It’s the dead of winter, so why should air conditioner maintenance be at the top of your to-do list? It makes sense to stay on top of your heating needs, whether you have a furnace or a boiler, right? The reality is that complete HVAC maintenance and inspections should be a priority year round. Otherwise, it’ll be the middle of a heat wave before you know something is wrong, and you’ll be sticking your head in the freezer for a little relief.
January is actually a prime time to schedule a routine A/C inspection for a number of reasons. Before things get too hectic with spring break plans, carve out a little time and give your local HVAC contractor a call. You’ll be glad you did when shorts season arrives. Here’s why winter is the best time to focus on your air conditioning system:
1. It’s a long, uneventful month
After all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, January can seem exceptionally long. You don’t have any holiday parties to attend, there’s only one long weekend this month, and you’re not making Valentine’s Day plans just yet. In other words, you have the down time so make use of it. As a bonus, nobody else is going to be making A/C inspection appointments this time of year, so you can schedule at your convenience.
2. You have plenty of time for repairs
If there is something amiss with your A/C system, there’s plenty of time for repairs and replacements. You might even find that it’s better to completely upgrade your system. Maybe you’re finally going to make the transition from a window unit to central cooling.
3. There are sales galore
January is notoriously a slow month for sales, which means manufacturers are hungry for your business. You’re liable to find a great deal on an upgrade this time of year—does “supply and demand” ring a bell? When nobody else is demanding a fantastic deal on a cooling system, you can take advantage of incredible offers.
4. Get your tax savings started early
Sometimes upgrading your HVAC system can lead to incredible tax benefits—such as if you install an ENERGY Star-rated appliance. You’re probably just starting to gather your tax documents for 2014, and that’s a great reminder that you could do better with write-offs the next time around. Instead of rushing to donate and upgrade at the end of the year, get started early.
Consider “taking care of your HVAC needs” an easy New Year’s resolution. With regular inspections comes optimal function, energy and cost savings, and more comfort. The days of cranking the A/C might seem far away, but they’ll creep up quickly. Make sure you’re ready.