Maintain Your HVAC to Avoid Replacing It!

Maintaining your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is your best defense against new equipment sticker shock.

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling wants you to get the most value from your existing heating and cooling equipment before you need to replace it. That’s why we recommend annual tune-ups to extend your system’s service life and increase its efficiency.

Professional HVAC maintenance can save money on utility bills, repairs and keep your home comfortable year-round.

HVAC Maintenance in La Porte

At Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we believe the best preventive maintenance combines professional tune-ups with homeowner DIY efforts.

We recommend a spring air conditioning tune-up and a fall checkup for furnaces. The timing is strategic. We aim to identify and fix any issues before you begin using your system daily.

Operating a system with worn, faulty, and dirty components leads to problems. We want to catch minor issues before they spiral out of control and create a domino effect of malfunction that affects your entire unit. Ignoring a problem does not make it go away. It leads to costly repairs and possibly even system replacement.

The Benefits of HVAC Maintenance

The good news is that furnace maintenance minimizes the risk of a catastrophic breakdown. It offers other benefits too:

• • Longevity: Your system will operate for many years because its annual checkups ensure it is in top condition, enabling you to keep more money in your pocket.

• • Efficiency: A well-maintained HVAC system consumes less energy, saving you money on utility bills.

• • Peace of Mind: Knowing your HVAC system will keep your home comfortable year-round is priceless.

What Does an HVAC Tune-Up Include?

When you schedule maintenance with Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling in La Porte, and surrounding areas, one of our qualified technicians will examine your equipment for wear, safety, and performance issues. Our multi-point inspection includes testing and cleaning.

During a HVAC maintenance visit, we inspect and clean refrigerant coils in your AC unit and check refrigerant levels. When we tune up your furnace, we examine and clean the burners, look for cracks or damage to the heat exchanger, and test safety controls.

We also lubricate moving parts and check system controls, the condensate drain, electrical connections, and the thermostat.

DIY Cooling Maintenance

As a homeowner, you play an essential role in maintaining your heating and cooling system. You can enhance its efficiency and save money by employing a maintenance strategy at home:

• • Air Filters: Dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing your equipment to work harder and use more energy. Check your filters for clogs and excessive dirt every month. Replace dirty air filters every 30 to 90 days. Consult your manufacturer’s instructions for information specific to your system.

• • Obstructions: Drapes, furniture, rugs, and other items that obstruct your air vents restrict airflow, which lessens efficiency. Keep obstructions away from vents.

• • Ductwork: Check your ductwork for cracks, holes, and other damage. Our experts at Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling have the expertise and experience to seal and insulate your air ducts, reducing air loss that leads to higher utility bills. According to ENERGY STAR^®, 20 to 30 percent of the air flowing through ductwork escapes through holes, cracks, and poor connections.

We have you covered from Elkhart and Crown Point to Indianapolis, and many other communities across Indiana. We also serve Yorkville, Bloomington, and neighboring cities in Illinois and Centerville in Ohio.

2025 HVAC Prices Likely to Increase

Although preventative maintenance can rejuvenate your HVAC system, there is a limit to how much efficiency an outdated unit will recoup as it nears the end of its useful service life.

If your air conditioner or furnace needs frequent repairs, is outdated, and is over 10 years old, replacing it may be easier on your budget in the long run. It can save money on energy bills and may avoid higher equipment costs down the road.

HVAC equipment prices continue to rise as manufacturers respond to higher raw materials costs, labor shortages, regulatory demands, and other challenges.

For example, manufacturers can no longer use R-410A refrigerant in HVAC systems built after Jan. 1, 2025. They must switch to A2L refrigerants with less global warming potential (GWP). That manufacturing change likely will increase prices for some HVAC units, such as air conditioners and heat pumps.

If your AC system is near the end of its lifespan, now might be a perfect time to avoid those higher costs by installing a high-efficiency unit before the refrigerant changes. Contact Summers Plumbing, Heating & Cooling now for a free consultation and estimate.

Call the HVAC Experts

Schedule annual maintenance with our pros at Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Your La Porte home’s HVAC system will be more efficient and last longer. Call us at (219) 797-6185 or request service online.