What Happens If I Skip an HVAC Maintenance Visit?

There are 8,760 hours in a year. A typical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) checkup takes an hour or less. So, if you devote about 0.002 percent of your year to professional maintenance—bingo! You’re on the right track.

Why Do I Need Seasonal Maintenance?

While the visits may be short, seasonal maintenance saves you lots of time and money in the long run. We recommend scheduling a tune-up with your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer twice a year—once in the fall for your heating system and again in the spring for your cooling system.

Why Should I Change My Filter?

Additionally, remember to follow your manufacturer’s recommendation on when to change your HVAC filter. This makes a huge difference—an air conditioning unit with a clean filter runs up to 15 percent more efficiently than one with a dirty filter, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

What Are the Top 5 Risks of Skipping Maintenance?

Whether you have an air conditioner, furnace, heat pump, or ductless system — they all need maintenance. Like getting an oil change for your car, HVAC equipment needs professional service to achieve the maximum mileage.

Here are the top five issues you can run into without seasonal tune-ups:

1. You Can Void Your Warranty.

Most manufacturers require preventative maintenance. Check the parts warranty conditions on your current model—you’ll likely find this clause in the document. That’s because, without proper upkeep, your heating and cooling system isn’t operating as the manufacturer intended.

2. You’ll Pay More for Utilities.

Poorly maintained HVAC equipment tends to use more energy and deliver less. As a result, you may see a jump in your utility bills. Additionally, energy-wasting issues like leaky ducts are likely to go unnoticed.

3. Your HVAC Equipment Will Have a Shorter Lifespan.

With regular maintenance, heat pumps last 10 to 15 years, while furnaces and air conditioners may last up to 20. Without any upkeep, you may only have your current system for a fraction of its predicted lifespan. That’s because your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer won’t be able to perform vital service that prevents wear-and-tear damage, or correct small issues before they turn into larger ones.

4. You’ll Spend More on Repairs.

Expensive repairs are often preventable, had they been caught early on. For instance, one broken part is easy to replace. But if no one is there to find and replace it, this can lead to a domino effect, causing other parts of your HVAC equipment to break down. Seasonal checkups allow your technician to spot and tweak minor problems, saving you money and time.

5. You May Have Worse Indoor Air Quality.

Your ductwork and coils can become a haven for mildew and mold. This can trigger respiratory symptoms when it’s circulating, particularly if anyone in your home has allergies or asthma. Your specialist will also check for issues like refrigerant leaks or cracks in your heat exchanger, which are significant health threats. Regular maintenance promotes a healthy home with excellent indoor air quality (IAQ).

Find Trustworthy HVAC Techs in Your Area Today.

Let our Carrier Cooling Center help you find a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer ready to meet all your home comfort needs. Find a dealer in your neighborhood today.