Plus, professional maintenance fulfills the requirements of the manufacturer’s warranty coverage.
Energy costs have a big impact on our household budget. I’ve done the calculations and figured out that heating and cooling adds up to approximately 50% of the energy we consume. The winter weather in my local area often lasts for eight months. The conditions are horribly cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping down to negative twenty degrees. We rely heavily on the furnace. It runs just about non stop at maximum capacity. Although our summers don’t last for more than a few months, the temperature can get into the mid eighties with excessive humidity. We need the air conditioner to cool down the house, prevent mold growth, filter out contaminants and prevent condensation. I am careful about the temperature setting on the thermostat. I know that raising or lowering temperature by a few degrees has a huge impact on my monthly energy bills. I keep up with air filter changes for the furnace and air conditioner and schedule professional maintenance every year. A certified technician provides a thorough inspection, testing, cleaning and adjustment for the cooling system in the spring and the heating system in the fall. By keeping all components operating at their best, the equipment runs at peak capacity and efficiency. It is less likely to malfunction, provides better comfort and air quality and should last longer. Plus, professional maintenance fulfills the requirements of the manufacturer’s warranty coverage. To minimize the chance of drafts, air leaks and energy waste, I walk around the house at the end of every summer. I look for any spots that might require weatherstripping or caulking. I check the insulation in the attic for signs of rodent infestation. My hope is to reduce costs.