The weather is getting hotter. That means soon you’ll be switching your AC on for the first time this year. As one of the most important systems in your home, you’ll depend on it to keep you cool in the coming months. And that’s why it’s so important to never skip AC maintenance. But what if you do? What’s the worst that can happen? To answer that, let’s take a look at exactly what can happen if you neglect routine AC maintenance.
Increased Costs
The average cost to cool a home throughout the summer costs between $95 to $292 on average depending on where you live. This will obviously cost significantly more if you live in a particularly hot climate or large home. Keeping your AC maintained is key to keeping these costs down. Just because your AC is running doesn’t mean it’s operating as it should. Poorly maintained AC will keep going for a while, but never at full capacity. That means your system is working harder for longer to keep you cool. Consequently, it’ll take more energy to achieve the same results. Preventive maintenance keeps your AC working as efficiently as possible. Skipping this maintenance will absolutely lead to increased cooling costs. No one wants that. Unfortunately, many home homeowners still skip AC maintenance thinking they’ll save money. But this is only in the short term. In the long term, you’ll have to pay the price.
Diminished Performance
Not only will a poorly maintained unit cost more, but it also won’t keep you nearly as comfortable. Filters clog, belts wear out, and air leaks, these issues will add up over time before your system completely fails. Before that, you will get increasingly diminished returns from your unit without proper maintenance.
Poor Air Quality
AC units depend on airflow. That’s certainly no secret. Your system circulates cool air around your home. When you neglect maintenance, that invites dust and other debris into the air of your home. This is especially true if you fail to regularly replace your air filters. These components are key to dust from entering your AC unit and your home. What’s more, AC units do more than keep our homes cool. They help manage humidity and keep moisture levels comfortable. A neglected unit can lead to higher humidity that will make the air in your home feel thick and heavy; even more difficult to breathe. So, for the sake of the air quality in your home, schedule regular professional maintenance at least once a year and take steps to see what you can do to care for your system.
More Breakdowns and Repairs
A poorly maintained AC unit will break down more often. This is because the various components of your system wear down at different rates. Falling behind on maintenance means you’ll have to repair breakdowns each time a part fails over and over. A motor could fail one week, and the fan may give out the next week. Ultimately, you’re left with repeated breakdowns that ultimately cost more money to repair than it would to simply maintain the system. This is not even the mention you may find yourself needing to replace the unit entirely.
Shorter Unit Lifespan
As we said before, a poorly maintained unit has to work harder to achieve the same quality of cooling. This strains the individual parts and the system as a whole. That continuous strain on your AC unit will cause it to wear out prematurely. So, if you’re invested in your AC unit lasting as long as possible, schedule regular maintenance to keep your system running as long as it can.
Voided Warranty
Warranties protect consumers from unforeseen breakdowns. However, those warranties usually require those consumers to take preventative care of their AC units. If you have failed to have your unit regularly inspected and maintained, it’s likely the warranty is no longer valid. That’s right. In the interest of saving money, you may have invalidated the warranty that came with your system. So, always be sure to have your AC unit regularly checked after you purchase a new unit to protect your warranty and your wallet.
Keep Your Home Cool With Preventative Maintenance
Maintenance isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. If you want to save on your AC unit in the long run, you’ll need to maintain it. Otherwise, you’re facing higher costs, worse performance, and less comfort in the coming summer months. So, reach out to us today to make sure your AC is ready for the summer so you don’t have to spend it in front of a fan.
