Your HVAC is an essential part of your home. It is the primary source of heating and cooling, and as such, it should be cared for correctly to allow it to function as it needs, when you need it to.
However, many people fail to carry out regular servicing and maintenance, meaning that when they come to rely on it through seasonal changes, it isn’t working as it should.
Much like anything, HVAC systems can be subject to wear and tear, and over time they can sustain damages, accumulate build-up in filters and fans, or simply need upgrades and repairs from incorrect usage.
Maintaining your HVAC is vital, and this post looks at the dangers of not maintaining your HVAC.
Increased Bills
First off, a poorly maintained HVAC system can massively increase energy consumption which leads to increased bills. Reports suggest inadequate HVAC systems can increase energy consumption by 30%, which is a massive amount over a month. And in a time where bills are already reaching excessive highs, the last thing you want is to pay any more than you need to when switching on your air-con or heating. So cut those bills and hire experienced HVAC service companies to ensure your heating and cooling system is in good working order and not using excessive amounts of energy.
Increased Risk of Fires
HVAC fires can be caused by multiple issues in your system. If you aren’t having it checked out and serviced regularly, you can be overlooking potential fire hazards, and with over 350,000 home fires each year in the US, the last thing you want is to find out it was your HVAC that started it.
From wires becoming loose over time or due to being fitted incorrectly to a build-up of dirt, dust, and debris, gas leaks, motor issues due to too little or no lubrication or voltage issues, HVAC systems, much like any other home appliance, can result in a fire. If you smell burnings and rotten eggs or you hear excessive noise from your HVAC, it is time to get it checked by professionals. Call an experienced engineer such as Merlin’s AC & Plumbing. We have you covered for all of your plumbing, drain and water heater needs!
Lower Temperature Control
If your heating system isn’t working correctly or something has gone awry in the programming, you could potentially find you have less control over the temperature. This could be your home not being heated or cooled to the desired or set temperature. It can mean the system turns itself on and off at random intervals or simply doesn’t do anything at all despite you switching it to the proper settings.
Loud Noises
We’re all aware of the sound of failing machinery and equipment, and your HVAC is no different. If you aren’t caring for your heating and cooling equipment, it will inevitably lead to part breaking and malfunctioning. In turn, this will lead to more noise during operation as the damaged parts become loose or are put under more significant pressure. If you notice this is happening in your home, then you need to get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid further damage or even a total breakdown altogether.
Reduced Indoor Air Quality
Your HVAC keeps your home cool during the warmer weather, and it also helps to improve air quality too. It traps allergens and contaminants and filters them out. This action is essential for people with allergies such as hay fever which can worsen during the warmer months.
As such, relying on your HVAC to provide cleaner air quality inside your home can be a lifesaver. However, if your system is neglected or past due a service, you might find it isn’t as effective as it once was at performing this task.
Higher Repair Costs
Many people wonder why they should pay for an HVAC service if it appears fine. After all, it doesn’t need any work on it if it’s still working, right? Wrong. Preventative measures are always cheaper than emergency repairs, and carrying out regular services can help you to spot any issues going on at that time or even preempt any repairs you could experience in the coming months.
You should be getting your HVAC serviced every year, 6 months, if you use a heat pump system to ensure everything is in working order. Neglecting this annual task can result in you needing to pay for more repairs at increased emergency call-out costs when it isn’t working as you need it to when you need it to. So while it might seem like you’re wasting your money, in reality paying for your yearly service will help to keep your costs down.
Shorter Lifespan
The lifespan of a HVAC unit can be from 10 to 25 years. This is a massive difference and is a costly undertaking when you need to replace the whole system. Failing to carry out repairs or undergo routine maintenance on your HVAC will most definitely reduce the lifespan of the system and put you at risk of a massive failure and huge bills for repairs or replacements.
If you want to get the most from your investment, you need to have your system properly maintained every single year and have repairs carried out as soon as you need them. This can stop complete system failure and help you to get the most from your HVAC for as long as possible.
Conclusion
Much like anything with moving or electrical components, your HVAC is susceptible to damage and wear and tear. Whether from poor installation, faulty parts, incorrect usage, or inadequate maintenance, the results will be the same. For an effective HVAC system, you need to be proactive in getting the repairs done swiftly and ensuring it has regular servicing. Many experts agree that the best time to do this is prior to your heaviest usage period. For those in warmer climates who use the air conditioning more than standard, it will be during the season you use it the least, so you know it is in good working order when you need it. And if you use it more in the colder months, then you need to service your HVAC before the temperature drops, and you rely on it to keep your home warm.
