What Happens When You Skip HVAC Maintenance?

Have you ever wondered why experts recommend getting your heating and cooling system periodically maintained? The overarching reason is to prevent a wide range of problems. For instance, according to the Department of Energy, neglecting necessary maintenance for your AC equipment will result in both increased energy consumption and lower equipment performance.

HVAC maintenance should be done twice a year: one tune-up for the AC during spring and one tune-up for the heater during fall. Though certain maintenance tasks are things you can easily do yourself, such as changing the air filter, this won't be enough to prevent issues like the ones below.

Lukewarm Airflow

A poorly maintained HVAC unit will build up dust and grime in the evaporator coil and condenser coil. An evaporator coil caked in dust will have a lot of difficulties removing heat from circulated air to make it cooler. An overly dusty condenser coil won't effectively release heat from the refrigerant, hindering the overall cooling process.

Higher Energy Bills

Dirty systems do more than leave your rooms with lukewarm air. Because your AC system’s components are working harder and longer to reach the desired temperature on your thermostat, the system will use more energy than it did previously. This will result in higher electricity bills.

During a maintenance visit, a technician can catch additional issues that would otherwise raise your cooling costs. These often include a faulty motor, foliage and debris in the outdoor unit, air leaks in the ductwork, and fan motors that lack lubrication.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Dust-encrusted HVAC equipment compromises your home's indoor air quality. Your system will end up blowing those particles through your ductwork into each room in your home. Additionally, when dust collects in your ductwork, this invites additional contaminants to gather there, like mold spores, which can begin to grow if moisture levels allow it.

A Shorter Life Span for Your System

As mentioned above, a lack of maintenance causes heating and cooling units to work harder to perform their job. This puts premature wear and tear on our system’s components, which, in turn, reduces the system’s lifespan. HVAC systems are not cheap to replace--you want to make sure that you are getting the highest return on investment possible with your current unit. The best way to do that is by properly maintaining it.

At Tom's Mechanical, Inc., our experienced technicians can give your system the thorough maintenance it needs to perform reliably and efficiently. Give us a call at (972) 388-3669 or contact us online to schedule your appointment!