There is quite a bit of debate over when to call your local HVAC professionals for service calls. This is especially true in Florida, where your unit is likely in use all year round. Here, you will learn more about when you should schedule your HVAC service calls based on how you use your system, your system’s age, and your past experience.
HVAC Service Calls for Like-New Systems
When you pull up information about how often you should schedule your HVAC service calls, you’ll likely see recommendations telling you to do so about once a year. For the most part, this is great advice. If you live in hot and sunny Florida, though, you may want to reconsider. Annual service calls are great for households located in climates with changing seasons. In places like the Midwest, for example, air conditioners are in use for four to eight months out of the year, depending on that year’s temperatures. In Florida, you might use your AC all year round, and annual HVAC service calls may not be enough to keep your system running like new.
For this reason, most HVAC professionals recommend inspections and maintenance twice each year – every six months. This is important for the health of your system. Professionals can keep your air conditioner clean and functioning properly, and they can spot potential issues that may lead to breakdowns in the future. Though it is not absolutely necessary, six-month HVAC service calls are best in this case.
Maintaining Older or “Problem” Systems
As your air conditioner gets older, there’s a very good chance that it will become inefficient when compared to newer models. What’s more, aging systems often need more maintenance and more repairs than their newer counterparts. For this reason, if you live in Florida and use your air conditioner 12 months out of the year, you should have it checked every six months for the best possible results. Again, having regular maintenance can prevent costly breakdowns and repairs. This helps to guarantee your family’s comfort all year round – even during the hot summer months.
When Maintenance Isn’t Enough
Of course, there will come a time when even twice-annual maintenance simply is not enough to keep your HVAC system in good working order. Over time, moving parts wear out and break down, and replacing or repairing them becomes costlier than simply replacing your entire system. If your unit is 15 or more years old and requires frequent repairs, it may be time to talk to your local HVAC professionals about replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. It’s more affordable than you think, and in most cases, the energy savings are well worth the initial investment.
If your air conditioner is still relatively new and in good working order, you may be okay with annual HVAC service calls, but maintenance every six months is best. If your system is older, or if it has been repaired several times in the past, professionals usually recommend HVAC service calls twice yearly to prevent breakdowns.
