Has it been a while since you’ve given your AC system some TLC? Can you remember the last time you had a scheduled maintenance check to ensure your AC was in prime working order? You’re not alone in this boat. Life gets busy, and things like AC maintenance get put on the back burner, but living in South Florida means that the summer heat can be relentless, and an efficient AC system isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity.
While skipping regular maintenance checks may save time and money up front, the hidden costs can quickly add up. All Year Cooling takes a look at some of the hidden costs of neglecting AC maintenance and see why investing in regular care is essential for long-term performance.
7 Ways an Unmaintained AC System Is Costing You Money Today
As professionals in the HVAC industry, we can truthfully say that we have seen it all and know exactly what happens when HVAC systems are neglected. A regular AC maintenance check is the most effective way to save yourself from these seven costly consequences.
1. The Shock of Opening Your Energy Bill
AC systems that aren’t properly maintained can lose efficiency over time. Dust can accumulate, filters get dirty and clogged, and worn-out components force the entire system to work harder to keep your space cool and comfortable throughout the year.
As a result, you might notice that your energy bills are creeping higher and higher each month, with every bill adding a bit more shock value than the one before, even with your efforts to save energy.
Take, for example, that just a dirty air filter can increase energy consumption by at least 5%, minimally. In fact, the increase in energy usage due to dirty filters is often more. Now, combine this with other neglected maintenance issues, and you can see how the costs quickly add up.
Regular maintenance ensures your AC unit runs at peak efficiency, saving you money on monthly utility bills.
2. Money-Draining Repairs and Emergency Breakdowns
Neglecting AC maintenance compromises the system’s components, leading to wear and tear that increases the likelihood of breakdowns and repairs. It’s one thing to plan ahead for AC maintenance, but another when you need to make an emergency call because your unit calls it quits on the hottest day of the year. Emergency repairs can be costly, especially during peak summer months in South Florida when HVAC technicians are in high demand.
Regular AC maintenance can minimize the chances of needing to make that emergency call. A maintenance check can identify small problems before they escalate into big ones.
For example, catching a refrigerant leak early can prevent costly compressor damage later down the road. Investing in preventative care now can save you the stress and costs of emergency repairs later.
3. Shortened Lifespan of Your HVAC System
Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your air conditioner by several years. Most AC systems are designed with an average lifespan of ten to fifteen years. Unfortunately, neglected units will often fail much earlier. Needing to replace an AC unit prematurely is a substantial financial burden, but it’s one that can be avoided.
Schedule routine check-ups to keep your system running efficiently and maximize its longevity.
4. Poor Indoor Air Quality
In South Florida, high humidity levels can lead to mold and mildew growth inside your air conditioning system and inside your home. This is especially true if the system isn’t cleaned regularly and properly.
Neglected filters and coils can easily accumulate dust, pollen, and other allergens that can have a noticeable negative impact on indoor air quality. For homeowners, this can lead to respiratory conditions and worsened allergies.
This isn’t just for homeowners, either. For businesses like restaurants and offices, compromised air quality can affect customers and employees.
5. Risk of Water Damage to Your Property
Condensation is a natural occurrence of air conditioners doing their job. Normally, this moisture is drained away, keeping the other system components safe and free from exposure to excess moisture. In a neglected system, clogs can develop and moisture can accumulate – leading to further system damage, but also leaks and water damage to your home.
The cost of water damage to ceilings, walls, and flooring can be substantial,– as any homeowner who has dealt with water damage repair can tell you. To make matters worse, water damage isn’t always covered by insurance policies.
Preventative measures that include cleaning and inspecting condensate lines is the best way to save yourself from these unexpected expenses.
6. Heavier Carbon Footprint
It’s hard to ignore the environmental impact of the amount of energy we use in our homes and businesses. In South Florida, neglected AC units can consume a great amount of energy and emit more greenhouse gases, contributing to a heavier individual carbon footprint.
Scheduling regular maintenance and upgrading to energy-efficient components as they need repair can help your AC system operate more sustainably.
7. Accidentally Voiding Manufacturer Warranties
Most AC systems come with warranties that cover parts and repairs for a specific amount of time. However, to take advantage of the coverage, homeowners are often required to provide proof of routine maintenance to keep their warranties valid. Unfortunately, skipping routine maintenance may void the warranty, leaving homeowners in South Florida responsible for costly repairs that would have otherwise been covered.
How Often Should You Schedule AC Maintenance?
In South Florida, it’s not uncommon for AC systems to be working year-round, minus a month or two in the winter when temperatures are a bit cooler. In other regions, where AC systems operate at a maximum, four or five months of the year, annual maintenance is usually enough. In South Florida, many experts recommend scheduling maintenance twice a year – once before the summer heat kicks in, and then again as temperatures begin to dip and the cooler season begins.
DIY vs Professional Maintenance
Should you always call in a professional for AC maintenance checks, or is this something that South Florida homeowners and businesses can manage on their own?
Some minor maintenance tasks, such as replacing filters, are something that can easily be done on your own. However, professional HVAC technicians bring a level of expertise that ensures all components of your system are inspected and cared for, not just the filters.
During a typical maintenance check, an HVAC technician will check for leaks, inspect refrigerant levels, assess the health of all components, clean and lubricate moving parts, test electrical connections, ensure the thermostat is properly calibrated, and more.
In other words, the expertise and know-how an HVAC technician provides is more than worth the cost and will actually save you money in the long run.
The Bottom Line
Skipping out on regular AC maintenance might save a little money in the short term, but the long-term hidden costs are far greater. From skyrocketing energy bills to unexpected breakdowns, there are multiple ways that an AC system that runs less than efficiently can cost you in terms of money, as well as comfort and health.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to keep your family cool in South Florida or a business owner who prioritizes a cool, pleasant environment for your customers, it’s important not to underestimate the value of proactive care.
When it’s time to schedule a regular AC maintenance check All Year Cooling is here to provide the expertise and level of service you deserve and expect. Contact us today to learn more about our AC maintenance services and schedule an appointment today before the scorching temps of summer go into full swing.