Why Your HVAC System Needs Regular Service | Controlled Comfort


You go to the doctor for annual check-ups. So shouldn’t your HVAC system do the same? Okay, so you aren’t exactly bringing your heating and cooling system to the doctor for well-visits. But you do need to make sure that it has regular maintenance. This includes getting pre-season checks at least twice a year, before the summer cooling season starts and before the winter chill sets in.

What exactly makes regular HVAC service so important? Understanding why you need your HVAC technician to check on your system, even when it seems like it’s working just fine, is the first step in making sure that your furnace, boiler or air conditioner work to their peak performance. If you’re guilty of skipping a furnace or AC check (or a few), take a look at why you need these regular appointments.

Energy Efficiency

Your HVAC use accounts for more of your home’s energy usage than you might think. Most households in the U.S. spend 48% of the overall energy use on heating and cooling costs, according to the Department of Energy. That’s almost half of your energy use — and half of your energy bills too.

When your HVAC system is clogged with debris, it uses more energy than it needs to. The harder your heater or air conditioner has to work, the higher your bills will go. This makes regular service absolutely essential when it comes to energy efficiency. A dirty, clogged or worn system is an energy-sucker. Not only will you notice a difference in your home’s comfort level, but you’ll also notice this when you open your gas or eclectic bill. Getting regular service can increase the overall energy efficiency and save you money in the long-run.

Longer Life

How long will your HVAC system last for? In general, anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Your furnace, boiler or AC doesn’t have a life-span that’s set in the stone. There are several factors that go into how long it lasts for — including how regularly you maintain it.

Getting regular service helps to make sure that your system stays clean and that all the parts are working properly. Think of regular HVAC check-ups like dentist visits. When you go to the dentist, the pro cleans your teeth and checks for problems. This helps to keep your mouth healthy. When the HVAC tech comes to your home, they clean your heater/air conditioner and also check for problems. This makes your system ‘healthier’ and gives it a longer possible life expectancy.

Fewer Problems

Your furnace seems like it’s working. It heats your home and isn’t making overly odd noises. But there could be a problem that’s lurking deep beneath the surface. How would you know? You wouldn’t. That is, you wouldn’t unless you had a regular pre-season furnace check.

Regular maintenance helps you to find out if there’s an issue that could cause problems right or down the road. Instead of waiting until your furnace completely breaks down, the tech can find and fix worn parts or one that are on-their-way to breaking. This means that you won’t have to worry about your heater suddenly turning off on a 10 degree night or your AC shutting down in the middle of August.

Air Quality Awareness

Your HVAC system is pumping air into your home. Whether you have central air conditioning, forced-air heating or both, air is coming through your HVAC system and moving into each room of our house.

What does this have to do with regular service? Your family breathes the air that the system is pushing through the vents. If it’s dirty and filled with debris, you can develop physical symptoms such as itchy eyes, sore throats, a stuffy nose, scratchy skin and even respiratory problems. Regular maintenance helps to make sure that the system is clean and your air is clear.

Do you need pre-season service? Controlled Comfort can help.