Scheduling professional home maintenance tasks can feel like just another cost in the long list of expenses associated with homeownership. Many homeowners put annual maintenance visits on the back burner or take a DIY approach. This can lead to costly issues and a plethora of other problems.
If you haven’t scheduled an annual tune-up appointment for your air conditioning unit, it’s time. Here are five benefits of scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance.
Lower Repair Costs
Avoiding maintenance costs often means robbing Peter to pay Paul. In other words, the money you’re saving now is likely costing you more in the long run.
According to Milestone Cooling services Fort Worth, TX, the minor repairs and adjustments made during an annual maintenance visit correct problems before they arise. When it comes to the complex inner workings of an air conditioning unit, a simple loose connection or dirty component can lead to significant damage later on. This affordable service helps homeowners avoid the cost of parts and labor later on.
Another consideration is the need for emergency repairs during the busy season. An emergency repair during the peak air conditioning season— especially in hotter climates— costs far more than an offseason maintenance appointment. The associated wait times could also result in you living without air conditioning for a few days during the scorching summer months.
Longer Unit Lifespan
Scheduling maintenance also helps you protect your long-term investment by extending the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. When a modern air conditioner is properly maintained, it can last anywhere from 15-20 years. Your air conditioner may only last 10-12 years without proper maintenance.
While it may not seem like a significant difference, it could mean saving thousands of dollars in home upgrades over time. When you retire, do you want to spend thousands of dollars replacing an air conditioner, or do you want to take that dream trip?
Improved Energy-Efficiency
Another overarching benefit of scheduling annual tune-ups is the improved energy efficiency. When the interior of your air conditioner isn’t operating at 100%, it will have to work harder to achieve the same output level. As such, it uses more electricity to do the same job.
One of the most common signs of an air conditioner issue is a spike in power consumption, typically noticed when the utility bill comes in. Preventative maintenance can help avoid this costly issue and often pays for itself.
It’s also worth noting that an energy-efficient unit is an eco-friendly unit. Scheduling a professional tune-up prevents excess consumption and chemical leaks that could harm the environment.
Improved Air Quality
Indoor air quality has been a hot topic recently, and that’s unlikely to change in the post-pandemic world. Air conditioners don’t just keep your home cool; they also filter the air and contribute to humidity control.
During an annual tune-up, filters are cleaned or changed to ensure you’re breathing the best air possible during the summer months. Excess humidity can lead to illness and harmful mold growth, which threatens your health and the resale value of your home.
Finally, the coolants used to operate your air conditioning are highly toxic. You may not notice a subtle leak, but it will impact your air quality.
Better Warranty and Coverage
With all of this in mind, why not just take a DIY approach to air conditioner maintenance. While there are things you can do to help keep your unit clean and functional— changing filters and removing dust and debris from coils, for example— the overall maintenance is better left to a professional.
A home cooling specialist will know what issues to look for and what adjustments to make. Many companies will offer a warranty on their services in case something is missed or damaged, which isn’t the case if you make a mistake. Additionally, many home warranties require professional maintenance in their terms and conditions. Taking a DIY approach may render your coverage invalid.
For these reasons, it’s important to schedule an annual air conditioning tune-up. Add this essential home maintenance task to your annual to-do list.
