Regular HVAC maintenance keeps your HVAC system running more efficiently for longer. But it’s not just about comfort, a well-maintained HVAC system keeps your family safe and healthy, all while saving you money.
Here’s how maintaining your HVAC system impacts its performance, longevity and improves your indoor air quality.
Extend Your HVAC System’s Life
Manufacturers typically promise a lifespan of 10 to 15 years for a well-kept HVAC system. However, with routine maintenance, your system may last much longer.
Regular maintenance prevents the buildup of dust and debris, which cause your system to overwork and burn out sooner.
Improve Indoor Air Quality and Safety
Dirty HVAC systems circulate air contaminated with pollutants or allergens, or even viruses and bacteria throughout your home.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) points out that well-maintained and regularly cleaned air-conditioning systems can aid in eliminating airborne transmission of viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and other airborne pathogens.
ASHRAE emphasizes that proper ventilation and filtration are key to reducing the concentration of airborne contaminants, including viruses, within indoor spaces. Regular cleaning of HVAC units ensures that they provide optimal air exchange and filtration to minimize the risk of airborne disease transmission.
Regular maintenance of HVAC systems is also critical to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) leaks. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal in high concentrations and has multiple health implications even in small doses.
If gas-powered HVAC units, such as furnaces and boilers, aren’t properly maintained, they can develop cracks or leaks, allowing CO to escape inside instead of being safely vented outdoors.
Regular Maintenance Makes Financial Sense
Millian Aire AC & Heating suggest you schedule a yearly or bi-yearly maintenance of your AC unit. You may feel like it’s an inconvenient expense, but in reality, it’s likely to save you a lot of money. A well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently, reducing your energy bills.
Catching HVAC issues before they result in system failures saves you from expensive emergency repairs down the line, especially when your HVAC goes out in extreme weather, and you need it fixed immediately.
We might not care or remember about maintenance until it’s 11pm on a Friday night and our AC unit won’t turn on while it’s 85 degrees outside – it’s then that we kick ourselves for not getting our unit serviced earlier.
The Dangers of Skipping AC Maintenance
A neglected HVAC system is a ticking time bomb, waiting to fail in extreme weather when you need it most. Unmaintained systems work harder to achieve the same level of temperature control, leading to premature wear and tear on components.
Skipping regular HVAC maintenance may not seem like a big deal, but it’s a gamble not worth taking.
Here’s what you might be risking:
- Unnecessary energy consumption: A dirty or unmaintained system requires more energy (and money) to cool or heat your home.
- System inefficiencies: Components strained by dirt and wear struggle to function, which means a house that won’t stay at the temperature you set.
- Breakdowns when you need your system most: Without regular checks, your system is more likely to fail during extreme temperatures when you most need temperature control.
- Backed up drain line: With every system maintenance, all systems are checked and the drain line is cleared out. This means your system is less likely to shut off due to a backed up drain line which is the most common cause of a shut down AC unit.
- Voided warranties: Regular maintenance is often a condition of the warranty, so failing to maintain your AC could also void your warranty.
- Health risks: A dirty HVAC unit can harbor viruses, bacteria, mold, and other pathogens that continuously circulate through your home and get your family sick.
6-Month vs. 12-Month HVAC Maintenance Schedule?
Which is better: a six-month or twelve-month maintenance schedule? As a rule, more cleaning won’t hurt. However, there’s no reason to clean a system more than necessary.
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions or if your system is older or has had issues in the past, a six-month schedule may be safest. For newer systems or those in milder climates, an annual check is likely fine.
Millian Aire suggests a 6-month maintenance schedule due to the extreme heat and wear of our systems here in Florida.
What Does HVAC Maintenance Include?
- Inspection and cleaning of all system components
- Thermostat settings calibration
- Checking refrigerant levels and refilling if necessary
- Cleaning out the drain line
How to Maintain Your Warranty
Staying on top of your maintenance schedule is essential for keeping your warranty intact. Most warranties have clauses that require regular professional servicing. After all, HVAC systems aren’t designed to run without maintenance.
By sticking to a maintenance schedule, you’re not just protecting your system—you’re protecting your investment.
Maintaining your HVAC system is an investment in your family’s comfort, health, and household savings. Regular cleaning and inspection extend the life of your system, ensure the air you breathe is clean, and keep your energy bills in check.
Don’t wait for a system failure. Schedule your next maintenance appointment with Millian Aire today and take the first step towards a healthier, more efficient home environment.
