Homeowners and industry specialists alike often groan about the cost of a maintenance plan. There are so many features that are included in a plan like ours, that it can be hard to take advantage of all of them. People then think HVAC maintenance in Orlando, FL is some kind of “bonus” service and that they can do without it until their system starts malfunctioning and their bills go through the roof.
What we’d like to make clear today is that HVAC maintenance, for heaters, air conditioners, and any system, is not optional. If you want to even approach a 10-year lifespan for your system, let alone anything beyond that, you’ll need routine maintenance every year. These services are required for very specific reasons that we’ll get into—but the most important thing to remember is that there’s a cost to forgetting to sign up for maintenance.
Proactive Service
What does being “proactive” mean? Well, if you think about going to your doctor for a check-up, that’s proactive. Your doctor can tell you everything you need to know to stay healthy for another year and will let you know if there are any complications that will need to be addressed. Any surgeries, conditions, or medication will be talked about and addressed in your doctor’s check-up appointment. This is very important!
Think of your HVAC maintenance appointment like a check-up from your doctor, except it’s from us—the doctors of HVAC equipment! We can thoroughly assess your system, let you know of any problems that are starting to show up, and address them with repairs either right then and there or in the future. Basically, proactive maintenance helps reduce expenses down the line by addressing them early on.
Proactive HVAC Services
What does being “proactive” mean? Well, if you think about going to your doctor for a check-up, that’s proactive. Your doctor can tell you everything you need to know to stay healthy for another year and will let you know if there are any complications that will need to be addressed. Any surgeries, conditions, or medication will be talked about and addressed in your doctor’s check-up appointment. This is very important!
Think of your HVAC maintenance appointment like a check-up from your doctor, except it’s from us—the doctors of HVAC equipment! That kind of visit should be handled by a fully licensed hvac contractor with trained technicians. In Florida, HVAC professionals must be licensed and are often insured or bonded, and nate certified technicians are a common quality marker. Regular HVAC maintenance can improve system efficiency by 30% or more and reduce the likelihood of system breakdowns by 75%, and it is especially important in Florida where systems work hard through long hot, humid weather to support heating and cooling. Unmaintained HVAC systems struggle in Florida’s humidity and may lose performance faster. We can thoroughly assess your system, including checking refrigerant levels to protect cooling capacity and detect leaks, as well as reviewing the heating system and heat pump or furnace components when applicable, let you know of any problems that are starting to show up, and address them with repairs either right then and there or in the future. Most manufacturers require routine maintenance to keep warranties valid. Air filter replacement supports proper airflow and indoor air quality while helping reduce mold and allergens. Basically, proactive maintenance helps reduce expenses down the line by addressing them early on.
Additional Costs of Missed Maintenance
Let’s say you were one of the many homeowners to think you didn’t need maintenance. Skipping upkeep often turns a simple service call into a bigger repair visit. You might think you’re saving money yearly, but you’re probably going to spend more money than you’d like, they’ll just occur as surprise expenses or higher energy bills that might slip under your radar. In Orlando, ac repair costs often range from $150 to $600. Here are a few telltale signs maintenance has been missed, including clogged filters, strange noises, or an air conditioner that is no longer putting out enough cool air. Let’s take a look at all the expenses you could be racking up from avoiding maintenance:
- Increased fuel or energy bill due to system inefficiency.
- Money spent on blankets, sweatshirts, sheets, socks, fans, ice, and other things meant to make you feel more comfortable due to poor heater or air conditioner performance.
- Surprise expensive repairs that seemingly come out of nowhere, along with urgent AC service needs when breakdowns happen during peak heat and you need service today.
- Reduced system life expectancy and an early replacement.
Orlando companies may also offer 24/7 emergency air conditioning services when neglected equipment fails unexpectedly.
Minor AC repairs usually cost less than major issues such as refrigerant leaks, and far less than ac installation or HVAC installation when a neglected unit no longer stays system working properly. Those installation services can cover a home unit or a larger commercial cooling system for a business, with AC units installed up to twenty-five tons.
It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way
Look, if you’re starting to feel stressed out because you missed maintenance, or because you feel like you need to choose between signing up for maintenance or not, then relax. We’re trying to help you.
A good rule of thumb going forward is to think of maintenance as an additional cost of owning an HVAC system that’s unavoidable, and many Orlando-based providers offer tiered preventative maintenance agreements to fit different needs, while maintenance services can also support indoor air quality services such as air cleaners and dehumidifiers. Two maintenance visits per year are recommended for optimal HVAC performance, especially in Orlando where hot summers and humid summers put continuous strain on air conditioning needs and the cooling system. Just like you’d look at car insurance as a necessary expense of owning a car, maintenance should be added to the cost of HVAC ownership. When choosing a company, look for Orlando HVAC contractors with a strong local reputation for reliability and numerous recent reviews across at least three platforms. Established HVAC companies in the Orlando area often show decades of positive feedback and more consistent performance. With that in mind, it won’t feel like you’re paying extra for your system, but it will feel like you’re paying the normal rate while you get the most out of your comfort technology.
Contact Gary Munson Heating & Air Conditioning for comprehensive system maintenance. You will be more comfortable with the best!