You probably have a long list of things to do to prepare for the summer in Alexandria. However, there’s one task you might need to add to your list – checking for air leaks. If you haven’t scheduled an air leak inspection, you could be in for a hot summer. Find out why you should be sure to check for leaks before you turn on your AC for the summer.
Save Money on Electricity
If you have an air leak in your HVAC system, cool air can escape your ducts and disappear. Instead of keeping your home cool, the air leaves the system and makes your HVAC work even harder to keep things comfortable. Unfortunately, this affects your utility bills. One of the major consequences of duct leaks is wasted electricity.
You could wait to check for air leaks, but doing so will cost you in utility bills. And, considering the fact that your HVAC can account for about 40% of your energy use, you may notice quite the spike in your energy bill. By checking for leaks and having a professional repair those leaks, you can get significant savings all summer long.
Prevent Repairs
The more leaks you have in your HVAC system, the harder your HVAC will need to work. While you already know that this excess work results in high energy bills, there’s another consequence. Extra work means that your HVAC will experience more wear and tear than it’s designed to experience. As a result, you could end up needing costly repairs.
This is particularly true after a hot summer. During the warm weather, your HVAC system is already pushing itself. When you have leaky ducts, your system needs to constantly run to cool your home. All of the components can wear down, and you may experience frequent breakdowns. In the end, the cost of these repairs will exceed the cost of maintenance or of an air leak inspection. It’s in the best interest of your wallet and your HVAC system to check for leaks long before the hot weather arrives.
Extend the Life of Your HVAC
As much as you might enjoy the steady hum of your HVAC, you shouldn’t let it run in the background. Sure, your system should turn on several times a day. But it shouldn’t always be on. If your HVAC is always running, it could be towards the end of its lifespan. The system might be too old to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. As it constantly runs, the HVAC will increase your energy bills and also cause more wear and tear.
On average, an HVAC system lasts about 15 years. This number varies based on many factors, but is probably the most impacted by the amount of use of your HVAC system. If you have a system that doesn’t run frequently or that’s highly efficient, it may last 20 years. But a system that’s always running because of leaky ducts won’t last long.
People sometimes underestimate the cost of a replacement HVAC system. Buying a new system is a major expense, and it’s one that you probably want to put off as long as possible. This means doing a few things, such as maintaining your HVAC at least once a year and hiring a professional for a leak test. At the very least, you should consider all of the possible sources of leaks. Even if your ducts don’t leak, you could have cracks and gaps around your window.
By sealing up the crevices, you give your HVAC system a break. The reward is a system that could last you for longer than the expected lifespan. Even one extra year makes a difference and gives you savings.
Have a More Comfortable Home
Your HVAC system can only do so much to make up for leaks. If you aren’t taking measures to seal up your home before summer, your AC might not be able to keep your home cool. Even though you have your system set to 75 degrees, there’s a chance your HVAC won’t be able to maintain that temperature.
You probably pay a lot of money for your home, and you also probably go to great lengths to keep it comfortable. So why not make sure your HVAC system is able to maintain the right temperature in your home? With a little effort and maintenance, you can make sure your heating and cooling system is able to withstand the temperature.
Peace of Mind
If you haven’t checked for air leaks in your system, your HVAC could fail at any time. This is a source of anxiety for most homeowners; you never know when you’ll be left in the heat or when you need to shell out money for an expensive repair.
For your own peace of mind, you should check for air leaks. In doing so, you can know that you’re doing everything in your power to keep your HVAC system functional. You have less to worry about, and this gives you more time to focus on what matters. Checking for air leaks before the summer makes it easier and more comfortable to rest at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Is the Air Leak Test Important?
Your HVAC needs to go through rigorous testing to ensure it works well. But some people overlook one of the most important tests – the air leak test. When you call an HVAC repair service for an air leak check, they look for signs of leaks in your systems. Those leaks could be making your HVAC system work much harder than it should. In addition to giving you high energy bills, the lost air could cause your heating and cooling system to deteriorate. If you don’t use an air leak inspection service, you may soon need to call for HVAC replacement services.
2. What is an Air Leakage Test?
An air leakage test is a test that an HVAC technician can perform to determine if there is a need for air leak repair. In most HVAC systems, the ducts can leak air. The lost air affects your HVAC system as well as your home. Essentially, the test measures the air tightness of your system. An expert uses a calibrated fan to measure the airflow and has a pressure sensing device to check the pressure made by the fan.
Need an Air Leak Inspection?
Are you in need of an air leak inspection in Alexandria? If so, contact us at Cardinal. We have years of experience with duct inspections and can detect the smallest of issues in your system. Call us now to learn more.
(703) 721-8888
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