What You Should Know About HVAC Service
HVAC service involves the maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It also includes troubleshooting and installation of equipment.
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 25 years. Several factors can impact this life span, including how often it’s used and how it’s maintained.
A regular routine of hvac maintenance can extend the life of your system and help it run more efficiently. It can also save you money on your energy bills.
It’s important to find a reputable HVAC contractor who is trained and certified to work with your system. Look for a company with professional ratings and reviews from independent sources like U.S. News, which scored and ranked them based on a consensus-based methodology.
Your HVAC technician will charge you for the time it takes to inspect your system and determine what repairs are needed. They’ll also charge you for parts that may need to be purchased.
Some technicians offer a maintenance contract that covers one or more visits each year for a fee. These contracts are usually cheaper than one-time maintenance services and can reduce your total cost of ownership.
They can be particularly helpful if your system is old or has been poorly maintained. They can often catch problems before they cause serious issues and can help you avoid expensive repairs down the road.
In addition to lowering your energy bills, a properly working HVAC system can improve the air quality in your home. It can also help you avoid allergy symptoms and other respiratory ailments that might be caused by pollutants or other toxins in the air.
Changing your HVAC filters regularly can also help you lower your bill and make it easier for your system to operate. It’s a simple, inexpensive task and should be done every 90 days.
It is also a good idea to have a service call completed by an expert after each season to ensure that your system is functioning properly for the next year. This can be especially true after a long and hot summer, which can cause damage to your system.
You can find an HVAC service company in your area by searching online or calling your local chamber of commerce for a recommendation. You might also ask friends, family, or a handyman you’ve used in the past for recommendations.
The cost of your hvac service depends on the type of unit, age of your system, and the technician you choose to do the work. You can get a rough idea of how much your service will cost by asking your technician for an estimate.
Typical hvac maintenance fees are $75 to $150 for a general service and $200 or more for a more comprehensive tune-up. They include checking the system for signs of wear and tear, examining the unit, cleaning and lubricating moving parts, adjusting the blower, and checking for leaks or other potential problems.
If your system is more than 15 years old, it might be time to replace it or at least upgrade your air conditioning and furnace to a newer model. An older unit isn’t as efficient and might have to be repaired more often than a newer model, which can increase your overall service costs.