Heating and cooling are a key part of your home. Unfortunately, most people do not realize the system is in distress until it is no longer working, which can cause a good amount of discomfort and stress during seasons where temperatures are very high or very low. Thankfully, regular maintenance on the systems will ensure the system is working correctly, which is beneficial for many different reasons. This guide and your contractor will help you understand how regular AC maintenance protects you.

Maintains Comfortable Levels

One of the most important reasons why you should maintain your AC system regularly is to ensure you and your family are comfortable throughout the different seasons.

In the summer, for instance, temperatures can increase to high levels in most parts of the country. While these may be outdoor temperatures, the temperatures inside the house will also increase, especially if your air conditioning system is not working properly.

By maintaining your system, the AC system will remove heat and humidity from the home during the warmer seasons, keeping your family cool even though temperatures are hot outdoors.

Reduces Health Risks

It may be surprising to learn that regular maintenance on your home's AC system will also reduce the risk of health issues.

If your system is not working properly, your home will not be able to maintain cooler temperatures in the warmer seasons. Again, this will make your family uncomfortable, but it can also affect your family's health.

Being in excess heat even for short periods of time can lead to fatigue and exhaustion. If you do not drink enough water when exposed to this heat, you could become dehydrated and ill, as well. Heat exhaustion also increases your risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Finally, living in high levels of heat will cause stress and anxiety, making everyone in your house suffer emotionally, too.

Of course, air conditioning does more than just remove heat from the home. When working properly, your AC system removes moisture from the air. Without proper maintenance, your system may struggle to remove both heat and humidity, which can lead to unhealthy air quality levels.

High levels of humidity can cause mold and mildew growth, which may cause allergy symptoms, more involved breathing problems, and even irritated skin.

If you are unsure whether you have high levels of humidity, check the settings on your digital thermostat or use a hygrometer to measure the moisture in the air. For the healthiest and most comfortable air quality, humidity levels should be between 35 and 50 percent.

Improves Finances

Heating and cooling your home requires an energy source, which does not come free. The amount of energy needed to maintain comfortable and healthy temperatures and air quality depends on a few factors, including your local climate, your home, and your system. However, most experts agree heating and cooling uses about half of your home's total energy usage, making it one of the most expensive systems in the home to run.

Unfortunately, issues with the system, such as clogged filters, dirty coils, and lost refrigerant, will cause the system to run longer and harder, using more energy, which increases your household expenses. Also, the harder your system runs, the more stress the system undergoes. This constant stress will decrease the system's lifespan, which will cause you to replace your system sooner than expected.

All in all, maintaining your system will ensure it runs without wasting energy. In addition, proper maintenance will help your system last longer.

Help is available if you are not sure how to maintain your heating and cooling system. Contact an HVAC company like Baton Rouge Air Conditioning & Heating to get started on a regular maintenance program.