As bad as it is to be stuck with a non-functional HVAC unit when the thermostat needs adjusting, there are other dangers of neglecting routine HVAC service. 

• You’ll waste energy. Your HVAC will save energy and associated costs when operating at peak performance. But when its efficiency is reduced by a clogged vent system, dirty condenser coils, or corroded components, that’s not the case.

• It’s harder to diagnose the exact problem. You’ll waste time running through an entire list of potential reasons for a breakdown rather than getting straight to the cause and getting it fixed right away.

• Repair costs are expensive. It’s a fact that the price of HVAC repair or replacement is much higher than HVAC maintenance. 

• You’ll void your warranty. Manufacturer warranties require the HVAC unit to have its prescribed checkups and service requirements fulfilled. If those aren’t done, the warranty will likely be voided. You’ll get stuck paying the entire bill even if a repair would otherwise be covered.

• The HVAC unit’s life will be shorter. Rather than having a unit that lasts around 15 years, you’ll be looking at a replacement much sooner—as in years sooner! 

• There are health and safety risks. Short circuits, fire, oil leaks, and carbon monoxide are some of the threats your home and family can encounter if you aren’t keeping an eye on your HVAC unit.

As you can tell from the list above, there are no upsides to neglecting regular HVAC service maintenance. However, there are plenty of benefits to getting regular maintenance:

• You save energy and money on your energy bills.
• It’s easy to take care of small issues before they become large, expensive problems.
• Your warranty will remain intact and help cover repair costs, should they arise.
• Your HVAC unit will have a much longer life.
• You’ll reduce risks to your home and family’s health and safety.

What Basic HVAC Service Maintenance Entails

HVAC service maintenance entails proactive tasks that prevent future problems.

Every three months:

• Check for and clear debris (furniture, boxes, leaves, grass, garbage, etc.) to two feet away from all indoor and outdoor components. 
• Check the air filters and change them when they’re dirty. Keep a few high-quality filters on hand to make this a quick task.
• Inspect all lines for leaks. This includes the connector, drain, refrigerant, AC condensate, and heat exchanger lines.

Once a year:

• Lubricate the HVAC motor.
• Replace the fan belt (if it’s not running well).
• Check to make sure the outside HVAC unit is still standing level.

Signs Your HVAC Needs Servicing

When it comes to your HVAC system, there are a few bad signs you should never ignore: 

• It’s been at least a year since your last HVAC service.
• Your system is leaking from any of the following lines:
  • Connector
  • Drain
  • Refrigerant
  • AC condensate
  • Heat exchanger
• You see corrosion on any wires or terminals.
• Air filters and/or vents are dirty and clogged.

Get service right away before you’re faced with bigger and more expensive problems to solve.

An air conditioning replacement or furnace replacement is recommended to be done before your unit stops working completely—you don’t want to be left waiting for a new A/C or furnace to be ordered and installed. Besides, an upgrade will always pay off in the long run with better performance and significant savings on your energy bill.

What’s Involved in an HVAC Replacement 

Here’s what’s involved in the replacement of an HVAC unit:

• Decide on a budget and review:
  • Rebate options
  • Tax credits
  • Energy efficiency
  • Financing options
• Run a heat/cool load calculation to determine the proper unit for your home based on:
  • Measurements
  • Square footage
  • Layout and ductwork
• Install new HVAC components, which may include:
  • Inside air handler or evaporator
  • Outside compressor or condensing unit
  • Condensate drain lines
  • Condensate pump
  • Refrigerant supply lines
  • Thermostat
• Fix unforeseen circumstances, if they arise:
  • Electrical wiring and circuit breakers
  • Damaged ductwork
  • Rotten walls
• Do a final, whole-home air balance:
  • Test every air register
  • Adjust dampers
• Educate on the new system and provide maintenance tips.

Signs Your HVAC Needs Replacing

Does your air conditioner or heating unit need replacing? Here are the signs the answer is yes:

• You aren’t getting good airflow throughout the house.
• Only warm air is blowing through the vents.
• The HVAC system repeatedly turns itself on and off.
• There are odd or loud sounds coming from the HVAC system.
• Your energy bills are unexpectedly higher than normal.
• The unit has had recurring problems and needed frequent repairs.
• The cost of a needed repair is half or more of a replacement.
• Your system is over 10 years old.

HVAC maintenance membership plans keep your system operating at peak performance with yearly inspection, maintenance, and tune-up services. These plans aim to give homeowners a stress-free, convenient way to keep on top of HVAC service, so their unit lasts and functions well for years to come.

What an HVAC Maintenance Plan Includes

Here’s what’s included in a John Moore Service HVAC maintenance plan:

Spring A/C maintenance:

• 28-point inspection
• Tune-up
• Drain line treatment
• Attic evaluation

Fall furnace maintenance:

• 30-point inspection
• Tune-up

The Benefits of an HVAC Maintenance Plan

Depending on the membership level purchased (Essential, Preferred, or VIP), the following benefits are included in an HVAC maintenance plan:

• “No-Breakdown Guarantee”
• No:
  • Trip fees
  • Overtime fees
• 10% discount on:
  • Plumbing, A/C, electrical repairs
  • Pest control service
• 5% discount on:
  • Plumbing, A/C, and electrical replacement
  • Remodeling
  • Roof repair
• Priority scheduling
• Traditional water heater flush and inspection
• Energy Ogre membership
• Transferable membership when you move