If your air conditioner is making weird noises or your heater isn’t keeping your home as warm as it used to, it can be tempting to ignore the problem and hope it goes away.
However, minor HVAC problems rarely resolve on their own. In many cases, putting off repairs can lead to bigger breakdowns in the future, higher utility bills, and even higher repair costs.
Postponing HVAC maintenance can be costly. That’s why USA TODAY spoke to the HVAC experts at ARS to learn more about how regular HVAC maintenance can save you money in the long run.
How deferred HVAC maintenance drives up energy costs
HVAC systems require clear airways for air to flow freely and the system to operate at peak efficiency. Regular HVAC maintenance makes it easy to fix any issues that may be preventing your system from operating to its full potential. “The number one thing we see is filters not being replaced,” says Ken Turner, HVAC Sales Manager at YES! Heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electricity℠. Other easy HVAC maintenance items that are often overlooked include cleaning the evaporator coil and compressor and checking the refrigerant charge.
The most common direct causes of household energy waste due to HVAC are:
- Clogged air filter: If air cannot pass through your HVAC unit and ductwork, the entire system will have to work much harder to push the air out.
- Dirty evaporator and condenser coils: This can reduce the efficiency of heat transfer, increase system uptime, and increase energy waste.
- Low refrigerant charge: A low refrigerant charge can put strain on the compressor and reduce cooling efficiency.
- Thermostat failure: An older thermostat that needs to be replaced may have inaccurate temperature readings, which can cause your system to run when you don’t want it to. It can also cause your HVAC system to turn on and off quickly without completing the entire cycle, resulting in shorter cycles and extra wear on the compressor.
All of these items can lead to decreased performance and can make the problem worse over time. “Higher utility bills, decreased system comfort, and noise are red flags,” says Turner, and could mean it’s time for system maintenance. Worse, it will require repairs.
Why small HVAC problems can turn into expensive repairs
If these are not addressed, HVAC maintenance issues can quickly escalate into major component failures.
Think of small problems as chain reactions. If one part isn’t working properly, all other components have to work harder. The harder a component, such as a blower or evaporator coil, works, the more wear it accumulates and the faster it breaks down.
Turner estimates that if the problem is left untreated, a $200 to $300 part could end up costing the homeowner more than $3,000. Alternatively, a fan motor can cost between $450 and $500, but replacing a new AC unit can cost more than $12,000, according to Justin Livesay, director of credit and collections at American Residential Services, LLC (ARS). Of course, these are just estimates. For the most accurate pricing, contact your local HVAC provider for a personalized quote.
Skipping maintenance can shorten system lifespan
Skipping HVAC maintenance doesn’t just increase your utility bills, it’s a one-way ticket to having to replace your entire HVAC system sooner than its expected useful life. Some sources estimate that neglecting HVAC system maintenance can shorten the system’s lifespan by as much as 5 to 10 years. A system that could last up to 20 years suddenly needs a complete replacement after 10 years.
Regular HVAC tune-ups and maintenance extend the life of your system in a number of ways.
- Detect deteriorated parts early and prevent major breakdowns.
- Regular cleaning ensures that all components are working at their most efficient.
HVAC maintenance identifies small parts that can be easily updated to extend the life of the entire system. “By proactively replacing these small parts and components, we can make larger, more expensive components work better, stronger, and longer,” Turner says.
The hidden costs of unexpected HVAC breakdowns
There’s nothing worse than needing a new AC unit during a major heat wave or having to replace your furnace in the middle of winter. Aside from the inconvenience and annoyance, if repairs are needed over the weekend or holidays, you can expect to pay more.
Emergency HVAC repairs can be much more expensive than planned replacements as the system ages. For example, an emergency HVAC bill can be three times the cost of a regular HVAC visit. Instead of paying a $75 service fee, you could end up paying more than $250. That’s before any diagnosis or repairs are done.
How to save money with preventive HVAC maintenance
The cost of an HVAC tune-up is a fraction of the cost of energy and unexpected breakdowns. Regular HVAC maintenance will help your system last longer, be more energy efficient, and reduce unexpected breakdowns.
Another major way to save money on HVAC maintenance is to maintain your warranty. Home insurance rarely covers HVAC system failure, and you will be responsible for most of the costs. Unless you have an HVAC warranty. An HVAC home warranty can cover failures due to normal wear and tear. The problem is that if you can’t provide regular maintenance records, you may be denied coverage. That mistake could cost you thousands of dollars and even leave you without the home warranty you’re paying for.
