Is HVAC Preventive Maintenance Worth it?

Preventive maintenance for your HVAC system is like an oil change and tire rotation with your trusted auto mechanic. You do these things regularly to avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future. And you go to your favorite mechanic because you know he'll do it right. Just like with a car, there are a lot of benefits to having preventive maintenance for your HVAC system, such as maintaining your warranty, saving money, increasing energy efficiency, and extending the life of your system.  You’ll also get the same trusted technician, who knows your system, to work on it.

REASONS TO HAVE REGULARLY SCHEDULED PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Maintenance costs less than repairs or replacement: 

An HVAC unit can develop issues like a frozen coil or leek that can, if unrepaired, become a much bigger problem down the road. Instead of requiring a simple part fix or replacement, the entire unit may need to be replaced. Preventive maintenance will detect and remedy the small stuff, prolonging the lifespan of the system by ensuring everything is in working order.

Maintenance can increase energy efficiency thus lowering costs:

When an HVAC unit has an issue, like running too hot or dirty air filters, the unit will use more energy and operate less efficiently. The decrease in efficiency isn’t noticeable right away until it affects tenant comfort by not producing as much heat or cold air as it used to. Preventive maintenance will restore the system to proper function and create noticeable energy savings.

Regular maintenance helps you keep your warranty:

HVAC systems come with a limited warranty, often requiring preventive maintenance by a qualified technician in order to stay valid. Check the warranty certificate on your system to see if this requirement applies to you. The fact that most warranties include this clause tells you that HVAC manufacturers understand the importance of preventive maintenance by a qualified technician.

Preventive maintenance avoids costly downtime:

Scheduling regular service visits with J&J Air Conditioning can greatly improve your odds of avoiding a catastrophic equipment failure and deliver energy savings. Trained HVAC technicians know what to look for and where to look. Their experience means they will  conduct preventive maintenance faster and more efficiently, minimizing your downtime and increasing tenant satisfaction.

How often should you have maintenance? Generally it should be scheduled quarterly for most buildings with package type HVAC units. Buildings with cooling towers, boilers and built-up equipment should have it monthly. 

So, to answer this question; preventive maintenance is not only worth it, it is a must have when managing a building and a bottom line. 

The Easiest Way To Void Your HVAC Warranty

Here in California, one of the most important features of your building is the HVAC system. Too hot, too cold, low humidity, high humidity can all make the work environment uncomfortable, diminish productivity, and make tenants unhappy. So when you invest in a new system or you want to keep your current system working at peak performance, you must invest in preventive maintenance. Not only to save on avoiding costly repairs in the future, but also because manufacturers understand the value of preventive maintenance and insist on it to keep the warranty valid. 

3 Ways to Void a Warranty

1. Install and forget about it.

No matter how new your HVAC system is, it still needs regular check-ups and tune-ups to avoid failure. That’s why your manufacturer will void the warranty on a system that has not received regular maintenance from a trained HVAC professional. 

1. Use unlicensed repair people.

In order for your HVAC warranty to remain valid, all installations, repairs, and replacements must be performed in a  timely matter by a licensed HVAC professional. The manufacturer is not responsible for problems caused by incorrect HVAC work, so do not allow an unqualified employee to fix your HVAC system.

1. Don’t keep records of your services and repairs.

If something happens to your HVAC system and you reach out to your manufacturer regarding repairs on warranty, they will want to see documentation that shows you receive regularly scheduled maintenance for your HVAC system, that the correct parts were used, and that a professional has conducted all installation, replacements, or repairs needed. In general, hire a pro and keep documentation of any work or purchases that pertain to your HVAC system.

Maintain Your System, Maintain Your Investment

Your HVAC system is a vital investment in your property and you want to reduce costs and keep the warrant valid. The best way to do that is by signing up for a preventive maintenance package with a local, certified professional, with 24/7 service, and who knows how to adhere to  the terms of the warranty and your manufacturer’s requirements. 

So, what’s the easiest way to void your HVAC warranty? Not signing up for a preventative maintenance program with a qualified HVAC company.