Your home’s heating and cooling system works hard to keep you comfortable through every Virginia season. To ensure it runs reliably and efficiently, regular professional service is not just a suggestion; it’s a necessity. Our team at SWVA Mechanical gets a lot of questions about service frequency. The straightforward answer is that your system needs professional attention at least once a year. For optimal performance, we recommend servicing your air conditioner in the spring and your heating system in the fall.
Why Bother with Regular HVAC Service?
Skipping routine maintenance can lead to unexpected problems and higher costs. A neglected system has to work harder, consuming more energy and driving up your utility bills. It also wears out faster, shortening its lifespan considerably. Our goal is to protect your investment and ensure your comfort.
Consistent professional service from our technicians offers significant benefits. You will experience improved energy efficiency, which saves you money. Regular check-ups also lead to fewer breakdowns, preventing costly and inconvenient repairs, especially during extreme weather. Furthermore, a well-maintained system provides better indoor air quality by reducing the circulation of dust and allergens. Most importantly, it ensures your system operates safely, protecting your family from potential hazards like carbon monoxide leaks from a faulty furnace.
What Our Technicians Do During a Service Call
When our team services your HVAC system, we perform a comprehensive inspection and tune-up. We do not just glance at your unit; we dig into the details to ensure everything functions correctly.
For Your Air Conditioner (Spring/Summer Service)
Our technicians will thoroughly clean the condenser and evaporator coils, as dirty coils are a primary cause of inefficiency and failure. We check refrigerant levels to ensure your system cools effectively and inspect and clear the condensate drain line to prevent water damage. Electrical connections are tightened, and moving parts are lubricated to reduce wear. We measure voltage and amperage on the motors to confirm they are operating within specifications.
For Your Furnace or Heat Pump (Fall/Winter Service)
During a heating system service, our focus is on safety and performance. We inspect the heat exchanger for any cracks or corrosion, a critical safety check to prevent carbon monoxide issues. Our technicians clean and adjust the furnace burners and ignition assembly to ensure reliable operation. For heat pumps, we check the defrost cycle and reversing valve. We also inspect all safety controls and clean the blower components to ensure proper airflow throughout your home.
The Risks of Neglecting Your System
Ignoring your HVAC system can have serious consequences. A lack of maintenance is a leading cause of sudden system failure, often leaving you without heat in the winter or air conditioning in the summer. These emergency situations can be expensive and stressful.
You will also likely see a steady increase in your energy bills as the system loses efficiency. Poor indoor air quality can become a problem, potentially affecting your family’s health. Perhaps one of the most overlooked risks is voiding your manufacturer’s warranty. Many warranties require proof of regular, professional maintenance to remain valid. Without it, you could be responsible for the full cost of major repairs that would have otherwise been covered.
Your Local HVAC Service Experts
Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure your HVAC system provides reliable, efficient, and safe comfort for years to come. Our team at SWVA Mechanical is committed to providing expert service to our neighbors in Abingdon, Bristol, Lebanon, and throughout our Southwest Virginia service area. Contact us today to schedule your next HVAC service and experience the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained system.