This post is sponsored and contributed by Thumbtack, a Patch Brand Partner.
Nothing is worse than waiting to turn on the air conditioning and realizing it isn't working. Before you get to that point, you should have a qualified technician conduct a spring inspection of your home's HVAC system so that it's ready for the sizzling summer days to come. Ensuring your HVAC system is running optimally is easy when you have a team of top-rated professionals ready to help.
Whether your air filters need to be replaced, refrigerant levels need to be checked or you're ready to upgrade to a new central air system, Thumbtack — a home services app used by millions — makes it easy to find and hire local professionals who will get the job done right.
Here are six reasons you should have a professional HVAC technician out for regular spring maintenance.
One of the most important reasons to have a HVAC technician conduct a preventative maintenance inspection is that it can save you money over time. The Indoor Air Quality Association says regular maintenance can extend the life of your heating and cooling system, catch minor problems before they become more expensive breakdowns, improve your system's energy efficiency and help you maintain your warranty.
Related: How much does AC service cost?
Your HVAC system should get inspected in the spring and fall, to make sure it's working properly. When an HVAC pro does maintenance, they will check refrigerant levels and look for leaks, making sure your system has the correct amount of refrigerant to keep you cool. During their visit they may also inspect for leaky ductwork, measure the airflow through the evaporator coil, lubricate motors and moving parts and check belts for tightness, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors, yet some pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher indoors than typical amounts found outdoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is why one of the most important things you can do to keep both your family and your HVAC system healthy is to have the air filters replaced. This is particularly important if you have family members who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues. A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict air flow, and if it becomes too soiled, dirt can bypass the filter altogether and become stuck in the system's evaporator coil, which can affect the coil's heat absorbing abilities, according to the DOE. When you have an HVAC company out for regular maintenance visits, they will replace your air filters and check your system's evaporator and condenser coils for dirt so your system keeps blowing clean, cool air all summer long.
Honestly, there's a lot to do around the house, and it can be easy to put off regular maintenance. When an HVAC pro conducts regular maintenance, they're guaranteeing that your system should evenly distribute warm or cool air throughout your home. If you skip regular maintenance, you might start to have rooms that don't cool or heat as well, but you may disregard it or get used to it over time. A professional HVAC technician can diagnose issues and make sure your system runs efficiently. Also, in the process of replacing filters and monitoring your system, they can provide guidance about air duct cleaning, especially if you have noticed musty odors and are concerned about mold and mildew.
Over time, your central heating and cooling system may show signs that it needs to be replaced, and if it isn't up to par, upgrading to a new unit may actually be more cost-effective in the long run. When you have regular maintenance, a professional HVAC installation company can uncover problems such as duct leaks, uneven heating and cooling and humidity issues, which are signs your system isn't working at top efficiency. If this happens, you may want to consider replacing your HVAC system when it requires frequent repairs and you have energy bills that keep increasing. While most HVAC systems can last up to 20 years, even if your system is 10 years old, the DOE says you can save 20 percent to 40 percent of your cooling costs if you replace it with a more energy efficient system.
To guarantee your family's comfort and keep your HVAC system working well all year round, you'll want to have a team of professionals you can count on to provide regular maintenance. And if your unit is starting to have issues, they can guide you in replacing your current heating and cooling system. When you have an HVAC pro out to regularly check your heating and cooling system, your due diligence will pay off because you will have peace of mind knowing that your system is in good working order. You'll also build a relationship with a company and technicians you can trust, so you can feel confident in your HVAC system's health.
Related: Here's your HVAC troubleshooting checklist.
Thumbtack makes it easy to find and hire professionals for pretty much any spring maintenance service you need completed. From lawn care to house cleaning, window washing to deck repair, there's a pro in your area you can count on to get the job done right. To find a professionalHVAC maintenance company in your area, simply select the service you'd like, input your ZIP code and answer a few questions about your project. Thumbtack will provide a list of local professionals and their rates. You choose the pro you'd like to connect with to complete your service. You'll also be able to compare ratings, read reviews and check their availability for your desired dates.
This post is sponsored and contributed by Thumbtack, a Patch Brand Partner.
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