How Can Regular HVAC Maintenance Save You Money in the Long Run?
Energy-Efficient Optimization of HVACs in Oregon
Preventive HVAC maintenance is the proactive inspection, upkeep, and repair of your HVAC system to prevent future problems. When you invest in preventive HVAC maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, enhance its performance and efficiency, lower your energy bills, and reduce the risk of breakdowns and the need for expensive emergency HVAC repairs. Here is a look at the financial and environmental benefits of HVAC maintenance and a guide to understanding the most important elements of residential and commercial HVAC system maintenance for your Oregon property.
Key Elements of Residential & Commercial HVAC Maintenance
While many elements of residential and commercial HVAC maintenance are the same, there are some differences.
Residential HVAC systems typically supply heating and cooling to one building and consist of a standalone unit. Commercial HVAC units are available in various sizes and are modular, meaning they can be enhanced with additional components and serve huge, multi-level properties or multiple buildings on one property.
Residential HVAC systems are typically split into an indoor evaporator and an outdoor compressor, whereas commercial units are packaged together and installed on the roof.
Here is a look at the most important elements of residential and commercial HVAC maintenance that are consistent regardless of the type or size of the unit:
- Changing HVAC filters every one to three months or as recommended by the manufacturer
- Removing debris, overhanging plants, and obstructions from outdoor units
- Checking for signs of leaks, corrosion, or damaged parts
- Checking drainage to ensure no drain pans are overflowing and there are no signs of flooding or water damage
- Dusting and cleaning all air vents and return registers
- Cleaning and sealing air ducts
- Lubricating moving parts to reduce friction and heat and minimize wear and tear
- Cleaning coils to prevent overheating and damage
- Cycling through all settings to ensure they are operating properly
- Testing indoor temperature and comparing it to the reading on the thermostat
- Checking the airflow and temperature from all vents
- Looking for signs of mold, mildew, and pest infestations on outdoor units and in vents and ductwork
- Inspecting ductwork and insulation for signs of damage
- Checking and adjusting refrigerant levels as needed
- Inspecting all electrical connections and ensuring they are tight
Preventive Maintenance vs Emergency HVAC Repairs
Preventive maintenance is proactive, and emergency maintenance is reactive. Here is a look at the key differences between the two:
- Preventive HVAC Maintenance – Preventive maintenance includes proactive inspections, tune-ups, cleaning and lubrication, testing, replacement of parts, and repairs. These tasks are designed to prevent your HVAC system from breaking down or needing emergency repairs. Preventive maintenance should be scheduled at least twice per year. For larger commercial properties or larger systems, you should schedule inspections and maintenance every three months.
- Emergency HVAC Repairs – Emergency HVAC repairs are just that – an emergency. They are reactive repairs completed because your system has already broken down or is malfunctioning. Without these repairs, the problems with your system may get worse and your home or business will remain uncomfortable. Emergency repairs can be very expensive and may take days, weeks, or even months to fix.
Financial Benefits of Preventive HVAC Maintenance
Being proactive about HVAC maintenance for your residential or commercial property can offer long-term cost savings. Here is a look at the biggest financial benefits of preventive HVAC maintenance:
- Maintaining the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system means it won’t have to work as hard or run as long to keep your home or business comfortable. This reduces the wear and tear on your system, prolongs its lifespan, and translates to cost savings on your energy bill.
- Maintenance also reduces the wear and tear on HVAC components, meaning an extended system lifespan and an HVAC system that lasts longer and performs better. You won’t need to pay for continued costly repairs or expensive emergency repairs, and you won’t need to invest in a new HVAC system for at least 10-15 years.
- Keeping up with preventive maintenance ensures compliance with your warranty and can even extend your warranty coverage.
- Preventive HVAC maintenance is key to energy-efficiency optimization and can significantly lower your monthly energy bills.
- HVAC systems operating at peak performance can maintain proper humidity levels in your home or business, protecting the lifespan of expensive electronics, artwork, furniture, and decor.
Environmental Benefits of Routine HVAC Maintenance
Routine, preventive HVAC maintenance also offers environmental benefits. Here is a look at the biggest environmental benefits of preventive HVAC maintenance:
- Regular maintenance improves the efficiency of your HVAC system, so it doesn’t need to run as long. This reduces your energy consumption and your carbon footprint.
- Well-maintained HVAC systems also burn less energy, resulting in fewer carbon emissions, improved air quality, and reduced environmental impact.
- A clean, well-maintained HVAC system means improved indoor air quality and reduced risk of allergy and asthma symptoms.
Hire a Professional for HVAC Maintenance
At Oregon Heating & Air Conditioning, we have years of experience providing comprehensive HVAC services to homeowners and business owners throughout Oregon. We offer a convenient preventive maintenance plan that makes it easy to keep up with the routine maintenance your HVAC system needs to remain safe, efficient, and effective.
Our goal is to keep your home or business comfortable year-round by catching problems early and being proactive about tune-ups, maintenance, and repairs. Call us now or contact us online to schedule an HVAC inspection, maintenance, repairs, or new HVAC installation in Beaverton, Portland, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Tigard, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Newberg, Dundee, Yamhill, Carlton, and Forest Grove, OR.