Many homeowners might not realize it, but owning a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is surprisingly similar to owning a car. Like a car, your home’s HVAC system requires regular maintenance and repair to keep it operating at its full potential.
And, much like owning a car, you could end up paying much more on HVAC repairs than you’d like to be paying if you avoid this periodic maintenance and servicing. The approximately 85,469 HVAC businesses across the country are highly profitable for this reason, generating an incredible $71 billion in revenue per year.
To keep even the best heating and cooling systems running as well as they should — and to save money on your future indoor air conditioning repairs — it’s important to take preventive steps against severe HVAC problems. Here are just three of the many ways you can cut the costs of heating and air conditioning services:
Change your air filters regularly
If you can’t remember the last time you’ve changed your heating and cooling system’s air filters, it might be time to do so. In fact, regularly replacing your HVAC filters can help prevent problems like clogging and will keep your air free of allergens. Best of all? Replacing air filters can save you up to 15% on your energy bills. Optimally, you should replace your old air filters once every three months.
Keep the area around your HVAC system clear
Another key step in cutting the costs of your HVAC repairs is to keep the area around your HVAC system clear. If your air conditioner is located outside, for example, keep at least two feet around the unit free of grass and shrubbery. Doing so will prevent damaging system clogs and a number of other problems.
Have your HVAC systems inspected once per year
Perhaps most importantly, you should be having an expert technician examining your heating and cooling system once per year. These preventive maintenance appointments can allow you to fix any problems in your HVAC system before they worsen and become more expensive to repair. And during the summer, when the only thing on many people’s mind is staying inside, you can’t afford to have your air conditioner break down due to a problem you didn’t detect early.
Have any other tips for cutting the costs of emergency air conditioning repairs? Share with us and your fellow readers by leaving a comment below!