During the fall and spring, when the weather is lovely and mild, you’re probably not thinking about your HVAC system. But maybe you should be, because the off-season is actually a perfect time to perform clean and check maintenance. Read on for more info on clean and checks, why they’re so important, and why scheduling them in the off-season is the way to go.
What is an HVAC Clean and Check?
What we call a “clean and check” is essentially the recommended routine maintenance for your HVAC system. One of our technicians will come out and make sure all the parts and pieces of your furnace or air conditioner are running smoothly, all the belts and fans are adjusted properly, and all the fluids are topped up. If any issues pop up, the tech will be able to spot them before they become big (expensive) problems and make any necessary recommendations. (Never had a clean and check before? This article tells you all about what to expect from your appointment.)
Why are Clean and Checks Important?
HVAC clean and checks are part of a normal, healthy, maintenance routine. So, you’re not really getting them because something is wrong. You’re getting them to protect your investment. Here are just a few of the reasons this upkeep is so important:
- Safety: Your HVAC system is hooked up to several different utilities. All of those interactions need to run smoothly, or you could find yourself with a potentially dangerous situation, like an electrical fire, on your hands. A poorly maintained system can also spew harmful pathogens, toxins, and mold into the air you breathe. Not good!
- Comfort: Your HVAC system can only do its job if it’s working as intended. If something is off, you’ll be able to feel it in the temperature of your home. So, we come by, do a cooling or heating test, and make sure everything’s up to snuff.
- Money: If your HVAC units aren’t maintained properly, it can overwork your system, which is bad in three different ways. 1) It shortens the lifespan of your HVAC system. 2) It can lead to costly breakdowns. 3) It uses much more energy than it needs to, which raises your energy bill. All in all, spending a little on a clean and check maintenance saves a lot down the line.
Why Get a Clean and Check in the Off-Season?
Different HVAC companies may have slightly different definitions of “off-season,” so be sure to ask for details. At Appel, we consider furnace off-season to be January through April, and air conditioner off-season to be July 15th through September. Here are a few reasons getting your HVAC system maintained in these off-seasons is a great idea:
More Availability
We’re fortunate to have a large, talented team, so we try to accommodate every appointment as quickly as possible, no matter the time of year. But we get a lot of calls in the hottest and coldest months of the year, which can slow us down a bit. Getting maintenance done in the off-season means a much higher chance that we’ll be able to come see you at YOUR convenience (and a much lower chance that you’ll need to call us in the extreme weather in the first place).
Better Rates
The peak season finds HVAC employees working overtime, which drives up the cost of labor. It also means the parts and equipment are in demand, which drives up the cost of materials. This means the rates tend to be a little higher in the peak season, throughout the HVAC industry. Since costs are lower in the off-season, many HVAC companies typically pass those savings on to their customers (Appel, included).
Peak-Season Preparedness
There are few experiences worse than realizing your HVAC system has failed in the middle of a bout of extreme temperature. Not to mention that living without AC during a heatwave or without a furnace during a cold snap can be dangerous…and very expensive to fix. Having your units cleaned and checked in the off-season stops these emergencies from happening and gets your HVAC system ready for those moments when you need it the most.
More Convenient
The summer and winter are typically packed with holidays, family time, and travel. For many people, the peak season for the HVAC industry is also the peak season for fun plans…that have nothing to do with their HVAC systems. Scheduling your clean and checks for the off-season means one less thing to have to juggle when you’re busy living life to the fullest.
Reach out to Appel to learn more about off-season clean and checks, or sign up for one of our off-season Platinum Maintenance Plans to save money and make sure your HVAC is ready for primetime.