Many people only call their HVAC contractor to their Columbia, Maryland, home when something is wrong, but they’re missing out on a lot of benefits. Maintaining a good relationship with your HVAC contractor allows you to get help with multiple aspects of your home, and not just your air conditioner. Don’t call your HVAC contractor only when something breaks down. Here are seven reasons your HVAC contractor can help beyond just an HVAC emergency.
Get a Tuneup
Even if your HVAC system seems to be running fine, you should schedule a tuneup with your HVAC contractor twice a year. Typically, people plan tuneups in the fall and spring. This allows your contractor to prepare your system for the hot summer months or the cold winter ahead. Some people prefer to get tuneups at different times, however, when the demand is lower. Getting a tuneup makes sure your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible.
Preventive maintenance is also important because it keeps you updated on your system’s status. Since an HVAC system is one of the biggest investments you make into your home, you don’t want to make a quick decision when buying a new one. If your system is running fine but getting older, an HVAC contractor can give you a heads-up if they’re starting to see the general wear and tear that tells you it might be time to start saving or shopping for a new one.
You should always protect your investment by scheduling preventive maintenance to keep your unit working. Just like your car needs oil changes, your HVAC system needs to be inspected by a professional to keep it cleaned, unclogged, and efficient.
Check Your Insulation
Most people think about their insulation before winter to keep their home warm and save energy through the winter. But, many people don’t realize that insulation is also valuable to have during the summer months as well. Insulation works the same way during the summer and winter by keeping the warm air out or in and the cold air out or in, depending on what’s needed at the time. Insulation seals any leaks in your home where air can get in and out, and it helps to keep your home warm or cool, as determined by the season.
Head up to the attic before summer hits, and make sure you have enough insulation. It is possible to add insulation yourself, but realistically it could turn into more of a project than you want to take on. When it comes to big projects throughout your home, it’s better to leave it to the experts. If you’re unsure if you need extra insulation, a quick visit from your HVAC company can tell you quickly.
Have Your Ducts Cleaned
There are three big reasons you would definitely need to have your ducts cleaned, and there are a few additional reasons why you would want to have your ducts cleaned. Times you need to have your ducts cleaned immediately include mold growth inside your ducts, an excessive amount of dust and debris, or an infestation in your air ducts. Since all your fresh air blows through those ducts, you don’t want to breathe air that’s passing through the mold, dander, and excessive dust before it gets to you.
Test Your Air Quality
People get sick more in the winter because they are spending more time indoors, breathing recycled air. Considering how much time you spend inside your house, you want to make sure that they air you’re breathing is clean. Poor indoor air quality leads to some ailments including flu-like symptoms, headaches, and poor sleep. It also triggers asthma and allergies.
If you’re concerned about your IAQ or if you just haven’t had it tested for awhile, schedule an appointment with your HVAC contractor to have your IAQ tested. Once you know how your air quality is measuring up, then you can take steps to improve it. Your contractor can suggest tips to improve your air quality both naturally and artificially. For example, you could bring in more live plants for a natural solution. Changing your air filters frequently also improves your air quality.
Consider New Equipment
If your system is getting old, or you have noticed your energy bills creeping up, it may be time to consider a new system. Don’t assume your best option is the same type of system you have. If it’s been 20 years since your system was replaced, technology has changed enough that something else might be a better option for your home. Your HVAC professional can come and see if perhaps a heat pump is a better option for your home, or a ductless system may actually work better.
Even if you decide to go the more traditional route, sitting down with an HVAC contractor before shopping for new systems can save you a lot of time and energy. Your HVAC contractor can look at the structure of your home and advise you what system would fit best. You can also understand how a new system can save you money on your energy bills, and why now is the right or even wrong time to upgrade your system.
Improve Your Resale Value
Your HVAC contractor should be on your short list of consultants when you are considering selling your home. Although your HVAC system isn’t really an exciting renovation, it does improve your resale value and is an incentive for buyers. The last thing a person wants to worry about is replacing the HVAC system in their home right after they move in.
Your HVAC contractor can discuss energy-efficient upgrades throughout your home beyond your HVAC system as well. HVAC specialists know and understand the components that make a home more valuable when it’s on the market. Sit down and discuss your thoughts and concerns, and decide with your contractor what upgrades are worth the cost and what probably won’t pay off. If you invest in your home before you put it on the market, then you’ll see your home sell faster and typically for a better price than if you’d put it on the market without any upgrades first.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
Even if you’re not ready to upgrade your system, if you are still using a traditional thermostat, you are way overdue for an upgrade. At the very least you need a programmable thermostat in your home, and you need someone to show you how to make the most out of it. Programmable thermostats allow you to set temperatures to change throughout the day and night to make sure you aren’t wasting excess energy and money.
If you want to go one step further, you could even talk to your HVAC contractor about installing a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat you can control from your phone. With complete control over your thermostat from wherever you are, you can make sure you’re never wasting energy by having the heat or air conditioner running when it’s unnecessary. You can even control your thermostat when you are away on vacation.
HVAC specialists aren’t just good to call for emergencies. Of course, you want your HVAC contractor on speed dial for when your system breaks down unexpectedly, but you should also call them in when you have other issues in your home or are considering upgrading part of your system.
If you’re considering upgrading your HVAC system, we are the people to talk to. Call 888-474-3391 to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained professionals at Griffith Energy Services.
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