Boost Home Efficiency with Heating & Cooling Maintenance

Reasons Not to Skip Annual Heating Maintenance This Fall

Only the luckiest (or newest) homeowners haven’t experienced a full-blown heating emergency. Sometimes, a strange smell comes from the vents. Other times, it’s a screeching or clanging sound. Sometimes, there’s no sound or smell to accompany the emergency; the heater stops working. When this happens, most homeowners think of one thing immediately: how much will a heater replacement cost? Quickly following this thought is another: why did I skip heater maintenance this year!?

It’s easy to forget about annual heating system maintenance, but it pays to remember it. Because the benefits of regular heater maintenance are no joke, read on to learn how heater maintenance helps homeowners avoid these types of HVAC emergencies.

Consistent Energy Efficiency

Air filter for HVAC system, showing micro particle reduction capabilities, emphasizing importance of regular maintenance for energy efficiency and system reliability.

Aside from ensuring before installation that the heater is the correct size for the house, regular heating maintenance performed by a professional is the best way to maintain an efficient heating system. Brand-new heating systems will be the most efficient. As the components wear down over time, efficiency will decrease. How much it decreases depends on regular maintenance.

Without professional maintenance by a certified HVAC tech, homeowners can expect their HVAC systems to decrease noticeably in terms of efficiency. But with annual visits from a pro, usually during the fall before the heater gets put to hard use in the colder months, homeowners can rest easy knowing that they’ve done what it takes to maintain the system’s efficiency. Of course, staying on top of regular air filter changes also helps the system work as designed. This means replacing the air filters at least once every 90 days.

Increased Reliability

Couple saving money by inserting coins into a piggy bank, illustrating financial responsibility and investment in home maintenance.

Another benefit of regular heating maintenance is increased reliability. A properly maintained system is less likely to surprise homeowners with an emergency breakdown or malfunction. This is because HVAC pros have a thorough checklist they go through when doing heater maintenance. They not only make sure everything’s running smoothly, but they also clean components and inspect them for damage or unexpected wear. The technician will also ensure that the thermostat is working correctly and that the heater is drawing the correct amount of power.

The annual maintenance cost is extremely low compared to the heating repairs that can happen if fall heater maintenance is routinely skipped. Thus, fall heating system maintenance may help homeowners save money on repairs in the long term.

Increased Lifespan

The last benefit of heater maintenance—and perhaps the most important—is the system’s lifespan. When a heating system is consistently cared for by a professional HVAC technician, it will last much longer than an identical system with little or no care. Consistency is key here, though. Skipping a year here and there is asking for trouble. This is why HVAC professionals suggest doing maintenance in the fall before the heater is heavily used.

Like any other system that is properly maintained and cared for, a home’s heating system can last a very long time, so homeowners don’t have to worry about the cost of heater replacement!

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

The professionals at Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning have been serving Sun Prairie, WI, with pride since 1894! They are a highly rated and BBB-accredited business that offers fast and friendly service. Their technicians are background-checked, courteous, and professional. Contact them today for heater maintenance in Sun Prairie, WI!

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Reasons To Perform Plumbing Maintenance

Homeowners never want to come home to several inches of standing water. This can quickly result in massive water damage and expensive repairs. Fortunately, homeowners can avoid this by scheduling routine plumbing maintenance.

Plumbing maintenance services allow homeowners to prevent unexpected plumbing emergencies and keep their appliances and fixtures working correctly. Plumbers explain the benefits of plumbing maintenance, including how it can keep systems running efficiently, prolong the lifespan of units, and help homeowners reduce their utility bills.

Prevent Unexpected Plumbing Breakdowns

Plumbing maintenance services can benefit homeowners, including preventing unexpected breakdowns. When plumbers inspect systems, they perform a complete examination of the unit, including cleaning the system to remove buildups and sediment, looking for leaks, identifying defects, and more. Performing these services allows them to keep systems running correctly.

Plumbers will remove clogs and blockages with drain cleaning services, check the water pressure, look for leaks, and ensure no dangerous gas leaks. Because plumbers need to perform expert services during these appointments, scheduling maintenance services with a professional is essential rather than trying to do the services themselves. If homeowners try to take on these tasks, they can forget to do them or perform them incorrectly, putting the system at risk.

Extend Plumbing Appliance Lifespans

When homeowners schedule routine maintenance on their appliances, it can extend the lifespan of the systems. During services, plumbers perform complete inspections and can identify issues with the unit. By finding the problems early and repairing them, homeowners can reduce the wear and tear on the system and keep it running longer.

Maintenance services allow plumbers to clean plumbing systems and keep them working better, helping to extend the lifespan of appliances and fixtures. They can also remove corrosion and buildups and treat other problems.

Plumbers will also inspect and clean the water heater during maintenance services. This can extend the lifespan by about five years, saving homeowners stress and money, as they can delay water heater replacements.

Reduce Utility Bills

Another benefit of performing routine plumbing maintenance services is that homeowners can reduce their utility bills. A leak in the system can result in wasted water and higher water bills than usual. If water heaters run inefficiently, they can use more energy than needed. By inspecting water heaters, making needed repairs, and tuning up the system, plumbers can make the units more efficient and reduce homeowners’ energy bills.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning has been proud to serve the Sun Prairie, WI, area for over 40 years. With every call, homeowners can expect plumbing solutions based on their needs and budget, provided by highly trained plumbers who complete work to the highest standard possible. Contact them today for plumbing services in Sun Prairie, WI. Learn more about the author here.

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Three Reasons to Consider Air Conditioning Maintenance

A well-maintained AC system is a happy AC system. And when an AC system works as expected, residents can live comfortably and breathe easily. Yet, an AC system can’t maintain itself. It relies on its owners to change the air filter, consult with specialists, and address problems as they arise.

Here, homeowners can learn about the benefits of HVAC maintenance and how to prepare for the upcoming season. Some good things that come with consistent upkeep include:

Saving Energy (and Money!)

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that at least half of a home’s energy goes toward heating and cooling. So, homeowners should ensure they’re getting the most out of their HVAC systems. A well-maintained system saves energy by:

Getting the job done right the first time. When the thermostat never reaches the desired temperature, homeowners might leave their HVAC systems on all day. This wastes money and energy.
Automatically shutting off. Newer energy-efficient appliances automatically turn on and off to meet homeowners’ preferences. What’s more, select models let homeowners control them using their smartphones. Here, they can make schedules and make sure every ounce of energy counts.
Consuming less energy. Some appliances, like those produced by EnergyStar, deliver the same results as other leading brands but use less energy. One can save on their electric bills and other utilities by opting for one of these models.

Imagine that a homeowner’s HVAC system doesn’t effectively cool the house. They may rely on desktop fans, dehumidifiers, and other appliances to regulate the home’s indoor air quality. All of these devices need power and consume a lot of energy. Yet, with a functioning HVAC system, a homeowner doesn’t have to rely on other additions to feel comfortable.

Fewer Repairs

Problems with the HVAC system happen at the most inopportune times. That’s why homeowners want to do everything possible to prevent unexpected breakdowns. In the long run, proper foresight helps prevent:

Rust and corrosion
Insect infestations
Perforated air ducts
Dust buildup
Leaks
Electrical hazards

Air conditioning servicing also prevents fires. Per the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), air conditioning fires cause thousands of yearly fires, some of which take lives. By having a professional regularly inspect the HVAC system, they can keep homeowners safe and comfortable.

Longer Lifespans

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that most HVAC systems last about 15 years. However, this longevity is only partially guaranteed. Homeowners should regularly consult professionals to run diagnostic tests and remedy certain issues. That way, they can get the most out of their systems and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Some air conditioning tune-up tips include:

Regularly changing the air filter
Acting as soon as problems arise
Addressing any mold or mildew around the unit
Patching leaks

Some air conditioning systems can easily pass the 20-year mark with proper upkeep. Homeowners can enjoy good indoor air quality for decades without worrying.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

There’s no contest among contractors serving Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning always comes out on top. If a homeowner is looking for air conditioning cleaning or help with repairs, they’ve come to the right place. These professionals offer around-the-clock care at reasonable rates. Call today for AC service! Learn more about the author here.