4 Reasons to Maintain Your Heating and Air Conditioning
Homeowners like to save money instead of spending it on things that could have been prevented. Unfortunately, one thing that is often overlooked is the health of a home’s HVAC systems. Usually, this is one of those things that people don’t think too much about until it’s too late. By then, energy bills have already gone up, everyone is uncomfortable, and leaks are destroying our planet’s atmosphere.
Increased Cost & Decreased Relief
The first step to maintaining a heating and air conditioning system is to actually change the filters as directed. The newest filters available on the market claim to be at full usefulness for up to 90 days. However, these estimates are relying on the assumption that the home will have very little dust and no fur-bearing pets.
The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) is the best thing to consider when buying new filters. The higher the rating (1-16), the better the filter will be at trapping airborne particles, but it will use more energy to draw exhaust through the return. To be safe, consider the cleanliness of your home and compare it to how much you are willing to pay to use the system.
Health Concerns & Environmental Safety
Faulty or poorly maintained HVAC equipment, or equipment that is disposed of improperly, can cause harmful health effects. According to the EPA, the short term effects of a faulty HVAC can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue may also be experienced by homeowners. Asthma may make an appearance, be aggravated or worsened if a home’s system in improperly maintained. Other long term effects may include respiratory disease, heart disease, and even cancer.
Refrigerant leaks will eventually be harmful to the earth’s environment. The release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) damage the ozone layer. Located within the stratosphere approximately 15-30 km above earth’s surface this layer absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. In the Unites States, refrigerant leaks above a certain size must be repaired and a minimal amount of refrigerant is to be released during repair, recapture, and recycling. Rules have been put into place to ensure the safe disposal of appliances and refrigerants, including those that occur while connecting and disconnecting hoses to charge or service a system.
Science has proven the need for the proper maintenance of heating and air conditioning systems. Without it, families are exposed to possible short and long-term health effects. Not only that, but everyone is at risk if the ozone layer is depleted. Families will also spend more money to run the system, while fighting against the elements in order to be comfortable. So, for the protection of everyone, be sure to contact a professional HVAC repair service that will know how to properly maintain and dispose of your home’s heating and air conditioning appliances.
