What Are Some of the Benefits of Getting My HVAC Inspected?
Far too many Raleigh homeowners neglect their heating and cooling systems until a serious problem develops. That’s not a good strategy, as significant problems are generally expensive to repair.
Top local service providers always recommend property owners contact heating and cooling experts for an HVAC Inspection in Raleigh at least once per year to minimize the potential of serious problems occurring. So, what are the benefits of having an HVAC inspection now?
Reduce Operating Expenses
While the overall cost of living in North Carolina is lower than the national average, heating and cooling costs still make up a substantial part of most homeowners’ budgets. That means it’s important to keep those expenses as low as possible.
One of the best ways to accomplish that goal is to make sure a home’s HVAC system is functioning as efficiently as possible. Scheduling an inspection by an expert from one of the HVAC companies in Raleigh, NC is the first step in ensuring heating and cooling expenses are kept low.
Systems that aren’t maintained must work harder to produce the heated or cooled air Raleigh families need to stay comfortable throughout the year. Of course, that means utility costs to operate the equipment will rise. Rather than enduring high operating costs, consider contacting an HVAC professional for a complete inspection of your home’s heating and cooling appliances. Doing so has several advantages.
Keep Family Members Safe
Even though many area properties are heated and cooled using heat pumps, many homeowners prefer gas heat. Gas heating appliances are efficient and heat homes quickly, but there are certain drawbacks to using gas furnaces.
The major safety issue associated with gas furnaces is the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning can easily cause injuries or death if it’s not detected, which means area residents need to take whatever steps are necessary to reduce the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning in their homes.
Carbon monoxide enters living spaces in several ways, but the most common are cracked heat exchangers and deteriorated or improperly installed exhaust stacks. Those are two components an HVAC tech will pay special attention to during an inspection. Technicians have the equipment and skills needed to identify problems and provide homeowners with possible solutions.
At the same time, every HVAC specialist will recommend property owners install carbon monoxide detectors to add another level of protection. Safety experts recommend at least one carbon monoxide detector on every floor, including the basement. It’s especially important to install carbon monoxide detectors in sleeping areas. If a home has an attached garage, it’s a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector there as well.
Avoid Emergency Repairs
Even routine repairs can add up quickly, but emergency repairs are generally more expensive. Far too often, heating and cooling appliances fail on weekends or after normal working hours. That means technicians will be called in from home to repair those appliances. Repairs during off-hours will be more expensive than those scheduled during normal working hours.
Of course, it may take more time for a repair technician to respond during off-hours. If the weather is especially hot or cold, a home will be quite uncomfortable until the technician arrives to repair the problem. In cases where residents have health issues, that wait can create medical issues.
HVAC repair technicians always recommend scheduling regular inspections to catch problems early and reduce the odds of requiring emergency repairs. Life is easier if a property owner doesn’t have to worry about an HVAC appliance failing.
Prolong the Life of Equipment
The cost of replacing heating and air conditioning equipment varies depending on the type of equipment selected. However, replacing any HVAC equipment will be expensive. That means it pays to prolong the life of existing comfort appliances as long as possible.
Heating and cooling appliances last longer and require fewer repairs when they are properly maintained. That’s why the vast majority of industry experts recommend scheduling routine inspections of equipment. Technicians are trained to identify developing problems and resolve them before a system fails.
One caveat here is to remember that older appliances tend to be less efficient than new ones. That means a technician may, in some instances, recommend upgrading a heating or cooling appliance that’s still functioning if the system is incapable of meeting modern efficiency standards.
Understand When New Heating and Cooling Appliances are Needed
No furnace or air conditioner will last forever. At some point, it no longer makes sense to keep repairing aging equipment that’s likely to fail again soon. In addition, homeowners today understand the value of upgrading to energy-efficient appliances that reduce the home’s overall carbon footprint.
During an inspection, a technician will evaluate an existing heating or cooling appliance to determine if, and when, it should be replaced. In many cases, the technician will suggest the property owner plan to upgrade at some point in the future.
However, there are times when an immediate replacement will be recommended. If, for example, the heat exchanger is cracked, a furnace must be replaced to eliminate the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Remember that associated equipment may also need to be updated when a heating or cooling appliance is replaced. Ductwork may need to be replaced if there are distribution issues. A new thermostat will generally be recommended to better control the home’s temperature levels.
Specialized filters, humidifiers, or dehumidifiers may also be recommended. Take the time to evaluate how each recommendation would improve a home’s comfort level before making any decisions. The technician will explain the benefits along with the costs of any new equipment.
Contact an HVAC Professional for Advice Now
If it’s been a while since your home’s heating and cooling appliances have been inspected, now is the time to contact a local HVAC professional for advice. It’s easy to schedule an appointment to have your home’s comfort appliances inspected, and the results of the inspection will provide a better insight into what, if any, additional steps may be needed to better protect your home investment.