also, electric HVAC systems can develop a short circuit, which is a serious fire hazard if ignored. Clearly, your family’s safety is yet another reason to schedule annual HVAC system maintenance.

Clearly, annual HVAC system maintenance is something you should take very seriously. Whether your goal is to save money, protect your family, improve efficiency or prevent a mid-season breakdown, annual maintenance can help you accomplish your goals.