HVAC Service Agreements in Lexington: Are They Worth the Investment?
As a homeowner wondering if agreements for HVAC service in Lexington, KY, are worth it, the answer is yes; they are. They can help ensure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system undergoes regular tune-ups, which can help keep it efficient, reduce its odds of suffering from premature failure, and extend its lifespan.
Maintaining your HVAC system's energy efficiency and peak performance is now more crucial than ever, given the ever-increasing energy costs throughout the state.
As the Lexington Herald-Leader reports, Kentucky Utilities (KU) and Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) will charge more for electricity starting next year. As a KU customer, you'll see an increase of $9 a month on your electric bills or $5 a month if you're with LG&E.
The team at Advantage Air HVAC will explore insights into service agreements in this guide to help you understand why they're worth it.
How Often Should You Have Your HVAC Serviced?
ENERGY STAR, the joint program between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recommends annual pre-season check-ups for heating and air conditioning systems.
The best practice is to get your air conditioning checked and serviced in the spring and then your heating system in the fall. Doing so can help you:
- Maintain your Lexington HVAC system
- Minimize the risk of premature Lexington HVAC repair problems
- Reduce the odds of requiring emergency HVAC Lexington services (which could arise due to preventable damage)
- Prevent unwanted costs (e.g., the cost of a replacement HVAC installation in Lexington due to early system failure)
What Does an HVAC Tune-up Consist Of?
During a routine HVAC maintenance schedule, a highly experienced and trained technician will go to your service address (e.g., your home in Lexington, KY, where the HVAC system is) and arrive on time. The expert will then conduct a thorough, multi-point inspection of your system.
Some of the components the professional HVAC technician will check include:
- Air filters
- Thermostats
- Evaporator coils
- Compressor
- Refrigerant lines
- Blower
- Blower motor
- Heat exchanger
- Pilot lights and burners
- Gas pipes and connections
- Air ducts
In most cases, residential HVAC services involving tune-ups also include replacing existing air filters as needed and cleaning system components (e.g., coils and blower or fan blades). The technician will also tighten electrical connections and lubricate moving parts. They'll ensure proper calibration of your thermostat, too.
Is an Agreement for HVAC Service in Lexington, KY, a Good Idea?
Yes, enrolling in an HVAC service agreement is generally a smart move, especially if you consider Lexington, Kentucky's climate.
As Weather Spark explains, the area's summers are warm and humid; July is the hottest month, with an average high of 85°F. Its winters, meanwhile, are frigid and wet, and January, the coldest month, sees an average low of 27°F.
Given these environmental conditions, it's easy to see why many residents rely on their HVAC systems for heavy heating and cooling. Without proper and regular maintenance, you could be at risk of facing emergency HVAC problems at the height of summer or winter.
With an HVAC service agreement, however, you can worry less about such concerns and enjoy year-round comfort, as it provides the following benefits.
Guaranteed Maintenance Schedule
When you enroll in an HVAC service agreement, you'll often pay for the plan in advance. With the advanced payment and contract, you can rest assured that you'll get a guaranteed service date. In most cases, the date would be up to you, based on your preference or scheduling needs.
Having a guaranteed maintenance schedule benefits you because you won't have to worry too much about your system's upkeep getting delayed. Whereas if you had no service contract, the date when you can have your system tuned up depends on technician availability.
Regular Maintenance Is Key to HVAC Performance and Efficiency
The more energy-efficient your HVAC system is, the less energy it consumes to heat or cool your home. The less energy it uses, the better for your wallet, as this helps control heating and cooling costs.
Dirty, ill-maintained HVAC systems, on the other hand, use more energy than needed because they have to work harder than necessary to provide sufficient heating or cooling. Not only will this drive your energy bills higher, but it will also impact your home's indoor air quality (IAQ) and overall comfort.
Inadequate maintenance also contributes to an increased risk of requiring HVAC system repairs due to equipment malfunctions. Clogged air filters, for instance, can overwork the system and contribute to overheating. Dirty evaporator coils are also more likely to leak or cause condensation problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can a Lack of HVAC Maintenance Lead to Poor IAQ?
One way is by circulating more air pollutants.
Suppose your system accumulates so much dust, dirt, pollen, mold, and other allergens due to a lack of routine cleaning and inspection. The air that your system blows throughout your home can pick these pollutants up, and you could end up inhaling them.
Can an Ill-Maintained HVAC System Cause Water Damage?
Yes, it can. A lack of HVAC maintenance can lead to water damage through leaks or by adding to indoor moisture or humidity levels.
A clogged HVAC condensate drain, for instance, can result in water overflowing and leaking out of your air conditioning system. Dirty coils can also contribute to higher indoor humidity levels when they freeze and thaw.
Will You Void Your Warranty if You Ignore HVAC Maintenance?
Many HVAC manufacturers require proof of yearly professional tune-ups as part of the terms and conditions of their warranties. If you neglect maintenance, you could end up voiding your system's warranty and shouldering the cost of repairs out of pocket.
Prep Your HVAC System With a Pre-Season Tune-up
Enrolling in a maintenance agreement for HVAC service in Lexington, KY, is worth it because it can help you keep your system efficient and in top shape. You can also worry less about scheduling concerns, as your plan should include a guaranteed timeslot.
If you're ready to give the HVAC system in your Lexington home some TLC, the experts at Advantage Air are happy to help. We're proud to have over 32 years of experience delivering high-quality, energy-efficient residential and commercial HVAC solutions to customers throughout the greater Lexington-Fayette area.
Call us now and get your free service estimate today!
