Indianapolis - The temperatures outside are starting to go up, but before it gets too hot, it is the time to get a tune up for your HVAC which includes all the bells and whistles for maintenance.
"A typical service call for an air conditioning unit is going to include an inspection, cleaning, and tune-up. It usually ranges in price from $70 to $100. A lot of companies do offer maintenance plans which you could get all your maintenance throughout the year at a lower price," said Angie Hicks, Angie's list.
"The homeowner can tell that they are due for a tune up by higher humidity levels, higher electric bills, less comfort. You start looking at 'when was the last time I actually had a tune up?' And a lot of times it surprises folks that it's been longer than they think," said John Traub, Theile Heating and Air Conditioning.
For each year you fail to maintain your unit, it loses five percent of its efficiency.
"If you have skipped out on your regular maintenance for the last four years your air conditioner is only running at 80 percent efficiency which is costing you money each and every month in your monthly bills. Plus, regular maintenance can help prevent bigger problems down the road; simple things like finding out you've got problems with your filter could be inexpensive to catch if caught early, but could lead to a costly repair if ignored," Hicks said.
A simple inexpensive fix, if caught early, can save you big bucks down the line.
"Anytime the fan is on, you're moving air through the system. So the typical one inch filter that you have as a homeowner needs to be changed every month. If you have a media filter, or say a four inch filter, you can change them less frequently, but it is very important to the life of the system to change your filters on a regular basis," Traub said.
If you're looking to hire an HVAC company, make sure they're properly licensed, insured and certified.
A typical service call should range between $70 and $100. Beware of companies that officer significantly lower prices and always get multiple estimates.
