During its lifetime, it's only logical to assume your comfort system is going to need an occasional "tune up" along the way. You wouldn't think of driving your car 100,000 miles without oil changes and some kind of maintenance. The same holds true for your home comfort system. Regular preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure trouble-free operation and peak performance. It also keeps your system running at its optimal efficiency levels, which keeps energy usage - and your energy bills - in check.
There's something else that preventive system maintenance gives you, and that's peace of mind. Pre-season maintenance can help you avoid a system failure on the hottest or coldest day of the year. It can also help you avoid a frantic search for an air conditioning or heating dealer that can repair or replace your broken system. Many servicing dealers provide priority service for their customers who have an annual maintenance or service agreement. Your existing relationship with a servicing dealer is worth its weight in gold when it's a 95-degree July day and your air conditioning system has stopped working.
If you're thinking about replacing an aging home comfort system, Atlantic Mechanical Services can offer guidance on proper preventive maintenance as well as annual maintenance and service agreements.
Air Conditioning and Heating System Maintenance
If your air conditioning system both heats and cools your home, you should have maintenance performed in the spring and fall. If you have a cooling-only or heating-only system, maintenance should be performed at least once a year prior to the heating or cooling season. For a list of what you should expect during a preventive maintenance service check-up, check out our suggested pre-season preventive maintenance list below.
An Inside Look At System Maintenance
Expect your service tech to do a complete system operation check in both cooling and heating modes. If you have a heat pump, the tech should check the defrost operation, as well. All other major components and safety devices should be checked. The air conditioners coils, both indoors and out, should be cleaned, as well as the indoor blower housing and blower wheel. Most modern residential air conditioning and heating fan motors have permanently-lubricated bearings so no additional lubrication is needed.
Note: Some uncased coils are deep in the ductwork and may require more work to get to them. If that is the case your tech will let you know and recommend the best option on how to proceed.
Residential air conditioning systems may have a direct drive blower, which means there are no fan belts to inspect. However, if you have an older system with a fan belt, be sure to have the fan belts checked and replaced if needed. Your duct system should also be checked. Inefficient operation can be caused by return air leaks located in non conditioned spaces like attics or crawl areas. Hot or cold air is drawn in through the leak, which is then heated or cooled by your system. This decreases your system's ability to heat or cool your home and increases your energy bill, as well.
Suggested Pre-Season Preventive Maintenance Check List
We recommend all maintenance and service work be performed by a professional air conditioning and heating tech that holds the appropriate credentials to install and service air conditioning and heating equipment.
Outdoor Unit/Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Preventive Maintenance Checklist
Inspect unit and pad for proper level and adjust if necessary
Clean dirt, leaves and debris from inside cabinet
Inspect base pan for restricted drain openings - remove obstructions as necessary
Inspect coil and cabinet - clean as needed
Inspect fan motor and fan blades for wear and damage - on older models lubricate as needed
Inspect control box, associated controls/accessories, wiring and connections. Controls may include contactors, relays, circuit boards, capacitors, sump heat and other accessories. All control box and electrical parts should be checked for wear or damage.
Inspect compressor and associated tubing for damage
Indoor Unit/Furnace or Air Handler
Inspect and clean blower assembly (includes blower housing, blower wheel and motor)
On older models lubricate motor and inspect and replace fan belt if needed
Check combustion blower housing for lint and debris and clean as necessary
Inspect evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate drain lines. Clean as needed
Inspect for gas leaks in gas furnaces
Inspect burner assembly - clean and adjust as needed
Inspect ignition system and safety controls - clean and adjust as needed
Inspect heat exchanger or heating elements
Inspect flue system - Check for proper attachment to the furnace, any dislocated sections, and for signs of corrosion. Replace if necessary.
Inspect control box, associated controls, wiring and connections
Clean or replace air filters
Inspect conditioned air flow system (ductwork) - check for leaks
While System is Operating
Monitor system starting characteristics and capabilities
Listen for abnormal noise
Search for source of unusual odors
Monitor air conditioning and heat pump systems for correct refrigerant charge
Measure outdoor dry bulb temperature
Measure indoor dry and wet bulb temperature
Measure high and low side system pressures
Monitor gas furnace for correct line and manifold gas pressure - make adjustments as needed
Measure temperature rise and adjust airflow as needed
Check vent system for proper operation
Monitor system for correct line and load volts/amps
Monitor system operation per manufacturer's specifications
Provide system operation report and recommend repairs or replacement as necessary
To schedule an appointment, please use our contact page or call us.
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