We understand household maintenance keeps you busy. There’s the lawn to mow, gutters to clean, repairs to make, and never-ending household chores. However, maintaining the HVAC system through preventive maintenance, including tasks such as thermostat calibration, duct cleaning, safety checks, and filter replacement, should not be the last thing on your mind. It runs inconspicuously in the background, keeping your Las Vegas home cool in summer and warm in winter while you deal with the daily demands of life. Ensuring equipment performance through professional inspection can lead to more efficient system operation, ultimately translating into cost savings for you.
HVAC systems are durable, and for a considerable system lifespan, they will continue to do their job until one day, they don’t. Then, suddenly, the AC isn’t blowing cold air, or the furnace stops working, and you’re scrambling to find an HVAC contractor to fix it. It’s a scenario that can easily be avoided with regular tune-ups. HVAC maintenance may be one more task to add to your to-do list, but there are reasons HVAC companies recommend it.
Six Reasons Why You Should Schedule an HVAC Tune-up Twice a Year
1. To Comply with the Warranty Requirement
All new heating systems and cooling equipment come with a manufacturer’s warranty. The warranty duration differs from manufacturer to manufacturer but typically lasts between five and ten years. When something goes wrong with the equipment, the warranty will only be upheld if a reputable HVAC contractor performs regular preventive maintenance and safety checks.
Manufacturers will also want to know who installed the equipment. If an unlicensed contractor did the installation, this could void the warranty. When installing an HVAC system, choose your HVAC contractor wisely. Make sure it’s a licensed contractor offering a warranty on parts and labor. This contractor will conduct ongoing filter replacements, duct cleanings, and other maintenance, ensuring that the equipment performs at its optimal level. If any parts are faulty or the installation wasn’t done correctly, the contractor will repair or replace parts at no extra cost to you.
Lastly, don’t forget to register the product within 60 days of installation. This is a simple step that many people overlook or forget to do. Most manufacturers will fulfill the basic warranty even if the product isn’t registered, but accurate thermostat calibration and regular maintenance by professionals can help protect the warranty rights. With some manufacturers, however, not registering the product means losing the warranty entirely.
2. Extends the Life of Your HVAC System
One compelling reason to maintain your heating and cooling system is longevity. HVAC equipment is designed to last at least ten years. With regular maintenance, it may even last longer. Residential HVAC systems are a significant investment, and the higher the quality of the unit, the more it will cost. If you’ve installed a new system, you’ll no doubt want a good return on your investment with many years of service. That’s where HVAC maintenance comes in. Preventative maintenance not only minimizes repairs but also extends the lifespan of the unit, ultimately leading to cost savings.
Without annual tune-ups, parts will wear out sooner, and the equipment’s overall performance, including energy efficiency, will suffer. In addition, you’ll notice the difference in energy usage, with higher consumption and comparatively frequent repairs. All of this puts an HVAC unit under strain and will reach its end sooner than it should.
3. Just Like a Car Needs a Tune-Up, So Does Your HVAC System
Most mechanical equipment needs some TLC to keep it functioning efficiently. An HVAC system is no different. You probably take your car for servicing at regular intervals if you own a car. A tune-up keeps your car running smoothly and helps identify problems that may lead to an inconvenient breakdown when you least expect it — much in the way that regular HVAC checks and maintenance can prevent unexpected interruptions in your home’s temperature regulation.The difference with an HVAC system is that you don’t have a mileage indicator to determine when servicing is due. Instead, you need to be mindful of tangible indicators like refrigerant levels, the functioning of the blower motor, and the condition of the fan belt. Often, homeowners only call their HVAC company when they notice a problem. Bi-annual maintenance is considered a best practice in the HVAC industry. It includes activities like the combusion chamber inspection, condenser coil cleaning and ensuring the condensate drain is free from blockages. It is the proven best way to keep HVAC components in good condition.
Be selective about who you choose to service your heating and cooling system. In the same way that you take your car to the best mechanic in town, hire the best Las Vegas technicians to take care of your HVAC system, its heat exchanger, and other integral components.
4. Maintenance Prevents Premature Wear and Tear of Parts
Your HVAC system is a complex piece of equipment with many different parts. With regular use, it is inevitable that parts will wear out and need replacing at some point. Preventative maintenance keeps the parts in good condition for longer. Additionally, it helps sustain the carbon mon filter, ensuring that your home is safe from this potentially lethal gas.
Maintenance also helps spot problems early that can lead to damage to other parts. For example, a faulty capacitor can cause damage to your air conditioner’s compressor and motor. The capacitor is a small, cylindrical component with an essential function. It sends a burst of energy to the AC’s compressor, giving it the jolt it needs to start running. Without it, your AC unit won’t start.
If you notice that the AC’s compressor is having difficulty starting, splutters, and then shuts off, the likely culprit is a failing capacitor. Also, if you hear a clicking noise when trying to run the AC, this confirms the capacitor is failing. Call your HVAC technician immediately before it causes damage to the compressor or motor.
The technician will inspect the capacitor to see if it is splitting, bulging, or leaking oil and, if necessary, run electrical tests. Faulty capacitors are a common cause of AC malfunctions. If left unattended, your AC will eventually stop working. The good news is if a capacitor problem is detected early, it can be replaced before causing damage to other parts of your air conditioning unit. Chronicling the condition of such components is another reason preventative maintenance is so important.
If you suspect a capacitor problem, never try to replace it yourself. This can result in a serious electrical shock. Instead, only a qualified electrician or HVAC expert should work on capacitor faults.
5. HVAC Tune-Ups Keep Your Home’s Air Clean
If you’re like most Las Vegas residents, your home’s HVAC system probably runs most of the year, especially during the summer. This means most of the air you breathe at home comes from the forced air system. Depending on the condition of your HVAC system, it can affect your home’s environment and your health.
Poor indoor air quality is a common problem in many homes.
This can be caused by several factors, such as:
- outdoor pollution entering a home
- allergens
- chemicals that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- cigarette smoke
- air blasting from your HVAC system
As a result, your HVAC system contributes to a healthier home environment or an unhealthy one.
The air filter, air vents, and ductwork accumulate dirt, dust, and other pollutants when not regularly cleaned. Rodents and other critters can also find their way into the ductwork. In addition, insects, animal droppings, and decaying carcasses contain nasty bacteria. All these contaminants get blown into the air.
They can cause health problems like:
- asthma
- frequent colds or flu-like symptoms
- headaches
- fatigue
- respiratory problems
- eye, nose, or throat irritation
To improve your home’s air quality and safeguard your health, along with your family members’ wellness, it’s critical to schedule bi-annual HVAC maintenance. On a meticulous maintenance visit, your HVAC technician will perform tasks like changing the air filters, tackle any potential breakdowns, and address any questions or issues you may have about the cleanliness of your ducts and the energy efficiency of your system.
To further enhance air quality and reduce potential problems in the fall and subsequent seasons, you can increase the ventilation through the house by opening a window or door, among other things. This lets fresh air in and moves bad air out. If you’re not keen on having hot air enter your home during summer, consider adding a whole-house ventilation system or an air purification system to your HVAC system. These add-on services can act as a valuable replacement for the traditional function of windows in managing air quality in your home.
6. Additional Benefits of Preventative HVAC Maintenance
As seasoned professionals in the HVAC industry, we can confirm that regular HVAC maintenance is the key to a well-functioning system, also helping you to keep your utility bills under control. This is a bonus for those who strive for energy efficiency in their homes. However, did you know preventative maintenance also comes with a few extra benefits? Here are three additional benefits of regular HVAC maintenance to bear in mind:
It Keeps Your Home Comfortable
Most people take access to heating and cooling for granted. Because HVAC systems tend to be housed out of sight in basements and attics, they are often out of mind, except when we hit a button to turn it on. We rarely pause to ponder how they make our lives comfortable until they malfunction and affect our comfort level. Don’t wait for things to deteriorate to the point of the system needing emergency repairs. To maintain a cozy atmosphere, make sure it gets a check-up twice a year.
It Prevents Damage to Your Home
Summer temperatures in Las Vegas can pose problems without air conditioning and can inflict damage on your home. Heat accumulates inside your home when the air conditioner isn’t working. Excessive heat can result in issues like cracked walls and floors. You’ll be confronted with the dual expense of HVAC repairs and home repairs. Diligence with HVAC maintenance can help you sidestep this unnecessary expense.
It Improves Safety
HVAC systems are engineered to be safe with certain checks and balances in place. However, when the system is left to operate for extended periods without regular HVAC inspections, specific dangers can surface.
- Air conditioners contain refrigerant gas that can leak when tiny pinholes appear in the refrigerant pipeline. A refrigerant leak must be attended to immediately by a professional. Don’t attempt to fix a refrigerant leak yourself. The gas can cause severe irritation to the skin and eyes and is toxic when inhaled.
- Gas and oil furnaces contain volatile fuel that, should it leak, can lead to explosions. Gas leaks are also insidious. The poisonous carbon monoxide gas they emit is odorless and, when inhaled, can be fatal. A technician should always inspect heaters at the start of winter to ensure safety.
- Electrical connections connect the HVAC system to the rest of your home. Damaged wiring can spark a disastrous fire. On a routine maintenance call, the technician inspects the wiring and repairs loose or frayed wires.
Ready To Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up?
Now that you’re savvy about why regular HVAC maintenance is paramount, are you ready to put into action an annual HVAC maintenance plan? If these six reasons convinced you about the necessity of HVAC maintenance, reach out to your local HVAC company to deliberate about signing up for a maintenance plan.
At The Cooling Company, we vouch for seasonal HVAC tune-ups:
- one before the start of summer
- one before winter
Seasonal HVAC tune-ups will keep your heating and cooling system in stellar condition throughout the year.
Bi-annual HVAC preventative maintenance can avert unnecessary repairs and save you more money in the long run. The Cooling Company extends its services for air conditioning and heating maintenance all across the Las Vegas area, even to locations like Henderson, Summerlin, and North Las Vegas. To make maintenance more pocket-friendly, check our special offers. Please dial us at (702) 919-5681 for more comprehensive information and to schedule a maintenance appointment.
