HVAC systems are heavily used throughout the year, making wear and tear inevitable. Minor issues can quickly escalate, potentially causing your heating or cooling system to fail when you need it most. Annual HVAC inspections are essential because they help identify and resolve problems early, preventing costly breakdowns and ensuring your system continues running smoothly. Regular maintenance also provides several other benefits that improve efficiency and longevity.
Lower Energy Bills
Getting your HVAC system professionally inspected and serviced yearly is essential for ensuring it continues performing efficiently. Heating and cooling are by far the most significant sources of energy consumption in the average home. In fact, they usually account for around 50% of a household’s yearly energy bills, and that’s if the house’s HVAC system is working efficiently.
Any issues that lead to a decrease in the system’s performance will also increase your energy bills due to the system having to run longer. In some cases, you could see more than a 25-50% drop in energy efficiency. It’s especially important that your HVAC system cools efficiently in a hot, humid climate like Missouri. If it doesn’t and struggles to keep up, it could run non-stop throughout the day and cause a massive increase in your electricity bills.
Improved Life Expectancy
One of the biggest reasons annual inspections are so crucial is that they help preserve the life of the HVAC system. Most types of HVAC equipment last for around 15 years on average, but a properly maintained system can sometimes last for up to 20 years. On the other hand, a poorly maintained system may not even make it 10 years before it gives out and needs to be replaced. That’s because poor performance leads to the system having to work harder and run more annually, increasing the wear and tear it experiences.
The increased wear and tear on the system then creates a higher risk of major problems arising. For instance, a furnace that isn’t performing properly has a higher chance of frequently overheating, which can lead to its heat exchanger cracking. Similarly, there’s an increased chance of the compressor in an AC or heat pump failing if it has to work harder than it normally should due to dirty coils. Annual inspections can also identify electrical issues like damaged or loose wiring that could lead to short-circuiting and major components getting fried.
Reduced Repair Costs
Annual inspections can also save you money down the road by minimizing the number of repairs your HVAC system needs and helping to avoid much more costly repairs. Many common issues tend to snowball, meaning one problem will often lead to the system developing additional problems. This is the reason you should pay attention to your HVAC system’s performance and watch out for signs like sudden increases in your energy bills or your system making unusual noises. Being diligent allows you to spot any problems soon after they arise and schedule an inspection. An inspection identifies potential issues, such as components that are beginning to wear out, allowing you to get the problem fixed before it leads to a breakdown or a major issue.
Protecting the HVAC System’s Warranty
Almost all new HVAC equipment comes with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers all of the major components in the event that they fail due to a defect. Reputable manufacturers typically provide a 10-year limited parts warranty as long as you make sure to register the warranty within 90 days from the date the system was installed. While standard warranties only cover the cost of the replacement parts and not the labor fees to install the part, the warranty can still potentially save you hundreds of dollars, if not more. However, HVAC warranties typically stipulate that the system must be inspected and serviced yearly by a certified technician for the warranty to remain valid. This is yet another reason why annual inspections are essential, as failing to have your system inspected means you’d have to pay the full costs to replace a defective component yourself.
When you need reliable, honest air conditioning or heating services in Carriere, MS, Campo Heating & Air Conditioning is the contractor to trust. We offer expert repair and AC maintenance services and can work on all brands and models of HVAC equipment. We’re also ready to help when you need a full system replacement. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.
