The Benefits Of Annual HVAC Service For AC And Heating
You may have heard that regular maintenance for your heating and air conditioning is important, but is it really? What happens if you skip a service, or don’t even know the last time the system was serviced?
We get asked this question often here at McDonnell Mechanical. And what we can say for sure is that there are great reasons behind recommending you have your system serviced twice a year- once in the Spring for air conditioning, and once in the Fall for your heater- and these regular checkups and service can save you money in the long run.
Why Should I Get My System Serviced?
You probably hear that you should have your HVAC system serviced all the time, but WHY should you have your HVAC system serviced? Here are a few reasons:
- Regular service helps you maintain your warranty. Just like getting oil changes at regular intervals for your car, regular service appointments not only helps you maintain the warranty on your system which often runs for 10 years or longer, but it can catch problems before they become serious, helping you get any needed repairs covered by your warranty!
- Regular service can prevent more expensive repairs. While this is true for all the parts of your system, the outdoor condenser is exposed to the elements. In an area like ours, salt air can lead to corrosion in your system. Regular maintenance can help spot any rust/corrosion, and you can get ahead of it before it gets serious, and leads to having to replace a whole system prematurely!
- Regular maintenance and filter changes helps your system run efficiently. When you regularly change your air filters and get your system tuned up, you’ll end up having a system that works more efficiently and will save you money every month with lower energy bills. Small tweaks on an air conditioner can increase efficiency by 10-15%.
- Improved indoor air quality. With new air filters and regular cleaning of your HVAC system, it will lead to cleaner and healthier air in your home. If you have a filter that’s clogged and ducts full off debris, that’s what is going to circulate in the air of your home.
- Checking your heating system can save your life! Because HVAC systems heat and cool the air, the metal in them expands and contracts- and is subject to metal fatigue over time. Small cracks can develop, and carbon monoxide can get into the air and get to dangerous levels in the winter. Regular maintenance of your furnace/heater can help look for signs of incomplete combustion, carbon monoxide leaks, and other problems that can not only lead to higher energy bills, but actually affect your health and safety.
What Do We Check During An Inspection?
A typical air conditioning inspection will check and test:
- Thermostat
- Electrical connections
- Air filter
- Blower assembly
- Condenser motor and fan
- Motors and bearings
- Capacitors
- Contactors and relays
- Compressor voltage and amps
- Condenser coils
- Condensate drain
- Compressor operation
- Proper refrigerant levels
A typical furnace inspection will check and test:
- Thermostat
- Electrical connections and fuses
- Heat strips or combustion (depending on electric or gas)
- Outside vent/chimney exhaustion
- Air filter
- Burners and pilot assembly
- Heat exchanger
- Carbon monoxide levels near furnace and heat registers
- Ignition and flame sensing device
- Gas safeties, fan safeties and fan limits
- Blower assembly
- Condensate drainage
- Blower belt
- Motors and bearings
- Capacitor
- Manifold pressure
- Gas leaks
- Temperature rise (indicates how well the unit is performing)
- A complete system cycle
These annual inspections are low cost and can greatly increase the lifespan of your HVAC system, as well as keep your energy bills lower. While we’re happy to sell you a new heating or air conditioning system, we know you’re probably as thrifty as we are, and would much rather keep your current system in good repair, than spend money on a new system which could cost $15,000 or more! If you aren’t sure when your system was last serviced, or want to get your system serviced, especially at the end of the summer season, give us a call here at McDonnell Mechanical. We’re happy to set up an appointment for the Fall and make sure your system is ready for whatever Mother Nature dishes out, while making the most of your home on the Outer Cape!
Whether you live on the Cape year-round or own an investment/rental property, having a reliable HVAC system is important. We recommend annual HVAC service for both your heating and air conditioning every year- but why is this important?
