Want your home to feel comfortable no matter what season throws at it?
Homeowners rarely think about their heating and cooling system until it stops working. The furnace won’t turn on in January… or the AC dies during a heat wave in July. By that point it’s already too late (and too costly).
Here’s the truth:
Regular seasonal HVAC maintenance will save you money and trouble later. What’s even better? Most of it is pretty simple.
Why Year-Round HVAC Care Matters
Did you know your HVAC system actually works harder than almost any other appliance in your home? Your HVAC system operates thousands of hours per year, circulating air through filters, ductwork and coils all day long.
So when it’s neglected? Things break.
Plus it’s supported by data. The U.S. Department of Energy says that routine maintenance can lower energy consumption by up to 30%. That isn’t chump change, that’s hundreds of dollars saved on your energy bills annually.
Yearly furnace maintenance keeps your family safe too. Carbon monoxide leaks can occur when you have a cracked heat exchanger or clogged burner. That’s why scheduling annual service from a reliable local team such as Nichols Plumbing, Electrical, & HVAC is one of the smartest things a homeowner can do. They take care of the technical details of furnace maintenance.
The benefits of year-round HVAC care:
Pretty hard to argue with that, right?
Furnace Maintenance: The Yearly Tune-Up You Can’t Skip
Proper furnace maintenance is the most important task to take care of before winter arrives.
Why? Because it typically sits unused for months. Dust accumulates. Belts loosen. Burners become dirty. Then it’s supposed to perform at full blast when it gets cold.
That’s a recipe for a breakdown.
A yearly furnace tune-up should include:
Neglecting these tasks can have serious consequences. An obstructed filter alone can raise your energy consumption 5 to 15 percent, the U.S. Department of Energy says. That can add up quickly during a long winter.
Here’s a quick warning sign list:
If any of those are happening, it’s time to book a service call.
Getting The AC Ready For Cooling Season
Now flip the script for warm weather.
Similar to furnace maintenance, your AC requires some TLC before summer hits. Your condenser unit lives outside all exposed to the elements, leaves and dirt all season. Your evaporator coils get coated in grime. Refrigerant levels can slowly leak away without you even realizing it.
A spring tune-up should cover:
A clean, properly tuned AC consumes significantly less electricity. Many homeowners who keep up with regular seasonal service notice a 10-20% reduction on their cooling costs. That can add up to a significant amount of money each summer.
The Most Overlooked Part Of HVAC Care
Ready for the simplest tip in this article?
Change. Your. Filter.
Listen. Your air filter is by far the least expensive, simplest, most neglected aspect of HVAC maintenance… and it greatly affects your system’s performance.
Restricted airflow results from a dirty filter. The blower motor struggles to keep up. Furnace & AC units run longer to reach thermostat temperature. Systems wear out more quickly.
How often should it be changed? Generally every 1 to 3 months depending on:
Put an alarm on your phone. Purchase a 6-pack of filters, stash them in a closet. It seriously couldn’t be simpler than that.
Habits That Extend Your System’s Life
Your HVAC system should last you 15-20 years. Some will last longer, some die at 10 years. It almost always depends on how you treat it.
Smart habits that add years of life:
Consider a car as an example. If you don’t change the oil, your engine will die prematurely. Same goes for HVAC units.
There’s a line between DIY-friendly tasks and stuff that needs a licensed technician.
Safe DIY tasks:
Call a pro for:
Do-it-yourselfers wind up with larger repair estimates when tackling technical tasks. Some jobs are worth hiring out.
Maintaining a comfortable home year-round can be easy. It’s all about developing some good habits, and scheduling 2 service calls per year.
To quickly recap:
HVAC systems are expensive to replace and problems always occur when you need them most. Preventative maintenance doesn’t take much effort on your part… and the savings on energy costs alone will cover your service calls.
Comfortable home, lower bills, fewer surprises. That’s a win all year round.
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