Whether you’re using your furnace in the winter or your air conditioner in the summer, your HVAC system runs continuously. On average, an HVAC will generate two to three cycles per hour or every 20 minutes. That much use can take its toll on your heating and cooling system. For this reason, you should schedule routine professional HVAC maintenance in your Virginia home. HVAC maintenance can help you save money on energy costs, replacement costs, and repairs. It also improves HVAC performance and helps you achieve your desired comfort with less effort. Below, we look at why HVAC maintenance is important. If you have any questions, contact Cardinal Plumbing, Heating & Air. We are your premier HVAC company in Ashburn, Virginia.

1. Minimize HVAC Repairs Over Time

HVAC repairs are expensive. If you have an older HVAC system, breakdowns occur frequently, and costs increase. Air conditioner preventative maintenance can prevent up to 95 percent of all HVAC repairs. One service call in the spring and again in the fall can drastically reduce common HVAC problems, such as
  • Loose electrical connections
  • Worn parts
  • Dirty HVAC components
  • Faulty controls
  • Low refrigerant
  • Restricted airflow
  • Clogged drains
  • Carbon monoxide leaks
Neglecting your HVAC system is more expensive than a service contract for AC preventative maintenance. Many HVAC companies in Virginia offer an HVAC maintenance plan as an incentive to take care of your system. When comparing HVAC contractors, look for maintenance plans they offer and how these plans save you money in HVAC repairs.

2. Extend Your HVAC’s Life Expectancy

Even the most well-built HVAC systems have a shelf-life. HVAC manufacturers often offer a warranty based on how long they expect their product to last under normal use. Without maintenance, the average HVAC system will have a life expectancy of about 15 years. With routine maintenance and care, HVAC systems can last up to 10 additional years. In detail, let’s look at the three main types of heating and cooling equipment.

Furnaces

Modern furnaces are complex and offer greater efficiency with more high-tech components. Advanced heaters work smarter, and their performance is more efficient. To extend the life of your furnace, you’ll need to maintain these components:
  • Air filters
  • Electrical components
  • Control switches
  • Thermostats

Air Conditioners

Air conditioning units can last an average of 15 to 20 years. Newly manufactured ACs are built for higher efficiency and longer lifespans. They are not immune to the wear and tear that comes with regular use. Here are a few things you can do to extend the lifespan of your air conditioner:
  • Change or clean the air filter regularly.
  • Have an AC expert clean the coils.
  • Clean ductwork and vents once a year.
  • Ensure that the unit outside stays clean and free of dust.

Heat Pumps

The average heat pump can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance and system checks. If you want to make the most of your heat pump’s performance and maximize its lifespan, here’s what you can do:
  • Clean the unit’s fan.
  • Clean the interior and exterior coils.
  • Regularly clean or change the filters.
  • Clean the vents and registers.
  • Get an annual HVAC inspection and heat pump tune-up from an HVAC professional.

3. Improve the Indoor Air Quality

Even with the aid of air filtration and purification systems, your HVAC plays a central role in helping you maintain clean air in your home. How?  First, it increases air circulation throughout the entire house. Dust and dirt can clog up nearly every component of your HVAC, including the fan, filter, heat exchanger, blower, and ductwork. Cleaning these components allows air to circulate freely through the system. Second, something as simple as changing the HVAC filter can improve the air quality in every room in your house. A high-efficiency filter traps up to 99.9% of the contaminants and pollutants that pass through your HVAC. It improves the overall quality of the air in your house. Make sure you change the air filter as the manufacturer’s guide requires. 

4. Cut Down on Energy Costs

Numerous HVAC problems can cause your utility to spike.

Damaged or Worn Out Parts

There are a variety of components in your HVAC system that can break down over time. Even the best capacitors, compressors, and motors eventually fail. They don’t stop working right away. Instead, motors often lose efficiency and struggle for weeks or months before completely giving out.

Dirty Air Filters

Your system sucks in air through your home’s return. That air must first pass through the air filter before making it to the system. A dirty air filter is the equivalent of your system trying to suck air through a clogged straw.

Leaky or Damaged Air Ducts

The actual heat pump, furnace, boiler, or air conditioner may not be the problem. Ducts are not invincible, and they can develop leaks over time. Something also could have punctured or knocked loose your ducts, meaning you have hot or cold air leaking into your attic or somewhere else instead of making it into the rooms where it belongs.  HVAC annual maintenance solves these issues by keeping your components in excellent condition throughout their lifetime. If a part ever wears down, an HVAC technician can identify and replace it right away. You keep your system running efficiently and reduce energy costs by fixing or replacing parts.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance in Ashburn, Virginia

Keep your heating and cooling system running smoothly at all times with maintenance and care from Cardinal Plumbing, Heating & Air. We offer professional HVAC maintenance in Ashburn, Virginia. Fill out our contact form or call us to schedule an HVAC maintenance service in your home.