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 is probably 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.
HVAC systems are durable, and for a while, 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 maintenance.
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. 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 you will lose the extended warranty benefits. 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.
Without annual tune-ups, parts will wear out sooner, and the unit’s performance will suffer. In addition, you’ll notice the difference in energy efficiency, with higher energy use and 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. The difference with an HVAC system is that you don’t have a mileage indicator to determine when servicing is due. 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 is proven the best way to keep HVAC equipment 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.
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.
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. This 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 family member’s health, it’s important to schedule bi-annual HVAC maintenance. On a proper maintenance visit, your HVAC technician will perform tasks like changing the air filters and address any questions you may have about the cleanliness of your ducts.
To further improve air quality, increase the ventilation through the house by opening a window or door. 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.
6. Additional Benefits of Preventative HVAC Maintenance
As professionals in the HVAC industry, we can confirm that regular HVAC maintenance is the key to a well-functioning system. However, did you know preventative maintenance also has 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 located 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 stop to think about how they make our lives comfortable until they malfunction and affect our comfort level. Don’t wait until the system needs emergency repairs. To stay comfortable, make sure it gets a check-up twice a year.
It Prevents Damage to Your Home
Summer temperatures in Las Vegas are unpleasant without air conditioning and can damage your home. Heat builds up inside your home when the air conditioner isn’t working. Excessive heat can damage your home’s interior, such as cracked walls and floors. You’ll be facing the double expense of HVAC repairs and home repairs. Being diligent with HVAC maintenance will avoid this unnecessary expense.
It Improves Safety
HVAC systems are designed to be safe with certain checks and balances in place. However, when the system is left to run for long periods without regular HVAC inspections, certain dangers can present themselves.
- 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 understand why regular HVAC maintenance is important, are you ready to implement an annual HVAC maintenance plan? If these six reasons have convinced you of the necessity of HVAC maintenance, contact your local HVAC company to discuss signing up for a maintenance plan.
At The Cooling Company, we recommend 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 tip-top condition throughout the year.
Bi-annual HVAC preventative maintenance can prevent unnecessary repairs and save you money in the long run. The Cooling Company offers air conditioning and heating maintenance across the Las Vegas area, including Henderson, Summerlin, and North Las Vegas. To make maintenance more affordable, check our special offers. Call us at (702) 919-5681 for more information and to schedule a maintenance appointment.
