There are many reasons why professional HVAC maintenance is recommended. For example, with regular maintenance, your heating and cooling systems will be able to function at peak performance. Additionally, professional maintenance can help increase energy efficiency while also extending your equipment’s life expectancy.
Some common items that should be covered for proper HVAC maintenance include the following:
- Lubricate all moving parts in your HVAC system. Without adequate lubrication, there will be an increase in friction which can cause parts to fail. It can also decrease the energy efficiency of your system.
- Check motors for proper voltage and current, and tighten electrical connections. Faulty electrical connections not only create an unsafe operating environment, but they can also reduce the life expectancy of major components.
- Check system controls in order to make sure they are functioning properly. The system should start, operate and shut off properly.
- Inspect condensate drain to make sure it is not blocked. A blocked drain can lead to increased humidity in the home as well as water damage.
Special Maintenance Steps for Cooling Equipment
- Adjust and clean blower components in order to ensure proper airflow. Insufficient airflow can significantly lower the energy efficiency of your cooling system.
- Check refrigerant level and make any necessary adjustments. Improper refrigerant levels can decrease the life of your cooling equipment while increasing energy bills.
- Clean condenser and evaporator coils. When coils are dirty your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home. This increases energy costs and decreases the life expectancy of your cooling equipment.
Special Maintenance Steps for Heating Equipment
- Check gas or oil connections as well as pressure, heat exchanger and burner combustion. Faulty connections can be a fire hazard and a cracked heat exchanger or dirty burner can lead to an improper operation of the burner.
Heating and cooling maintenance should be performed twice each year. It can be helpful to schedule these maintenance and tune-up calls for your heating and cooling equipment every fall and spring. This way you can be sure your HVAC system is functioning at its best. Follow us for more great articles covering your heating, cooling and home comfort needs.