HVAC Repair – All You Need To Know
HVAC systems are normally used during winter and summer seasons. Unfortunately, these systems can malfunction without any warning when needed the most. Therefore, it is recommended you implement measures to prevent costly HVAC repairs; the following tips might help you.
The transition from air conditioning to heating puts a lot of strain on the HVAC system in your home. Even if your AC system runs smoothly throughout the warm season, the HVAC system switches to heating when the cold season arrives, and the entire system may not be performing optimally. The result will be exorbitant energy bills, or worse, the system can malfunction and burden you with high repair bills.
It is incredibly costly to replace your HVAC system. Therefore, homeowners need to implement the following tips for preventing expensive HVAC repairs.
Article Summary:
– Why HVAC maintenance is crucial
– Replacement costs for HVAC systems
– 6 top tips to prevent costly heating and AC repairs
– The importance of HVAC maintenance
When people invest in costly HVAC systems, they often fail to maintain their heating system properly. HVAC systems are like cars – they need proper maintenance and care to function optimally. The ideal HVAC system can keep your home cool or warm for many years, so HVAC maintenance is crucial.
Lower Energy Bills
One of the main reasons why you should maintain your HVAC equipment regularly is to reduce utility bills. A properly-serviced HVAC system that is also well-insulated operates efficiently so that you will incur lower energy bills. Besides saving money on energy bills, you can also save money on repair costs since maintenance can lower the frequency of breakdowns.
Clean Healthy Air
A properly serviced and repaired HVAC system will not just keep your home comfortable all the time; it will also ensure the air in your home is clean and healthy. Cleaner coils and filters mean clean air at all times. If you fail to maintain your HVAC system, you can expect to have many airborne contaminants circulating in your home.
Increased Lifespan of Your HVAC System
The longevity of your HVAC system is dependent on how well you service the unit. Since replacement costs are usually high, you can avoid costs by having your HVAC equipment serviced by a professional after every couple of months.
When your unit is serviced regularly and fixed by a professional whenever it breaks down, you can expect it to function energy efficiently. Poorly maintained units are usually dirty and can consume 20% more energy to provide the same heating or cooling level as a perfectly maintained HVAC system.
Fewer Emergency Repairs
Emergency repairs are usually more costly than scheduled HVAC repair (billing best). HVAC systems that are serviced regularly usually break down less often, which means they are much more reliable. By having your heater and air conditioner serviced by a competent HVAC contractor, you will have peace of mind knowing that your unit will serve you well whenever you need it.
HVAC Replacement Costs in the USA
Households that fail to service their HVAC systems regularly can be assured of frequent breakdowns and a shorter lifespan. This means that they will need to replace their unit before the end of its expected life.
If this happens, homeowners will need to fork out up to $15,000, or even more, to replace their units. While the price may seem steep, the actual cost will depend on the following:
Size of the unit
The efficiency of the unit
Technology or features you choose
The contractor chose to do the installation.
Please note that air conditioners do not usually last as long as furnaces, so if you had the two systems installed simultaneously, you would need to replace your air conditioner first before you can have the furnace replaced. The difference can be 5 or more years.
You can look at the furnace and air conditioner like conjoined twins; they each have their compartments, yet they share the same blower motor.
If you spend money on upgrading your air conditioner but leave the blower and furnace, you will be wasting your money as half of the system will still be inefficient.
The point here is that if you plan to upgrade your AC system to a unit with a SEER rating of at least 16, then it’s best also to upgrade the furnace simultaneously.
Good to know…
SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It starts from 13 to 21 and measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioner. The higher the score, the higher the unit’s efficiency when it comes to cooling your home and lowering your energy bills.
AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, is a measure of a furnace’s efficiency and is given as a percentage ranging from 80% to 100%. The higher the percentage rating, the higher the furnace’s efficiency, so you can save on energy costs.
6 Important Tips for preventing HVAC repairs
#1 Clean the Heat Pump or Condenser
The outdoor unit of an air conditioner, the condenser, and the heat pump can get visibly dirty over time, forcing the system to work hard to cool or warm up your home.
By cleaning the condenser and heat pump, you can reduce the probability of damage to the HVAC equipment’s internal components. You must ensure no debris on top or sides of your HVAC system’s outdoor units.
#2 Check the Air Filter
One company that does HVAC in Bradley IL says, “One of the most common causes of furnace repairs is dirty air filters. By checking your filters regularly and having them changed after every couple of months, you can significantly improve your air conditioning system’s efficiency and reduce your furnace repair costs. You’ll also reduce the likelihood of molds.”
Ideally, filters should be changed monthly to prevent them from getting clogged by dirt. If you have pets, you may have to clean and replace your filters more frequently.
#3 Regular Professional Check-Up
When your HVAC system is being checked, a team of HVAC professionals will open up the system and inspect the internal components. They will also make some adjustments to ensure your HVAC system functions optimally. Depending on the choice of contractor, the technicians may do the following:
confirm that the fan is working flawlessly
clean the coils
check the air filter and change it if necessary
clean drain lines
check the level of refrigerant
check for leaks
inspect the heat exchanger for leaks
A check-up should be done at least once every year.
#4 Have the Ductwork Inspected
Many microbes, pathogens, dust, pet dander, and pests can be found in the air ducts. Therefore, you should consider having your air ducts inspected and cleaned annually.
#5 Adjust the Thermostat Accordingly
To save energy, you need to turn the AC and heater up or down as required to lower energy consumption. For instance, if there is nobody at home, you don’t need the AC to be set that low or for the heater to be set that high.
6. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Some smart thermostats and controllers can help you adjust your furnace and heater automatically. Not only are they convenient, but they can also help you cut down on energy bills.