What You Need to Know for an HVAC Emergency
Most of us rely on our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on a nearly daily basis in Ellicott City. We just take it for granted it will always be working when we need it.
Although we hope that is the case, our professionals at Environmental Systems Associates realize heating and cooling equipment requires maintenance, repairs, and occasionally, emergency service. We want you to be well informed on recognizing HVAC emergencies and well armed if you have one.
A True Emergency
When your heating or cooling system breaks down the majority of the time, it may be more of a pesky inconvenience than anything else. However, if elderly or chronically ill homeowners experience extreme temperatures for even a short period of time, they may have serious or even life-threatening consequences.
According to the National Institute on Aging, elderly family members can begin to experience life-threatening health problems if their body temperatures drop below 95 degrees. During the summer, body temperatures above 104 degrees can cause heat-related illnesses and death as well.
Be sure to request emergency HVAC service if you have elderly or chronically ill relatives in your Maryland home or if the weather happens to be extreme during a breakdown.
Improper Installation or Service
If a new heat pump, furnace, air conditioner, or other HVAC equipment was installed or serviced improperly, you may find yourself with an HVAC emergency. For example, failing to ensure complete combustion occurs or gas seals are tight could result in a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Improper installation could also mean equipment is sized wrong or result in premature wear and tear on your investment.
Be sure to rely on trained, certified, and experienced professionals, like ours at Environmental Systems Associates, when you purchase new HVAC equipment or request service. Professionals should not only provide excellent recommendations on product but also deliver guaranteed installation and service. Check warranty terms before engaging in HVAC services.
Lack of Preventative Maintenance
Another very common reason for emergency HVAC situations is a failure to maintain heating and air conditioning equipment. It’s wise to invest in biannual checkups of your equipment, which should include a thorough cleaning, inspection, and tune-up of your heating system in the fall and your air conditioner in the spring.
Potential problems can be caught and fixed before you have a breakdown or an HVAC emergency. This will result in lower worry and stress as well as less money spent on emergency repairs.
Aging System
The average life of a furnace is 15 to 20 years while the life span of an air conditioner is around 10 to 15 years. If your HVAC system is approaching those time parameters, you could find yourself in an HVAC emergency sooner rather than later.
Once you reach the 15-year mark of a furnace and the 10-year anniversary of your air conditioner, you may want to plan for a replacement system. If you find yourself with repair bills more frequently or suspect your higher utility bills are due to growing inefficiencies of your HVAC system, it may be a good time to make the switch.
Remember that HVAC technology has improved a great deal in the last decade, so new equipment will definitely be more energy efficient. As a result, you’ll be able to recoup some of your purchase price in reduced energy bills. Be sure to check local, state, and federal energy tax-credit options before making your final decision as well for further potential savings.
Call Our Team for Any HVAC Emergency
Our HVAC team at Environmental Systems Associates in Ellicott City, MD, can help you manage your HVAC emergencies quickly and efficiently. In addition, our well-trained technicians can provide preventative maintenance, superior service, and expert advice in new systems as well. Contact us at 410.381.7991 or request service online today.
