5 Ways to Prevent Costly HVAC Repairs
Let’s face it, replacing HVAC systems is horrifically expensive. You cannot afford to buy a new system every season when problems pile up. The systems are running throughout the year and consume a lot of energy. Therefore, just like your cars, your HVAC systems need to be frequently cleaned, checked-up, and maintained to reduce expensive repairs in the future.
Here are some ways for homeowners to prevent costly HVAC Repairs.
Invest in Regular Maintenance
Image from Flickr by Schezar
In each year, your HVAC ought to be cleaned and well-maintained by an expert. This helps keep the system running at maximum capacity, prevent high energy costs, and make the HVAC last longer. Constant maintenance services will also reduce up to 95 percent of constant repairs.
You should also pay attention to your HVAC system, staying alert for odd noises, smells, and indoor air quality changes. When you identify any changes in your indoor atmosphere, call a professional HVAC contractor immediately. The faster you address these issues, the less damage will be done.
Clean the Outside Unit
After some time, your outdoor air conditioning system will start collecting debris, grass clipping, and dirt throughout the year. This not only results in reduced airflow, but it will also consume more energy and increase your bills. Ensure that your HVAC is kept on a flat surface, remove any twigs, and debris from the area.
You should also prune back plants and shrubs around the HVAC. If there’s debris around the device, clear it away using a dry vacuum. Wash down any dirt using a garden hose and get rid of the grit by wiping the HVAC inside and outside.
Schedule a Ductwork and Air Filters Inspection
Since your HVAC systems are always running, they’ll collect debris and grunge, which prevent airflow in the systems. These and other pests such as microbes, pathogens, dander, and dust mites can weaken the ductwork and air filters as they generate leaks for air to escape.
Ducts should be inspected annually while changing the filters regularly. Constant inspection can help to improve indoor air quality, keep you healthy, and keep the HVAC system from damage. Your HVAC will also spend less energy, saving on your monthly bills.
Don’t Fix the Issues Yourself
Many people make a mistake by attempting to fix HVAC problems without expert advice. They risk damaging their HVAC systems, which can cause major damages and breach the warranty agreement. Some people are forced to replace the entire systems depending on the damage caused in general.
Calling an expert is a guarantee in fixing your problem, reducing energy bills, and preventing the problem from recurring in the future. You can subscribe to an emergency maintenance plan and access emergency services anytime. Contractors will normally give you a discount on their maintenance services when you have this plan.
With constant maintenance, cleaning, and check-ups, you’ll save on your yearly budget and also keep your HVAC system for longer. However, at times, problems may overwhelm your system, with the repair costs rising every year. In this case, it’s recommended that you replace your HVAC since it’s less costly.