Things Your Spring Air Conditioning Maintenance Appointment Should Include
If you are like many homeowners, you probably understand the important of a regularly scheduled maintenance appointment for your heating and air conditioning unit. While you may not be able to prevent all heating and air conditioning problems, a regularly scheduled annual appointment will go a long ways to keep your unit in good working condition and could possibly save you as much as 15% off of your monthly energy bill. But when you schedule this appointment, exactly what should you be getting for your money? Although some services may vary from company to company, here are a few that should be included.
Check Your Thermostat
If your thermostat is not working correctly, your system cannot work correctly. Your spring checkup should include a full review of this major component of your system. This will help to ensure your system is working safety and properly.
One of the major hurdles of the new programmable or "smart" thermostats is the slight learning curve that they often come with. If you are not using this energy-saving tool correctly, you will not be able to reap the benefits of it. A check of your thermostat will ensure that your system is calibrated, leveled, and being operated correctly. If you have questions about how to best operate your thermostat, your service technician may be able to answer these for you.
Check The Exterior Of Your Unit
A visual inspection of the outside of your unit should include looking for the following:
- Loose panels
- Broken fasteners
- Duct integrity
- Carbon tracking
- Moisture
- Any fluids coming from your unit, and more
The technician should turn your unit on and listen for any unusual sounds, noises, and vibrations.
Check The Interior Of Your Unit
The interior is the heart of your unit; dirt or grime in this part will greatly affect your system's efficiency and reduce its lifespan. Your technician should check your blower motor, compressor, evaporator coils and condenser coils. They should also inspect all of your wiring, bearings, and electrical connections. Your coils should be cleaned as needed, and any moving parts should be lubricated as needed. Your service technician should also check your fan blades to ensure that they are in good condition and that there are no obstructions impeding the movement of your blades.
Check Your Refrigerant Lines and Levels
Your refrigerant lines are the aluminum or copper tubes that carry your coolant or Freon to your evaporating coils and return your gas to your condensing unit. Over time this copper can deteriorate. Any holes or kinks in this tubing will cause your refrigerant to leak out. Low coolant levels can cause your system to freeze up and stop working.
If your Freon levels are low, the leak will need to be located, and your system will need to be refilled or recharged. But air conditioning coolant is controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Anyone purchasing this product is required to have a license to do so. This means that recharging your system is something that will need to be performed by a licensed service technician.
Check Your Drain Lines
If your drain lines to your HVAC unit becomes obstructed, water can accumulate, and mold and mildew can build up. This drain line should be checked, flushed, and treated with an anti-algae solution.
Check Your Duct Work
In addition to checking the physical components of your unit, your service technician should check to ensure that the air is able to properly flow throughout your home by checking your duct work. This will ensure your ducts are clean and there are no places where you may be experiencing energy loss.
Call and schedule your annual maintenance appointment, or visit websites like http://www.capefearair.com. Many companies are running spring specials and will offer you a discount if you schedule your appointment prior to their busy summer season. Hurry and book your appointment before they are all gone.
