Your HVAC should be checked at least twice annually; typically a spring and fall tune-up is recommended. Something as complex as your heating and cooling system needs to be treated accordingly. Either pay a little per year to have it maintained or face a large bill down the road when you have to have it replaced. Not only will the bill be yours to foot, but you’ll also be without air conditioning until your new one is ready for installation. Rule of thumb: Air conditioners always fail in the dead of summer.
Properly maintained HVAC systems run at peak performance using less energy, which means giving less of your hard earned paycheck to the electric company each month. You and your family will also wreak the benefits of cleaner air to breathe.
While your service technician is tuning up your system, he/she will test for carbon monoxide in the air. Carbon monoxide is a very dangerous chemical that is produced by combustion. If your furnace is misfiring, carbon monoxide can very easily get into your home.
The exact services that you can expect during a typical air conditioner repair and service check will vary depending on your system. Some of the services could include:
- Test air conditioner safety controls
- Check the refrigerant levels
- Monitor refrigerant pressure
- Check the cooling temperature and air flow
- Check the condenser coils for debris
- Inspect the compressor and fan
- Lubricate the condenser fan motor
- Tighten electrical connections
- Measure volts and amps
- Add refrigerant if required (typically not included)
- Inspect the filters
- Test AC starting capabilities
- Check belts
In addition to changing filters you should also keep ground mounted outdoor units clear of debris, clutter, and weeds which can reduce airflow. Also, use caution with weed trimmers to avoid damaging control wiring. Lastly, keep pets away. Pet urine can be a costly fix.