According to Energy Star, a program that is operated by the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household spends more than $1,000 a year on their heating and air conditioning system. That cost goes even higher when the unit is not serviced annually. Millions of dollars are spent every year on repairs and higher energy costs that would have been unnecessary if the unit had received needed maintenance.
Heating and cooling units are a major investment for homeowners. When regular maintenance on those units is neglected it not only shortens the life of the unit, it causes a rise in energy costs. The National Service Center for Environmental Publications released a report that states that dirty evaporator and condenser coils as well as blower fan wheels can increase electrical use and can also compromise indoor air quality.
Energy Star recommends having a heating and air conditioning system contractor perform an annual pre-season checkup in the fall for heating and in the spring for air conditioning. As an easy way to remember to have your unit serviced, Energy Star suggests that you plan the check-ups when the time changes in the fall and in the spring.
A typical checkup, according to Energy Star, should include tightening electrical connections and measuring the current and voltage on the motor. If electrical connections are not tight, the life of the major components will be lower and it will be unsafe to operate. All moving parts should be lubricated. If the moving parts are not lubricated it causes friction in the motor and increases the amount of electricity that is used. Contractors should also check to ensure that the unit starts, shuts off and operates properly.
In addition to the above, Energy Star recommends that the fall checkup include an inspection of all of the gas or oil connections, the heat exchanger, burner combustion and gas pressure. If those components are not functioning properly they present a fire hazard and compromise the safety and efficiency of the unit. For the summer, they recommend cleaning the condenser coils and the evaporator. If those items are dirty, it reduces the units cooling ability, increases energy costs and reduces the unit’s life. The refrigerant level should be checked. If there is too much or not enough refrigerant the unit’s life will be reduced and energy costs will rise. Lastly, Energy Star recommends that the blower components be cleaned and adjusted. Their efficiency is reduced by up to 15 percent if there are airflow problems with your unit.
Contact the Chico heating and air specialists at Experts In Your Home today to schedule a checkup on your heating and air conditioning system. Our technicians are certified and experienced in servicing all aspects of your unit, and serve Chico, Paradise, Oroville and surrounding areas. You will not only save money by ensuring that your system is working at peak performance, you will lengthen the life of your unit and avoid the inconvenience of unnecessary breakdowns.
When was the last time you had your heating and air conditioning system serviced?
