HVAC Maintenance Information

Most times it can be a circuit breaker that has simply tripped or a fuse has blown.  Though the fix may still be simple, it would be a good idea to have a trained professional maintenance your system yearly to avoid emergencies..

Heating and cooling systems are usually trouble-free and easy to maintain. Efficient operation is a function of good regular maintenance. No matter what type of heating and cooling system you have, there are several things you can do to keep the system in top condition,

When a heating or cooling system malfunctions, any one of its three components; a/c or heat source, distribution, or control on the wall or at the equipment causing the problem. If the furnace or air conditioner doesn’t run, the malfunction is probably at the source. The furnace or air conditioner may have lost power.  If the furnace or air conditioner turns on but the warm or cool air isn’t reaching the rooms of your home, the problem is likely to be the blower or distribution system. And a faulty control, or thermostat, could keep the system from turning on or could cause it to turn on and off repeatedly. In most cases, all it takes is remembering to request a contractor for maintenance before the problem occurs.

 

It is recommended by Energy Star that you have your heating - air conditioning system tuned up at least once a year. Maintain your equipment to prevent future problems and unwanted costs. We recommend that you leave the care of keeping your heating and cooling system at peak performance to us by obtaining a Maintenance Agreement to do annual pre-season check-ups. We get busy once summer and winter come, so it's best to check the cooling system in the spring and the heating system in the fall. Call 778-1020 for more information.

A typical maintenance check-up should include the following:

• Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.

• Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.

• Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increases the amount of electricity you use.

• Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode). A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.

• Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly before Cooling Season.

• Clean evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils. Dirty coils reduce the system's ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.

• Check your central air conditioner's refrigerant level and adjust if necessary. Too much or too little refrigerant will make your system less efficient increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.

• Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper system airflow for greater comfort levels. Airflow problems can reduce your system's efficiency by up to 15 percent.

 

Actions To Do Yourself

While you cannot solve every issue with preventative maintenance, here are seven do-it-yourself tips you need to know to keep your system healthy:

• Check and replace your air filters often.The most important thing you can do at home is inspect your air filter. Dirty air filters make your HVAC system less efficient and cause undue strain on its working parts.Set a reminder each month to check your air filter and replace it if it is dirty or clogged. While the general rule is to change your filter every 30 to 90 days, they may need to be replaced more often if you have pets or open your windows often.Another thing to consider is purchasing a new high-efficiency pleated air filter. The folds in these filters trap more small particles than traditional filters, keeping your system clean and your family healthy.

 

• Keep your AC and heating systems free of debris.

  If you have an outdoor unit, it is important to keep the system free of debris. Check your unit every week or so  for leaves, pollen, dirt, sticks or other debris. Clear the debris from the top and sides of the system using gloves and, if necessary, a hose. This allows for maximum airflow to the fan and increases your unit’s efficiency and lifespan.

  In order to ensure the cleanest system possible, try to remove anything that blocks air flow to the system, leaving about two feet of space around the unit.

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• Clean your registers

  Try to keep your registers and ducts clean of dust and debris. Be sure to wipe down your registers as often as possible to keep dust and debris out of your system.

 

• Give your humidifier a vacation.

  In order to give your system a rest in the summer, turn off your furnace humidifier’s water supply. When the cooler months approach, replace the water panel (also know as humidifier pad), set the relative humidity between 35 and 45 percent, and turn the water supply to the furnace humidifier back on.

 

• Listen for unusual noises.

  One more passive things you can do is to keep an ear open for odd noises when your system is running. Often times, noises in your system are created by register blockages, debris in the vents, or loose bolts on the furnace or registers. If you hear any odd noises, try to locate the source. If you can’t find the source, check out this list of common HVAC system noises, what they mean and how to fix them. If this does not solve the problem, go to tip seven.

 

• Use fans to give your system a break.

  Another passive way to keep your system healthy is to use fans when possible to give your system a break.

  On hot summer days, use ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate air through the house and help your HVAC system bring the temperature in your home down quicker. On cooler days, instead of programming your thermostat, open your windows and turn on your fans to circulate the cool air into the house and keep temperatures comfortable.

  Giving your system a break when you can will lengthen the life of equipment and save you money on your energy bills.

 

• Know when to call a professional.

  Many HVAC manufacturers require annual preventative maintenance in order to maintain the unit’s warranty. Check your warranty to determine if/when maintenance is required by an HVAC professional.

  If your system does require preventative maintenance, it is best to schedule your check-up for the cooling system in the spring and your heating system in the fall, before All-Air Ltd can get busy. HVAC professionals will check your system for problems, adjust loose bolts and wires, and address any other issues you may have.

• For more information please call us at 506-778-1020