Despite all the data that proves the advantages of heating and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance, most homeowners and business owners still wait until their HVAC system breaks down to call a repair service. For most appliances in your home, you only repair them if they stop working. While that may work fine for your dishwasher, washer/drier, and refrigerator, your heating and cooling unit is different. For one thing, it is probably the most expensive appliance in your home. It is also the appliance that uses the most energy, usually about half of the total energy usage for a typical household. Your furnace and air conditioner are complex machines with moving parts, and like a car, regular tune-ups are necessary to keep it running smoothly and prevent breakdowns.

Signs it’s time for HVAC repair in Charlotte:

1. Excess noise. When your heat or air conditioner unit starts making more noise than usual or different noises that don’t sound normal, it probably needs a tune-up. Noise can indicate loose or worn out parts or electrical issues.
2. Uneven heating or cooling throughout the house or building. If you notice that some rooms or areas are warmer or cooler than others, it means your system is not functioning properly. If warm or cool air is not being distributed evenly throughout your home or building, something is wrong.
3. You’ve noticed a rise in your heating or cooling bill. Without regular maintenance your HVAC system will not run as efficiently. The system gets dirty and the moving parts need to be lubricated. Worn out parts or loose electrical connections cause the system to draw more energy in order to run. When your system is constantly using more energy, you will notice it in your monthly bill.
4. Low air flow. If you can’t feel the air blowing out of the vents in your home or building, your system is producing low air flow. This means your home will not heat or cool down efficiently. There may be a blockage somewhere in the system or ductwork.
5. Abnormal humidity. During the summer when your air conditioner is running it should keep the humidity at a normal level. Of course the air is going to be more humid in the summer time than in the winter, but there should not be condensation on the windows or surfaces indoors. This can indicate drainage issue with your air conditioner.
6. It’s been more than a year since your system has had a tune-up. If your furnace and air conditioner are running well and you haven’t had any service done in the past year or so, you should consider scheduling a tune-up. Even when it seem like nothing is wrong, your system could be at risk for a breakdown that maintenance could prevent. Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently, saving you money on your energy bill.

Heating and Air Service Plans are Convenient

The most convenient way to keep your heat and air tuned-up is to sign up for a service plan with a reliable HVAC company. Patterson Heating and Air Conditioning has served Charlotte, NC and the surrounding area since 1946. Our Comfort Guard Protection plans include twice yearly service for your heat and air conditioner to keep them running smoothly and prevent costly repairs. We contact you in the spring and fall to schedule a service visit, so it’s out of mind for you. Sign up online or call us: (704) 288-4535.

For more information on the benefits of preventative maintenance: https://www.facilitiesnet.com/hvac/article/HVAC-Maintenance-and-Energy-Savings–10680