Timberline Blog
7 Reasons You Should Be On an HVAC Preventative Maintenance Program
In the immortal words of Benjamin Franklin, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That truism definitely applies to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
The hardworking components in an HVAC system will continue to do their job for many years if taken care of properly. However, if the only time the system is worked on is when a problem arises, components are much more likely to fail before they should.
What’s Done During HVAC Preventative Maintenance?
In a typical preventive maintenance visit, a trained HVAC technician performs many checks and takes several actions, including:
- Checking refrigerant levels and inspecting the system for leaks
- Inspecting electrical connections and tightening as needed
- Checking gas connections for leaks and making minor repairs if needed
- Inspecting, cleaning and straightening condenser coils to ensure proper airflow
- Lubricating moving parts
- Testing the thermostat to ensure it’s functioning properly including cycling the system on and off
- Checking air filters and cleaning or replacing as needed
Despite its comprehensive nature, preventative maintenance doesn’t take long to complete and isn’t disruptive to business operations or home life. The technician completes their assessments and upkeep tasks efficiently and then is on their way, with the HVAC system owner confident that their equipment is functioning properly.
Taking Care of the HVAC System That Takes Care of You
Being proactive about the “health” of your HVAC system is helpful. But how, exactly, does it benefit a business owner or homeowner? Getting on a preventative maintenance program provides many advantages, including:
- Preventing costly breakdowns. When an HVAC system component fails, replacement and repair costs can be significant. And it is particularly hard to write the check when you learn, as is often the case, that the problem could have been avoided with regular maintenance or even a quick, inexpensive fix.
- Reducing energy bills. It’s far more costly to run an HVAC system that isn’t operating efficiently than one that is kept functioning at peak performance.
- Extending the life of the system and its components. HVAC systems, like all mechanical systems, have a “life expectancy,” so eventually major repairs and/or replacements will be necessary. But if you can put off a bill of, say, $5,000 for two years rather than paying it today, imagine the positive impact that would have on your finances as a business owner or homeowner.
- Keeping your system under warranty. HVAC system manufacturers typically require proof of annual maintenance when a warranty claim is filed. If you haven’t been having your system serviced at least once a year (and ideally more often), they may deny your claim.
- Improving the air quality in your business or home. HVAC systems are designed to support a healthy, comfortable indoor climate. Getting your system serviced regularly enables it to meet that objective.
- Minimizing your environmental footprint. When your HVAC system is operating efficiently, it uses less fuel, and that’s better for the environment. Plus, as new technologies become available, your HVAC technician can make recommendations for ways to further minimize your environmental footprint.
- Protecting your business or home. HVAC systems are designed to operate safely, and it’s fair to say that they rarely cause damage in a business or home. Even so, they are powered by electricity, natural gas and other fuels that can be dangerous if not controlled and used properly. Having a technician discover a small leak or other issues before they can evolve into big problems is important.
How Often Is Maintenance Needed?
The right frequency for preventative maintenance on your HVAC system will depend on factors such as the size of the furnace and air conditioning units, how often they’re in operation and others. A general rule of thumb is that you should have a trained HVAC technician assess and service your system at least once a year. For systems in high-demand environments, more frequent maintenance may be appropriate.
Another reason that multiple visits per year can be beneficial is that it is ideal to have your air conditioning system serviced just before the hot summer months and your furnace serviced just ahead of the arrival of cool autumn nights and mornings.
Why Not Simply Call When You Want to Have Your HVAC System Serviced?
Have you ever noticed that most dentist offices will have you schedule your next appointment at the tail end of your current visit? Why? Because even though you might set a reminder for yourself to return in six months, it’s too easy to put off scheduling an appointment in the middle of a busy day or hectic week.
The same is true with HVAC preventative maintenance. You could certainly set a reminder to call Timberline Mechanical in a year to book a visit, but you’re much more likely to stay on schedule if you get on a preventative maintenance program.
Plus, being on a program prevents a situation where you contact your provider to schedule an appointment and, as it turns out, they’re booked many days or even weeks into the future. Instead, both you and the provider have a note on your calendars and can be sure the visit will take place as scheduled.
And finally, while preventative maintenance is a very cost-effective service, knowing when your visit is scheduled enables you to include it in your business or family budget.
Getting Expert Insights to Keep Your HVAC System Optimized
A final benefit of getting on an HVAC system preventative maintenance program is that you get expert insights regularly from a trained professional whose sole focus is ensuring that your system is fully optimized and running efficiently.
Unless you’re an HVAC expert yourself, the best you can do is follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for things like changing filters and just hope that the rest of the system is functioning properly. Business owners and homeowners who are on a preventative maintenance program tend to sleep better at night knowing that their HVAC system recently was—or soon will be—evaluated and serviced, and that they’re enjoying all the benefits described above.
Contact Timberline Mechanical today to learn about all the services we provide, from new system design and installation to preventative maintenance!
Tags: hvac maintenance, hvac preventative maintenance plan, hvac preventative maintenance program, hvac preventative maintenance schedule
