One critical piece of equipment that is used throughout the year is the HVAC system. The air conditioner runs throughout summers, and the furnace sees you through the cold season. In essence, as a complete unit, one or the other of its units runs continuously. Consequently, taking care of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system ensures no disruption in your comfort. One big question that most people are confused about and ask us often is, “How often should I get my HVAC unit serviced?” If you have been wondering about the same, this post will make for an enlightening read.
What Is The Meaning Of Getting The HVAC Unit “Serviced?”
In the HVAC industry, diverse terminology is used. Therefore, getting confused is okay. What is important is to clear your doubts, so the confusion does not persist. Terms like “servicing” or “tune-up” mean the same thing, and that is “maintenance.”
Sometimes maintenance is also referred to as “Annual Maintenance” or “Annual Preventive Maintenance.” Again, all of these terms mean the same thing: an annual inspection and cleaning of the AC or the furnace combined as a single service.
Why Is HVAC Unit Servicing Important?
The servicing of the HVAC system is by no means a wasteful activity. It is crucial to the well-being of your system. To understand how it is beneficial, here is a list of gains that you are most likely to see after every servicing:
1. The cooling or heating of the system becomes more effective. The indoor space will take less time to achieve the temperature set on the thermostat.
2. The system’s efficiency increases, due to which the monthly power bills will sharply decline.
3. Your system will ask for fewer repairs, and when it does, it will rarely account for something significant (financially or otherwise).
4. The unit will become reliable and will not give you any unpleasant surprise in the form of a breakdown during the peak of the season.
5. The inside of the unit receives thorough cleaning because of which you no longer have to worry about the ill effects of dust or mold inside the HVAC system.
How Often Should I Get My HVAC Unit Serviced?
Every HVAC has two systems – one for heating and the other for cooling. These systems are the furnace and the air conditioner or the heating and cooling systems. Effectively, when one system is no longer needed, the other takes over.
Although it is a known fact that the AC is used far longer than the furnace, the need for servicing both remains the same. In an ideal scenario, you should ensure the servicing of each before beginning to use it in the season. It means the AC servicing is best done during spring and the furnace servicing during autumn.
Regarding timelines, the HVAC system should get two services every year. Do not confuse “Annual Maintenance” or “Annual Servicing.” The term “annual” is used when specifically talking about the AC or the furnace and not the complete HVAC system.
Unlike HVAC systems, heat pumps are a single unit that provides both heating and cooling. These, too, need bi-annual servicing. The clear inference one can draw is that all comprehensive heating and cooling systems should get two servicings each year – one for the heating part and one for the cooling part. And just to reiterate, the servicings should be done and over with just before their first use in the year.
What If Servicing Is Not Possible Before The First Use Of The Season?
Many of us cannot schedule the servicing of the HVAC before the first use in the season due to extenuating circumstances. If that is the case with you, do the next best thing, which is to schedule it for the next possible date. Do not by any means forgo it altogether. Remember, delayed servicing is still better than no servicing at all.
Who Should Do The HVAC Servicing?
HVAC is a significant investment. You need a trusted and professional contractor or technician to care for your expensive system. Yes, they do not come cheap because they charge as per the industry standards, but when you engage their services, you can rest in the knowledge your unit is in safe hands.
The work ethics of professionals guarantee top-quality service each and every time. They own the work they do and will compensate you for any harm a mistake made by them inflicts on you or your system. Therefore your safety and system safety is always guaranteed.
But The Other Technician Is Charging Well Below The Going Rate, And Many People Use Him?
You might often come across technicians who charge way less than others. It is very tempting to engage in their services, especially when you see others using them. If you are so strongly tempted, ask to see their license, insurance, and certification papers. We are sure they will fail to come up with either one or all of them. Allowing them to work on your HVAC system will be at your risk. Also, HVAC manufacturers may rescind the warranty on your new HVAC system if the contractor or technician is not licensed. So, be well aware of these facts.
Summing Up
The servicing of the HVAC system is the surest way to ensure that the unit is in good working condition. The tune-up received during the process will increase its efficiency and effectiveness and bring issues that are still in their infancy to the forefront. Timely redressal of such problems will prevent unwarranted breakdowns. Therefore, bi-annual or six-monthly servicing of every HVAC system is essential.
If you don’t remember when you got your HVAC system serviced in West Palm Beach, call Aztil Air Conditioning today. We are a full-service, licensed, insured, and certified team of air experts who have a solution for all your HVAC needs. To book an appointment, call us today at +1-888-729-8452. This will be the first step in a long and fruitful contractor-client journey.
