If the question is, “Does an HVAC system need annual maintenance?” then the answer is: no, not really, but that comes with quite a few caveats. If a homeowner wants to know if they should maintain their system annually, the answer is: most definitely.
Maintaining a heating and cooling system is not strictly necessary – it won’t cause your system to break down immediately – but not doing it may end up costing you more than a simple checkup. Having the system inspected and tuned up annually by an HVAC technician prevents several problems.
Higher Energy Usage and Bills
Annual maintenance of an HVAC system keeps it running at its peak efficiency. Without a regular tune-up, a heating and cooling system can begin requiring more energy to run. As more years go by without a tune-up, this energy requirement can climb higher and higher. If homeowners want to keep their energy bills as low as possible, then maintaining their HVAC system is a crucial first step.
Shorter HVAC System Lifespan
When the furnace and air conditioning unit is not maintained regularly, their expected lifespan can be shortened drastically. The same problems that can increase energy bills by making the system run harder can cause it to break down for good in far less than its 10 or 15-year lifespan. Replacing an HVAC system is quite costly. If homeowners want to put it off as long as possible, they need to have annual maintenance done on their system.
More Expensive Repairs
An improperly maintained heating and cooling system will experience more breakdowns than one that has yearly maintenance done by a professional. Homeowners who choose not to have their system regularly maintained may find themselves paying for repeated repairs until the system experiences a complete failure.
Maintenance Contracts Vs. Individual Visits
Most homeowners understand the importance of an efficient HVAC system. Most companies offer two options for annual maintenance. They can either schedule a technician to come each year for a special visit or they can establish a maintenance contract with an HVAC company.
Generally, a single maintenance visit costs between $70 to $150, but that can vary depending on the location of your home and the complexity of your system. Maintenance contracts, on the other hand, tend to be slightly cheaper, but offer more benefits. Homeowners with a maintenance contract usually receive discounts on repairs and sometimes replacements to their systems. A maintenance contract may also offer bi-annual visits from a technician for only roughly the same cost as a single individual visit.
A heating and air conditioning system that is a week or even a month late for its yearly checkup shouldn’t cause homeowners too much worry, but regular maintenance does keep your system’s costs lower and makes for a longer lifespan. If you need regular HVAC maintenance, contact Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing today.
