Why You Shouldn't Ignore HVAC Maintenance

August 18, 2015

The HVAC system is installed out of sight, and maintenance may be forgotten until something goes wrong. The consequences of ignoring HVAC maintenance can have a detrimental effect on theenergy budget, home comfort and even home safety. Read on to learn more about the importance of HVAC maintenance in any home.

Energy Efficiency Heat pumps, A/Cs and furnaces are the most widely used HVAC systems in U.S. homes. The efficiency of these systems largely depends on regular HVAC maintenance. For example, a dirty evaporator coil and blower motor substantially reduces cooling capacity and increases energy bills. Dirty or corroded gas components, such as the combustion chamber, heat exchanger and pilot light, result in higher heating bills.

Water Leaks An incidental side effect of A/C and heat pump cooling is the removal of water vapor from the air. As warm return airflow blows across the evaporator, water vapor condenses on the cold coil and drains away. However, one of the common consequences of ignoring HVAC maintenance is a clogged drain pipe or trap. The wet evaporator coil collects dirt and debris. As condensate drips into the pan, it carries the debris with it. If the condensate drip pan, line and trap aren't cleaned annually, clogs can develop and spill water inside the home. Additionally, mold may develop and circulate through the ducts into living spaces. By keeping a clean condensate drain system and evaporator through regular maintenance, you'll enjoy lower indoor humidity, greater comfort and avoid a water spillage.

Repairs and Home Safety Semi-annual HVAC maintenance helps identify minor problems before they develop into major repairs. If you hear noises such as grinding, screeching or rattling from the HVAC system, contact your HVAC pro right away. Gas appliances should be checked each year for safety. Worn or faulty parts can leak carbon monoxide (CO) into the home which can have devastating consequences. Regular HVAC service benefits far outweigh the consequences of ignoring HVAC maintenance.

Contact the HVAC professionals at Lozier Heating & Cooling today to ensure your Des Moines home stays comfortable and efficient through the seasons. Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: "Gajus/Shutterstock"