When it comes to keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, it is important to make sure you properly maintain your heating and air conditioning systems. But how do you maintain your HVAC systems? Most homeowners do not know enough about heating and cooling to do more than the basic DIY items every season. Because of this, it is highly recommended to hire a trusted heating and cooling service professional to handle your HVAC maintenance.
Homeowners will often ask “how much should I pay for HVAC maintenance?”, and answer to this question is it depends. Most HVAC service providers will set up service contracts with their existing customers to help them easily keep their heating and cooling systems in check. It is recommended to get your air conditioning system in the spring time before the warmer weather comes. Same goes for your heating system, it is best to get it taken care of in the fall before the temperatures start to drop.
Proper HVAC maintenance helps your heating and cooling systems run more efficient, which prolongs the life of your systems. Another benefit to routine maintenance is that you can solve issues before they happen. The last thing you would want to deal with is a furnace that stops working in the dead of winter, or ac system failure on the hottest day of the year.
Air Conditioner Maintenance List
We all depend on air conditioning when the temperatures start to rise, so it is best to get your home’s cooling system inspected. Whether you have a central air, ductless, or mini split system, it should be inspected to ensure all functions are operating as they should.
Most air conditioning systems are very similar, so the items listed below will be similar for the most part. However, depending on the age and condition of your home’s cooling system, the amount of maintenance work needed will vary.
- Blower Motor – measure amperage and voltage for proper operation
- Thermostat – test for proper operation, calibrate and level
- Clean existing air filter (as needed)
- Bearings – inspect for wear and lubricate
- Inspect indoor coil
- Condensate Drain – flush and treat with anti-algae
- Inspect Condenser Coil
- Refrigerant – monitor operating pressures of all ac refrigerants
- Safety Devices – inspect that all safety functions are working properly
- Electrical Disconnect Box – inspect for proper rating and safe installation
- Electrical Wiring – inspect and tighten any loose electrical connections, inspect any exposed wiring
- Test/inspect contactors for burned, pitted contacts
- Inspect and test capacitors
- Inspect fan blade
- Clean condenser coil and remove debris
- Inspect service valves for proper operation
- Measure Supply/Return temperature differential
- Inspect duct work for leaks which can cause energy loss
- Inspect Compressor – monitor, measure amperage and voltage
Furnace Tune-Up, Cleaning and Safety Inspection
An annual inspection will keep your home’s heating system at peak efficiency. No matter what type of heating system you have, it is highly recommended to keep it clean and up to date maintenance wise. This will help it last longer, and run more effectively.
- Carbon Monoxide – test air flow duct system for carbon monoxide
- Thermostat – test for proper operation
- Inspect for combustible material around furnace
- Ignition System Testing
- Exhaust & Venting System Inspection
- Measure Supply/Return temperature differential
- Inspect Safety & Control Circuits
- Inspect and adjust fan belt tension (if applicable)
- Clean or Replace Filter
- Lubricate and clean blower motor air vents
- Inspect & Clean Furnace Burner
- Clean & Inspect Heat Exchangers
- Inspect heat exchangers for visible damage
- Measure Natural Gas Pressure (if applicable)
- Lubricate all moving parts where needed
- Inspect Blower Motor
- Inspect all Electrical & Wiring
- Clean & Inspect Combustion Vents
- Check For Leaks
If your home needs its heating or cooling system inspected before it gets too cold or hot, contact 203 HVAC to schedule your HVAC maintenance today!
