Home Help Guides

Aug 9, 2024 | Michael Jestadt

Importance of HVAC Maintenance

HVAC systems can be an expensive and important investment for homeowners. Maintaining an HVAC system is similar to maintaining a car. You cannot drive your car smoothly without regularly maintaining it. Similarly, the HVAC system should be serviced regularly to extend reliability and longevity. Maintaining a home in a comfortable environment is most homeowners’ first priority. So, make sure that your HVAC system is properly maintained. In this article, we will explore the importance of HVAC maintenance.

Components of an HVAC System

HVAC systems are important for regulating air flow, temperature, and air quality. They are briefly explained below.

• Heating: The heating part of an HVAC system keeps your home warm during cold weather. It can include a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, which produces heat and spreads it through your home using ducts or radiators.
• Air Conditioning: The air conditioning part of an HVAC system cools and removes moisture from the air during hot weather. It has a central cooling system, like a compressor or condenser, that is responsible for cooling the air and sending it through ducts to your home.
• Thermostat: A thermostat is a control unit of the HVAC system that sets the required temperatures for your home. It controls heating and cooling temperatures, fan speed, and program schedules for better comfort and energy.
• Air Purifiers: Air purifiers can be installed in an HVAC system to improve the air quality in a living space. They are programmed with upgraded technology to remove bad odors, pollutants, and allergens from the air.
• Ventilation: Ventilation is responsible for the exchange of indoor and outdoor air through ducts, vents, and fans. It is important to replace stale air with fresh air, which controls moisture, odors, and contaminants present in the air.
• Air Filters: Air filters are important to prevent pollutants from circulating in your living spaces. They also help maintain better air quality by capturing dust particles, pet dander, and pollen. HEPA filters are the most preferred ones.

Types of HVAC Systems

Depending on home, climate, and personal needs, HVAC systems are available in several types. Each has its own benefits and their maintenance requirements. The most common ones are mentioned below:

Geothermal Systems

Geothermal HVAC systems use the earth’s temperature to provide heating and cooling. They work by circulating a mix of water and refrigerant through pipes called geothermal loops. These systems need enough land for the underground loops, but they come with many benefits:

• High Efficiency: These systems are very energy-efficient and affordable to run because they use the earth’s natural heat or coolness.
• Environmental Friendliness: Compared to traditional HVAC systems, they produce very few greenhouse gases, making your home more environmentally friendly.
• Longevity: Geothermal ones last longer than other HVAC systems and need little maintenance.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems cool or heat your living space without requiring ducts for airflow. They have an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units. Every indoor unit can be controlled individually, which allows you to adjust the temperature in different parts of your home.

• Energy Efficient: They are highly efficient in providing cooling and heating even though there is no duct.
• Flexible: The device can be installed in a new home or during remodeling easily because there is no need for ductwork.
• Zone Control: Each indoor unit can be adjusted independently, giving you personalized comfort in different areas of your home.
• Better Air Quality: Ductless systems have built-in filters that reduce contaminants in the air.

Why is HVAC Maintenance Necessary?

Regular HVAC maintenance is important for your system performance, saving energy, maintaining good air quality, and ensuring safety and cost savings. Your HVAC system is made up of many parts that will be damaged with regular use, so it needs regular check-ups. During annual maintenance, your HVAC technician will inspect your system thoroughly and determine if there are any potential issues. Most HVAC system warranties require proof that a licensed HVAC company has performed regular maintenance. If problems arise, you must show that your system has been properly maintained to keep your warranty valid.

Importance of Regular HVAC Maintenance

1. Increase the Life Of Your System

The lifespan of your HVAC system can vary. Most homeowners claim it to be 15 to 20 years, but 30 years is even better. Regular maintenance can help extend your system’s life significantly. Since a new air conditioner costs around $5,700 and a new gas furnace ranges from $3,000 to $4,000, keeping your current system running longer can save you a lot of money.

2. Better Air Quality

Your HVAC system has air filters that need to be regularly changed. These filters help keep things like dust, pet dander, pollen, and bacteria out of the air in your home. By keeping the filters clean, they can better eliminate these particles and maintain better air quality in your home. Changing the filters regularly helps maintain your home’s air quality.

3.  Reduce Energy Bills

When your HVAC system is well-maintained, it runs more efficiently, which helps reduce your energy costs. Clean filters and properly working parts mean the system is in better condition, which saves you money. It’s also important for your HVAC technician to check your thermostat. Slowly, the thermostat can lose its accuracy, so ensure it’s correctly calibrated, which helps your system work better and saves you more money.

4. Protect Your Warranty

HVAC systems come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and we feel safe even though if some issue happens to the system, that will be covered in the warranty. However, you have to know that some brands will only cover your warranty if your HVAC system is regularly serviced. You need to do annual maintenance to maintain a warranty. We suggest you set up a home maintenance schedule. Have your furnace checked in the fall before it starts working hard to heat your home, and have your air conditioner serviced in the spring before it begins cooling your home.

5. Avoid Costly Repairs

Regular maintenance helps to avoid unexpected and costly repairs. Your HVAC technician can check your system and find any potential issues early, allowing you to fix them before they become emergencies or costly repairs.

6. Consistent Heating And Cooling

Regular maintenance helps your HVAC system run efficiently, ensuring consistent heating and cooling in your home. Your air conditioner or furnace won’t struggle to maintain temperature. A clean and well-maintained system provides steady comfort and saves you money.

7. Keep It Environmentally Friendly

When your HVAC system is in fit condition with regular maintenance, it’s better for the environment. A smooth running system means you have less impact on the environment. You can also help by adjusting your thermostat: lower it by one or two degrees in winter and raise it by one or two degrees in summer. This makes your system run less and is more environmentally friendly.

8. Peace of Mind As A Homeowner

Regular maintenance on your HVAC system gives you peace of mind. It helps prevent situations where you wake up when your heating system has stopped working, and your home is freezing. No one wants to face emergencies like having no heat or air conditioning. Regular maintenance ensures your system is in good condition, reducing the chance of unexpected problems.

Schedule Maintenance With Smart Heating and Air Conditioning

Now you know why HVAC maintenance is important. By keeping up with regular maintenance, you can save money, breathe cleaner air, and stay comfortable in your home. Get ready to enjoy consistent comfort and peace of mind with your HVAC system. Trust Smart Heating and Air Conditioning for expert maintenance, repair, and installation services. Contact us today or schedule your service through our website to keep your home comfortable all year round.