There are few systems that impact your day-to-day quality of life at home more than your HVAC system. However, many people don’t know how frequently their HVAC unit needs to be serviced or when to change the filter. Not taking care of this kind of basic maintenance can have serious consequences for your health and comfort at home, in addition to creating the potential for more expensive breakdowns to deal with. If you think your HVAC system may need some maintenance, keep reading for some tips on when to schedule an appointment.
When should you schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment?
The main thing to keep in mind when scheduling an HVAC maintenance appointment is the timing. Many homeowners forget about their HVAC system and don’t think to have a technician come by to maintain it nearly as often as they should. This can result in an increase in the frequency of breakdowns, diminished efficiency, and higher energy bills. Your HVAC should be thoroughly inspected by an experienced professional at least once annually.
Another common problem that can cause your HVAC to malfunction or increase the presence of contaminants in your home is neglecting to change the filter frequently enough. Your HVAC system’s filter should be changed at least every 90 days. An extremely dirty filter can even cause warm air to come out the back of your air conditioning unit, which forces it to work even harder to keep your house cool. Not only will this increase your energy costs, but it will also shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner.
If you’re having frequent trouble with your HVAC and the system is over 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. If you don’t have an ENERGY STAR system, you may want to consider investing in one. They are much more efficient than other models and can save you a significant amount of money over the course of the year.
Why is HVAC maintenance so important?
First-time homeowners or those new to having an HVAC unit may wonder why it’s so important to keep your HVAC in good working order. The impact of a broken or inefficient HVAC system on your health and comfort at home can be significant. Your HVAC’s primary function is to heat and cool your home, which it won’t be able to do on a consistent basis if it isn’t maintained properly. Additionally, maintenance can prevent costly breakdowns and extend the life of the system itself.
Your HVAC system is also an essential part of maintaining the indoor air quality in your home. Poor air quality can affect your health in a number of ways. It has primarily been linked to a variety of heart and lung problems. Some of the conditions that can be caused or worsened by breathing in contaminated or polluted air include coronary artery disease, emphysema, respiratory infections, stroke, and cancer. In pregnant women, it has also been shown to contribute to the incidence of birth defects.
There are major fiscal and health-related reasons to make sure your HVAC unit is always taken care of. Your HVAC system is also a necessary part of keeping your home comfortable. If your HVAC breaks down, you may even find that you won’t be able to have it repaired under the terms of your warranty, as many companies require proof of annual maintenance to be submitted along with your claim. No matter where you live or how old your HVAC system is, you need to ensure it is inspected annually and has its filter changed on a regular basis. Taking care of your HVAC system is one of the most worthwhile tasks for any homeowner to prioritize.
