Save More Money With Regular HVAC Maintenance
TL;DR: Air conditioning is crucial for summer comfort, but neglecting HVAC maintenance can lead to higher utility bills, frequent repairs, and premature system replacement. Regular upkeep improves energy efficiency, extends equipment lifespan, lowers repair costs, and enhances indoor air quality. Simple DIY tasks like changing filters and cleaning vents help, but professional inspections are vital. Investing in HVAC maintenance in Las Vegas can save you money in the long run by preventing costly issues and reducing energy consumption. Call Summit Air Conditioning for expert service and savings on AC repairs and utility bills.
Air conditioning is the most popular method of staying cold during the summer in the US. In Nevada, up to 92% of households use air-conditioning to keep cool, which means air conditioning makes up a significant chunk of their electricity bill. If your AC system is well-maintained, it will operate more efficiently and use less energy to do the same job.
Keeping your HVAC system in top shape also decreases the likelihood of costly breakdowns and increases the lifespan of your unit. Investing in regular AC upkeep means more than having immediate comfort. As we’ll see in this guide, it’s also a smart financial decision in the long run. In this article, we’ll see how HVAC maintenance can save you money and what steps you can take to keep your AC running without a hitch.
What Does HVAC Maintenance Mean?
Regular maintenance means routine check-ups for your heating and air conditioning system. The process typically includes cleaning, adjusting, and repairing parts as needed. Ignoring minor issues can quickly turn them into more significant problems, and fixing them would cost more money.
The general recommendation is to have a professional technician inspect and service your HVAC system once or twice a year, usually around the beginning of spring or fall. That ensures your air conditioner is ready for the hot summer months and your heating system can handle the cold winter.
You may need an additional service visit if your HVAC system is older or you notice any issues like strange noises, inconsistent temperatures, or higher energy bills. When your system is clean and all its parts are working as they should be, it doesn’t have to try as hard to heat or cool your home.
The Cost of Neglecting HVAC Maintenance
You might think missing one or two AC inspections can save you a few bucks, but it will cost you more in the long run. Skipping out on regular HVAC maintenance can hit your pocket hard in several areas.
- Utility bills: Your AC makes up around 12% of your electricity bill. But, when you neglect its upkeep, the system has to use more power to maintain the perfect temperature for your home, which is how you get higher utility bills.
- Frequent repairs: You set yourself up for more repairs by not maintaining your HVAC system. During routine AC maintenance, the professionals can catch and fix minor issues you might think are insignificant at first. But they can become more significant problems because you didn’t deal with them on time. These repairs can be expensive, especially during the peak seasons when everyone is looking for an HVAC professional.
- Complete AC replacement: Most AC systems usually last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, but if you don’t maintain yours, you might need to replace it sooner. And let’s face it, replacing your entire HVAC system means spending a considerable amount of money at once.
Benefits Of HVAC Maintenance
There are several key areas where a well-tended HVAC system can keep your wallet happy. From energy efficiency to lower repair costs, here’s how regular HVAC maintenance can benefit you:Â
Energy Efficiency
When your air conditioner is in tip-top shape, it doesn’t have to work overtime to reach and maintain the right temperature. Using less energy means having lower energy bills. It all adds up. A recent study by the US Energy Information Administration showed that heating and cooling account for 52% of the average home’s energy consumption.
Extended Equipment Lifespan
Regular maintenance and inspections also impact how long your AC equipment lasts. HVAC systems are a significant investment, so the longer you can put off replacing your system, the more money you save.
Lower Repair Costs
You know the saying, “A stitch in time saves nine“? It also applies to your HVAC system. Regular check-ups can nip any tiny issues in the bud before they become gigantic, wallet-draining problems. For instance, fixing a minor refrigerant leak might cost around $200-$300. Ignore it, and you’ll pay anywhere from $9,00-$2,000 for a compressor replacement.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Dust, pollen, and pet dander are just a few airborne particles that can accumulate in the AC filters if you don’t clean them out regularly. Breathing in these particles can worsen your asthma and cause you to develop allergies or other respiratory issues.Â
By keeping your HVAC system clean, you’re saving yourself the cost of a potential medical emergency. You’re also saving money on getting additional air purifiers. As long as you keep up with regular maintenance, your AC can filter out airborne particles.
Practical Tips for HVAC Maintenance
While you should always have a regular maintenance schedule and hire a professional to inspect your AC system, you can do a few things yourself. Simple repairs can also help your system function well, and here’s how you can get started:Â
- Changing the filters: Depending on the type of filter your AC has, you should replace your filters every few months. During peak cooling or heating season, when your system runs non-stop, you need to change them more frequently. Just be sure to get the right-sized filter, and when you’re done, put everything back in the correct order.
- Cleaning the system: You don’t need to take apart your entire AC to clean it, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to. The outdoor unit can collect a lot of debris, so make sure it’s clear of leaves, twigs, and dirt. It would help if you also dusted the indoor vents regularly to prevent dust build-up. You can use a duster or vacuum cleaner, but be careful and avoid damaging anything.
- Checking the system’s controls: What you want to look out for are unusual fluctuations in temperature or system malfunctions. If your AC is running but not cooling, or your heating is on but not warming the house, you might have a problem. Check your thermostat to see where the problem lies.
While these DIY tips are a good starting point, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals when necessary. If you notice persisting issues like unusual noises, frequent cycling, bad smells, or a less efficient system, it’s time to call an HVAC professional. Remember that it’s always less costly to prevent an HVAC issue than to fix one.
Save Money With Your HVAC in Las Vegas, Nevada
You’ve seen how HVAC maintenance can save you money. Regular upkeep prevents expensive repairs and extends the life of your system. It’s also more energy efficient, so you’ll see those savings reflected in your monthly utility bills.
Don’t wait for a problem to happen. Get ahead of the game and call the HVAC specialist at Summit Air Conditioning in Las Vegas, Nevada. We can help you cut down on AC repair costs and utility bills. We have over ten years of experience servicing cooling and heating systems in Las Vegas and the surrounding area.
Our experts can come over, assess the situation, and give you a fair price estimate for the work you want done. So, call today or book an appointment online, and let us turn your AC system into a money-saving machine!
FAQ
Why is HVAC maintenance important for homeowners in Nevada?
Regular HVAC maintenance is crucial for homeowners in Nevada, especially in places like Las Vegas where air conditioning is heavily relied upon. Neglecting maintenance can lead to higher utility bills, frequent repairs, and even premature system replacement. Summit Air Conditioning emphasizes the significance of maintaining HVAC systems to ensure efficiency, lower costs, and prolong equipment lifespan.
How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance?
It’s generally recommended to schedule HVAC maintenance once or twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall, to prepare for the extreme temperatures of summer and winter. Summit Air Conditioning offers professional inspections and servicing to ensure your system is ready to handle the demands of Las Vegas weather year-round.
What are the benefits of regular HVAC maintenance?
Regular HVAC maintenance offers several benefits, including improved energy efficiency, extended equipment lifespan, lower repair costs, and better indoor air quality. Summit Air Conditioning highlights these advantages to homeowners in Las Vegas, emphasizing how proactive maintenance can save money in the long run.
How can I maintain my HVAC system between professional inspections?
While professional inspections are essential, there are simple tasks homeowners can perform to maintain their HVAC systems between visits. These include regularly changing filters, cleaning vents, and monitoring system controls for any unusual fluctuations. Summit Air Conditioning encourages homeowners to stay proactive with DIY maintenance while also stressing the importance of professional services for comprehensive care
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