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Homeowners are encouraged to schedule cooling maintenance every spring and heating maintenance every autumn. Without maintenance, all ducted and ductless HVAC systems, even the most advanced products and reputable brands will develop problems, which can cause major problems. Follow these HVAC tips for homeowners to learn why HVAC maintenance is so important.
Mitch Wright Plumbing, Heating & Air provides both heating and cooling tune-ups and has a strong focus on maintaining indoor air quality. We've been serving homes in your area since 1983. For an appointment, call us today at (901) 795-9044.
Less Efficient Cooling
For a unit to heat or cool your home efficiently, there should first of all be no obstructions to airflow. According to ENERGYSTAR, obstructions to airflow can lower efficiency by up to 15%. They can be caused by:
Clogged air filters
Dirt on the evaporator coil
Bent fins on the coil
Leaks in the ductwork and ill-adjusted blower components can also prevent the conditioned air from going where it needs to. Another issue tied with lower efficiency is the lack of lubrication on fan motors. All of these problems can be avoided with maintenance, however.
More Wear on the System
The issues mentioned above strain the HVAC unit and cause it to work harder to reach the desired temperature. Lack of lubrication, dirty evaporator coils, and low refrigerant levels, in particular, can contribute to overheating, possibly shutting down your unit.
In any event, a worn system may never reach its full potential, forcing you to pay thousands of dollars for a replacement sooner than you wanted. Heat pumps last around 15 years, mini-splits around 20, and furnaces somewhere in-between.
Unclean Indoor Air
When HVAC units are neglected, they build up dirt and dust, which can impact the lives of asthma and allergy sufferers. With neglect, the condensate drain line may become clogged, attracting mold growth and paving the way for even worse suffering. Mold may also grow in the ducts if water seeps through a hole.