When you think about it, your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC system) are one of the most important appliances in your home. It keeps you cool on hot summer days and helps you stay warm during cold winter nights. But if you have experienced a broken heater or a leaky AC once or twice before, you know how essential HVAC services can be. Even though these systems are some of the most important appliances in your house, they are also some of the least reliable. If something breaks down with your HVAC system, it can be an expensive repair.
Fortunately, there are different ways to reduce the cost of repairing or replacing your HVAC system. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when getting HVAC services and repair.
Different HVAC services and when they are needed
There are a few different services that are commonly associated with HVAC systems. Tune-ups, repairs, and replacements are all services that will be needed at some point for almost every HVAC system. Here are the differences between each service and when you need them.
HVAC tune-up
A tune-up is when a technician will take a close look at your HVAC system to make sure that everything is clean, that the system is running at its most efficient, and that there are no signs of wear. A tune-up can help prevent issues down the road and is a great investment for your home.
They are typically scheduled to coincide with annual maintenance checks. During the tune-up, a technician will go through your air ducts to make sure that everything is clean. They will also look for any wear and tear that might be signs of future problems. Tune-ups are a great investment in your HVAC system because they can help technicians identify any future problems with your HVAC system and give proper recommendations.
Even though hiring a technician is the best way to go for your hvac system repairs, sometimes the problem with your hvac system may be something you can fix on your own. Here are common issues with your system and how you can fix them yourself.
HVAC replacement
HVAC replacements are necessary when your HVAC system is beyond repair. They can happen for a variety of reasons, such as old age, damage from a storm, or if the system is too inefficient for the house.
HVAC repair
HVAC repairs can be necessary for a variety of reasons. You might need to get your HVAC system repaired if it breaks down, if it is too loud, or if it isn’t running properly. Depending on the issue, you may be able to repair the problem yourself. However, it is always best to have a technician come out and make sure the problem is fixed properly and to completely avoid future problems. It is best if you have a technician come from the company that sold you the HVAC system since you already have an HVAC service contract template with them.
Once you have contacted local HVAC repair services and your system has been checked and fixed, it will be a great idea to ensure that you have a maintenance checklist for hot and cold seasons to ensure that nothing major happens with your system that will require you to use more money to replace. If you are a landlord or tenant and suspect that your HVAC system requires repairs, it will help to go through Landlord-Tenant law to determine who is responsible for the repairs.
Cost of HVAC repair services
During HVAC services and repair, comprehensive factors such as possible leakages, the efficiency of the thermostat operations, and problems with the wiring and connections. These factors and others such as complexity, age, size, type, and time when the repairs are done determine how much the repairs cost. Ultimately, an HVAC repair service should cost you between 150$ to $500 annually.
However, if your technician finds that your HVAC system is damaged beyond repair and recommends a change, then the cost of buying a new system is quite high typically ranging between $4500 to $95000.
HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Hot Seasons
During summer, the preventive checklist for your HVAC systems includes:
- Inspecting ducts, vents, cabinets, and perimeter of the unit for debris, leaks, molds, and refrigerant lines.
- Cleaning the evaporator, pans, drain lines, and condenser.
- Cleaning filters and replacing them if necessary.
- Checking controls, thermostat, and humidity levels.
- Inspecting blowers, fan motor, and blades.
- Lubricating all the moving parts.
- Replacing pulleys, and worn-out belts.
- Replacing batteries and inspecting electrical connections and components.
You can download a checklist and tick what’s applicable on it as you go through the maintenance checks. This will also lessen your technician’s job once they come over for repairs and services.
HVAC Maintenance Checklist in Cold Seasons
For fall or winter, the preventive measures include:
- Inspecting the heating elements, heating exchangers, burner, heat pump, and ignition system.
- Changing the filters on the heating system
- Cleaning pans and drain lines
- Checking controls and thermostat for proper regulations and measurements
- Inspecting ductwork, blowers, and fan motors.
- Ensuring moving parts are lubricated
- Replacing any worn-out pulleys and belts
- Replacing batteries and inspecting electrical components and connections
- Checking for gas passageways and gas leaks
Benefits of HVAC repair services
Having your HVAC system repaired and maintained has exceedingly good benefits, including:
- Improved air quality
- With regular services and repairs, you eventually save on utility bills, therefore, increasing your savings.
- Scheduled maintenance and repairs ensure that your HVAC system is more reliable in the long run.
- A working HVAC system in your home adds to your comfortability.
Conclusion
Finally, it is important to remember that no matter how much you try to take care of them, your HVAC systems will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. The key is to catch small problems before they become big, expensive issues.
With the help of a professional local HVAC repair services contractor, you can ensure that your system is running at peak efficiency and is ready to keep you comfortable for years to come.
Also read: Sprinkler System Not Working: Sprinkler Repair Guide
