When it comes to staying comfortable during the freezing cold winter or scorching summer, there’s nothing more important than making sure that your HVAC unit is working properly. Why, then, do so few homeowners in Chicago schedule regular HVAC inspections?
Granted, it’s easy to forget about your HVAC unit. Sure, it keeps your home at a comfortable temperature, but other than that, it sort of just sits there. You won’t always notice when your HVAC unit isn’t working properly, especially if you have a busy life.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the importance of regular HVAC inspections, especially in urban areas like Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Whether you’re a homeowner who wants to make sure that their home stays warm during the winter or a landlord who wants their tenants to stay cool during the summer, Wantuck has got your back. Let’s get started!
What Happens When You Neglect Your HVAC System?
Is your HVAC system making weird noises? It is emitting any strange odors, or shutting off unexpectedly? These are some signs of a neglected HVAC unit. Let’s take a closer look at what can happen when you fail to schedule routine maintenance check-ups for your HVAC system below:
● Decreased Efficiency: Over time, dust and debris can build up in your HVAC system. This can obstruct airflow and cause your HVAC system to work a lot harder than it needs to. This won’t just cause your utility bills to go up — it can lead to health problems, too.
● Expensive Repairs: Neglected HVAC systems are more prone to breakdowns and expensive repairs, especially when the weather outside is extreme. If you don’t want to break the bank, you should definitely consider getting regular inspections done on your HVAC system. Regular inspections will also decrease the likelihood of unexpected HVAC breakdowns during the summer or winter.
● Health Risks: Along with financial issues, a neglected HVAC system can, unfortunately, pose major health risks. If you’re experiencing allergies or asthma, you might want to consider getting your HVAC system checked. After all, these health issues are often caused by poor indoor air quality.
Why Regular HVAC Inspections Are So Important in Urban Environments
Living in Chicago is great, but like any other city, it comes with challenges that make regular HVAC inspections especially important. Let’s take a closer look at these unique challenges below:
Pollution
In urban environments like Chicago, pollution is a major issue. Unfortunately, pollutants like smog, airborne particulate matter, and car emissions can easily infiltrate buildings through cracks in the foundation and leaks around the windows or doors. These pollutants can make you sick and cause damage to certain components of your HVAC system.
Population Density
The density of urban living in Chicago means that HVAC systems must work harder in order to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. This is especially true in multi-story buildings or densely populated areas where heat can become trapped. This is another reason why frequent HVAC inspections in Chicago are so important — since your HVAC unit will undoubtedly be working harder, it’ll deteriorate faster than you might think.
What Happens During an HVAC Inspection?
As you can see, the risks that come with neglecting your HVAC system really aren’t worth it. Getting regular HVAC inspections done is easy, and it’ll ultimately save you a lot of time, stress, and money in the long run.
Here’s what you can expect to happen when a Wantuck technician conducts an HVAC inspection in your home:
1. Check for Leaks and Blockages: The technician will inspect the ductwork, pipes, and vents for any leaks, obstructions, or damage that could potentially impede airflow or cause moisture to build up.
2. Cleaning and Maintenance: They will clean or replace the air filters and coils (as well as any other old parts) to get rid of any dirt, debris, or bacteria that could be compromising your HVAC system’s performance.
3. Assess Efficiency: Finally, the technician will evaluate the efficiency of your HVAC system. They’ll discuss potential upgrades with you, as well as options for increasing energy efficiency in your home.
How Frequently Should You Get Your HVAC System Inspected?
This is a great question, and the short answer is: it depends. The age and condition of your HVAC system, as well as the type of building you live in matters more than you might think. No matter what, we’d recommend scheduling an HVAC inspection at least once a year. Generally, it’s best to schedule this inspection before it gets really hot or really cold (since your HVAC system works harder during the summer and winter months).
Of course, some homeowners in Chicago may have to get more frequent HVAC inspections done. If you live in a densely populated neighborhood, or you happen to live in the heart of the city, your HVAC system will have to work even harder. For this reason, it might be a good idea to schedule HVAC inspections at least twice a year. Of course, you can always call Wantuck Comfort Solutions if your HVAC system unexpectedly shuts down, too! We’re always here to help.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, regular HVAC inspections aren’t just a luxury. For many people living in urban environments, they’re an absolute necessity. Due to issues like pollution, living in a city like Chicago can take a major toll on your HVAC system. Chances are, your HVAC system is working harder than you think it is due to the dense population as well. This is why it’s so important not to neglect your HVAC unit and schedule regular inspections.
Schedule Routine HVAC Inspections With Wantuck Comfort Solutions
Our technicians are here to provide you with quick and efficient heating and cooling services if you live in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get an HVAC inspection. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard by expensive utility bills or illness due to poor indoor air quality. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment!
