The Six Benefits of Routine HVAC Maintenance

Did you know that your heating and cooling systems should be serviced by a professional at least once a year? This routine maintenance can save you from stress, unexpected bills, and literal headaches. Reliance Heating & Air Conditioning offers maintenance plans for our customers in Southeastern Pennsylvania that can extend the life of your HVAC systems and keep them running smoothly all year long.

Here are six reasons you should invest in regular HVAC maintenance.

The best reason to get your HVAC systems serviced regularly is it will save you money – in several different ways.

• You’ll receive lower monthly utility bills because your systems will be primed to run at maximum efficiency.
• A well-maintained system is likely to last years longer than one that’s been neglected, which will delay an expensive replacement.
• When a technician services your air conditioner and heater regularly, they can replace worn out parts or fix minor issues which could lead to a major failure if ignored – and a much higher emergency repair bill.
• Finally, the fine print of many HVAC warranties requires proof of annual system maintenance or the warranty is null and void. If you skimp on regular maintenance and something goes wrong with your system, you could be responsible for a large repair bill that the manufacturer otherwise would have covered.

In short, regular maintenance costs less than gambling that you won’t need it.

There’s a lot of nasty stuff that can lurk in the air inside your home—like dust, pet dander, pollen, and bacteria. A properly maintained HVAC system should circulate clean air. But if your filters are clogged or your ducts are dirty, your system will cycle contaminated air through your home. Those with pets are especially likely to have clogged filters (think of all that fur!). Poor air quality can bother anyone, but is especially harmful to those with asthma, allergies, or sinus problems. If you or your family have frequent respiratory issues, headaches, or irritated eyes and you can’t remember the last time your air filter was changed, poor air quality might be to blame! And if you smell something musty coming from the vents, you might have a serious mold or bacteria problem.

Our maintenance plans include a free replacement filter and cleaning of the evaporator drain pan, where mold often grows. These simple steps can greatly improve the health and quality of life of you and your family!

When your system isn’t maintained, pieces get dirty, others wear out, and lubrication dries up, making your system work harder than ever to heat or cool your home to the desired temperature. This extra effort requires more energy, causing higher utility bills and a larger environmental impact. A technician can tune up your system for maximum efficiency, helping both you and the environment. According to the Department of Energy, proper HVAC maintenance can reduce the energy needed to heat and cool your home by up to 10%.

Not only will an inefficient system cost you more in utility bills, but it could also struggle to keep up with your thermostat, and may not make your home as cool or warm as you like. Sometimes the thermostat itself is the problem! If your system has been struggling to heat or cool a particular room, don’t assume that’s the best it can do. Our 21-point inspection will make sure all aspects of your HVAC system are working as they should so you can enjoy the heating and cooling that you’re paying for.

Nothing lasts forever. Most HVAC systems are designed to last 10-15 years. Regular maintenance will help you reach the higher end of that range. Neglect your system, and you may not even make it to 10 years. It’s a bit like your annual physical. Even if you think everything is fine, it’s important to do some basic tests to find out if anything is wrong so you can fix small problems before they become big problems. Preventative maintenance can replace worn out parts, troubleshoot issues, and make minor repairs that will keep your system running better for years longer.

The worst-case scenario is every homeowner’s nightmare – your heater breaks during a blizzard. Your air conditioner dies on the first day of a record-breaking heat wave. And suddenly you’re not the only one calling your HVAC company in a panic – and they’re probably prioritizing their customers who are on their maintenance plan. Even worse – you come back from a trip next winter and your pipes have frozen and burst, causing extensive water damage. Although Pennsylvania’s weather isn’t as extreme as some states, we still have plenty of hot and cold days where you need to depend on your HVAC system.

Regular maintenance may not stop every failure, but it certainly helps to have a professional assess your system regularly, mend any problems, and keep you informed on how much life it seems to have left. You can go into next season knowing your system is in peak condition and you’ve done what you can to keep it that way. At Reliance Heating & Air, our maintenance plans have a one-year guarantee. If your system breaks during that year, the cost of your last maintenance is credited toward the repair.

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and deadly, and it can be emitted by a cracked or damaged furnace. Reliance Heating & Air does carbon monoxide testing with all heater maintenance to make sure your family is safe.

Pennsylvanians get their cars inspected every year to make sure they are safe and dependable. It’s important to take the same care of your HVAC systems. A little budgeted time and money now can save you from massive stress and expense down the road and keep your family comfortable, healthy, and safe. Learn more about Reliance Heating & Air’s maintenance plans today and let us save you money and provide peace of mind throughout the life of your system.