Just as your beloved vehicle requires a regular oil change and the occasional inspection, your air conditioning system should receive the same level of attention. Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and replacements and should occur at least once a year. A typical HVAC system will survive anywhere between 10 to 15 years, so if yours is demonstrating unwanted signals before then, it may be time to give your HVAC service a ring.
What Entails HVAC Maintenance?
Your air conditioning technician is responsible for scrutinizing up to 30 separate components—any one of which can contribute to your system’s downfall. To ensure that your system is functioning at peak capacity, your technician will service both outdoor condenser and interior units, employing tasks such as:
- Washing condenser and evaporator coils, condensate lines, and drain pans
- Replacing worn-out pulleys and belts
- Lubricating moving parts on the system fan
- Evaluating electrical connections
- Testing and replacing thermostats, if necessary
- Cleaning blowers and blades
- Analyzing refrigerant levels
- Removing any debris from condenser units
- Measuring humidity levels
- Cleaning and replacing filters, if necessary
The Benefits of HVAC Maintenance
Servicing your air conditioning system doesn’t only benefit your home—it also satisfies skyrocketing utility bills and a lack of comfort. Regular maintenance will work to your advantage in several ways.
It Helps to Increase Energy Efficiency
Dust, dirt, and other accumulating particles in coils and filters are a bigger problem than most homeowners let on. As air travels through your system, restricted flow decreases efficiency by up to 5% every year. Without regular cleaning, your system works harder to provide the same comfort level as it usually would.
It Provides Optimal Comfort
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling spaces the way it used to, you might wrongfully seek a replacement when the solution lies in maintenance. If any build-up impacts the heat exchange process, you may be turning your thermostat down low to achieve the ideal temperature. By instead monitoring refrigerant levels, you can save yourself the expense of a full replacement.
It Extends Your System’s Lifespan
Occasional tune-ups prevent more significant problems from occurring and, thus, increase the longevity of your system. A yearly HVAC inspection is enough to bump your system’s lifespan by up to 15 years.
Some HVAC manufacturers will require regular maintenance as part of their warranty, under which you’ll have to present inspection history to make a claim.
The Homeowner’s Responsibility
Though most unit maintenance will be at the hands of a qualified technician, homeowners can undertake a few tasks to contribute to its upkeep. Easy duties include cleaning and replacing filters, keeping the area surrounding outdoor units neat, and making sure all systems are clear of any obstructions.
Conclusion
Nothing exacerbates the unforgiving summer heat like a dysfunctional HVAC system. With regular maintenance, you won’t be making a dent in your savings but rather keeping costlier repairs and replacements at bay.
Reliance Air provides onshore and offshore technical support, ensuring that we get the job done right the first time. We understand the costly implications of replacing your system. We do our best to prevent that from happening with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to perform the best possible HVAC maintenance.
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