There is nothing worse than an AC going out in the middle of summer. Sometimes HVAC breakdowns are unavoidable, but often they are the result of minor issues that you can avoid. For this reason, preventive HVAC maintenance plans have increased in popularity.

A lot of people avoid maintenance plans because they think, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But not having your HVAC system serviced for long periods is a lot like not changing the oil in your car. It may keep running but eventually, the neglect will catch up with you.

The information below lays out the reasons why annual HVAC maintenance plans are so important. It also includes a list of basic checkups you can expect with these service agreements.

Services Included in Maintenance Plans

Annual preventive HVAC maintenance plans usually include several inspections. Technicians will ensure that electrical connections are tight and secure. They will check the fuel lines for leaks that could lead to fumes seeping into your home and the potential for fire.

They will clean condenser and evaporator coils, which cool and heat the air dispensed into your house. Dirty ones can cause your system to operate up to 30 percent less efficiently.

The technician also will clean and recalibrate (if necessary) your system’s blower. This will make sure the unit is pushing the right amount of air into your home.

They will check refrigerant levels. Low ones could be a sign of a leak and result in your unit producing warmer air during cooling or even icing over.

The technician will calibrate your thermostat and do a controls checkup. They will make sure there is proper lubrication on all the major moving parts. This helps reduce friction that can cause your unit to overheat.

Most important, regular HVAC service can catch potential problems with your system before they become severe. When signing up for annual plans, the company will provide you with a list of all the service checks they provide and a timeline for maintenance. Be sure to go with a company like Cool Care Heating and Air that can work on any component of your heating and cooling system.

Advantages of a Preventive HVAC Maintenance Plan

There are several good reasons to consider an annual HVAC checkup. Here are a few major ones.

Extend the Life of Your System

HVAC replacement is one of the most expensive home improvement projects. You want to get the most out of your system.

Identifying and fixing minor HVAC issues can go a long way to preventing serious problems that would lead to major breakdowns. Many HVAC maintenance plans run from $100 to $400, depending on where you live and the size and complexity of your system.

For most standard service calls, you will pay at least $100 for the technician to show up, plus the cost of repairs. Annual plans can almost pay for themselves if you avoid a single repair visit in any given year.

Dependability

Regular maintenance will make your system more dependable. It will be less likely to go out abruptly in the middle of summer or winter.

It also means better air quality in your home. You can be sure that the air you’re breathing is free of dust, debris, and allergens.

Utility Savings

Ensuring that your HVAC system is running at peak performance means that it will run more efficiently. This translates to lower energy usage and utility bills.

Find a Preventive HVAC Maintenance Plan Today

Now that you have an idea of what a preventive HVAC maintenance plan entails, you can start looking around for the best HVAC company in your area. This basic service can keep your system running efficiently and for as long as possible.

We hope this information was useful to you. Be sure to take a look at some of our other home-improvement posts, as well as those on other real estate topics.