Whether as a perceived way to cut costs or save time, some homeowners fall into the unfortunate habit of failing to keep tabs on AC system maintenance. This can prove to be a costly mistake and lead to myriad problems over the life of the system.
It’s difficult to quantify the benefits of performing regular AC repairs due to the multitude of factors involved, but it’s safe to say that a majority of serious cooling system issues could be prevented with annual service visits performed by licensed and experienced personnel.
Below are some of the unpleasant but all-too-common issues that could impact your budget, your indoor comfort and even your health if you skip AC system maintenance.
Higher Energy Bills
Delaying or skipping maintenance could cause an AC unit to consume up to 20 percent more energy to achieve the same level of indoor comfort. Clogged filters that reduce airflow and increase cooling time are just one example of how a lack of periodic servicing may spike household utility bills. Other problems include faulty thermostats, low coolant levels, dirty coils and general system inefficiency.
More Frequent Breakdowns
Many AC system failures start out as relatively small matters like worn belts, dirty internal components or clogged drains. If not caught early and repaired in a timely manner, however, these seemingly small and localized issues can snowball into major problems. This creates the potential for extended system downtime and larger repair bills later on.
Shortened System Lifespan
Even a modestly sized AC unit represents a major financial investment, and it’s in a homeowner’s best interest to extend their system’s useful service life for as long as possible. The average expected lifespan of a new AC unit is around 15 years, but lack of maintenance can significantly shorten this period.
The cost of staying on top of routine maintenance is also a fraction of the estimated $5,000 to $10,000 that’s necessary to completely replace a system if the compressor, the motor or another vital component becomes irreparably damaged.
Expensive Emergency Repairs
A poorly maintained cooling system is likely to break down at any time, including late at night or over a holiday weekend. The rates for after-hours emergency HVAC service calls can be up to twice as much as regular service and maintenance visits. Purchasing parts at the peak of summer demand can also lead to greater expense and extended downtime due to possible shortages of critical repair components.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Neglected HVAC systems are among the top culprits when it comes to diminished indoor air quality. Some risks associated with poor indoor air quality include worsened asthma, allergies and respiratory issues in sensitive individuals. Dirty filters and coils may circulate dust and allergens, and poorly maintained units could even harbor hidden mold growth.
Voided Manufacturer Warranty
Another way that skipping AC maintenance could cost a homeowner money is by voiding the system’s warranty. Most manufacturer’s warranties include the stipulation that maintenance must be performed at least annually. Attempting DIY maintenance or skipping service visits with a licensed provider who supplies a receipt or other proof of maintenance could leave a homeowner paying full price for major repairs.
Decreased Home Comfort
Weak airflow, unreasonably long cooling times and hot spots that lead to ongoing thermostat wars are all signs that a system is struggling to maintain the desired indoor temperatures. Routine maintenance can keep these issues at bay by boosting overall system efficiency.
Safety Risks
Water damage from a clogged HVAC drain line is one of the most common contributors to household mold, but the safety risks of a poorly maintained cooling system don’t end there. Electrical shorts, fire hazards and refrigerant leaks are other problems that could be avoided with routine cooling system maintenance.
Environmental Impact
In addition to directly impacting the household it serves, an inefficient AC system may pose environmental risks with far-reaching effects. Inefficiencies causing a system to consume more energy and contribute to higher emissions will increase a property’s carbon footprint, but performing regular maintenance usually translates to a greener, more energy-responsible home.
Signs Your AC Desperately Needs Maintenance
Common indicators that AC maintenance is in order include:
- Rising energy bills without explanation
- Strange noises or smells
- Inconsistent cooling performance
- Short cycling or system shutdowns
FAQs
Is it really necessary to maintain your AC every year?
Like all mechanical systems, air conditioners benefit from scheduled maintenance at least once a year. Annual servicing in the early spring can detect and address problems that may have developed during the winter downtime before the system is needed to combat the summer heat.
What’s the average cost of AC maintenance?
Depending on the type and age of your system, you should expect to spend between $100 and $300 on annual cooling system maintenance. Resolving major problems found during the service visit may incur added costs.
Can I do AC maintenance myself?
Due to the complexity of air conditioner units and the detailed tasks required to maintain them, it’s best to leave everything beyond regular filter changes and basic exterior cleaning to trained experts.
How long does an AC unit last with no maintenance?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but failing to maintain a cooling system might cut its expected lifespan in half or shorten it even further.
Does skipping maintenance affect AC efficiency?
Skipping AC maintenance can have a definite negative impact on the system’s overall efficiency. Regular tune-ups will go a long way toward promoting peak operational efficiency over the life of the system.
Don’t Skip AC Maintenance, Call One Hour Pensacola
While it may seem tempting and even financially smart to delay or avoid AC maintenance altogether, doing so could cost far more in the long run. Your household might be at risk for inconvenient system downtime, expensive emergency repairs and replacement of the unit far sooner than would otherwise have been necessary.
On the other hand, staying up-to-date on cooling system servicing and repairs will help protect the valuable investment you’ve made in your home’s comfort system so that you can rely on it for many years to come.
If your AC system is due for routine maintenance, schedule an appointment with the team from One Hour today. Our punctual plumbers and HVAC technicians are standing by to serve you wherever you’re located in the greater Pensacola area, and we offer prompt responses and speedy turnaround that you’re sure to appreciate.