If you’re like many people in America, you run your air conditioning system from the time temperatures start to creep up in early spring until they finally begin to drop in late fall. Then, when the winter finally hits, your AC sits idle until you need it again. That’s certainly not uncommon, and HVAC systems are designed to withstand those conditions.
Still, prolonged cycles of constant use followed by no use at all can take a major toll on your air conditioning system. Over time, they’ll lead to the need for repairs. Routine maintenance can reduce wear and tear, but it won’t prevent its effects altogether. You may still be able to run your air conditioner even though it needs professional intervention, but ignoring repair needs for too long can cause significant problems. Read on to learn more about why scheduling immediate repair for broken AC units is essential.
Decreased Comfort in Your Home
Though your AC system may technically be working, if it needs repairs, it’s not working properly. That means it won’t cool your home as effectively as it should. As such, your home won’t be as comfortable as you’d like. Instead, it’ll be hot, stuffy, and humid, and your family will be miserable. Decreased comfort in your home is one of the more obvious reasons you shouldn’t ignore AC repairs, but it’s only the beginning.
Potential Home Damage
Additionally, a malfunctioning air conditioner can cause damage to your home. If it’s overheating or experiencing electrical issues, it could be a fire risk. AC systems that aren’t effectively removing moisture from the air increase the risks of mildew and mold growth both inside the system and throughout your house.
Furthermore, certain issues can cause your air conditioner to leak water. That, in turn, increases the likelihood of water damage to your walls and flooring. It also further increases the risk of mold growth. All those issues will only grow worse if the problems that are causing them aren’t addressed promptly.
Reduced Energy Efficiency
An air conditioning system that isn’t working properly is also less efficient. It’ll consume more energy to keep your home cool. It may not cool properly in spite of using more energy. Either way, it’ll cost more to operate. The longer it goes unrepaired, the more the costs will add up. Though AC repairs are an added expense, they’ll save you more than they cost you in the long run.
Wearing Out the AC
Finally, the longer repair needs go ignored, the more of a toll they’ll take. Your system will have to work harder to do its job, and that’ll place more wear on its components. Eventually, it’ll cause the entire system to break down long before it should.
AC systems can last 10 to 15 years with proper care. If you don’t have repairs carried out when needed, though, your system won’t last nearly as long. You’ll have to replace it much sooner, which is yet another expense on top of higher energy bills and other potential issues a malfunctioning AC can cause along the way.
Keeping Your Air Conditioning System in Top-Notch Condition
Many homeowners put off AC repairs for as long as they can. They often figure that if their air conditioner is still working, its repair needs aren’t all that serious. Ignoring repairs can lead to several problems, though. Those issues can easily be avoided by taking care of repairs as quickly as possible. Although air conditioner repairs cost money, they’re well worth the investment in the long run.