HVAC systems need a little TLC too!

To perform at peak performance, HVAC systems require regular preventative maintenance – plain and simple. As a homeowner, this should come as no surprise. To make it easy, here is a short checklist to help keep your summers cool and your winters toasty warm.

• Check the controls of the overall system to ensure everything is operating properly. Check by starting the cycle of both the furnace and AC to make sure all systems are a ‘go’. Does the fan blow? Is it blowing heat or cold air? If not, time to call the professionals.
• Check your thermostat settings. Is the house cooling or heating at the designated temperature point?
• Tighten electrical connections and measure voltage/current on the motor. Any faulty connections can create unsafe operations and reduce the life of the system.

For your air conditioner

Clean the refrigerant level and adjust if necessary. Too much or too little refrigerant can make your system inefficient and raise your energy costs, not to mention shave years from the life of the system.

Clean the condenser coils and evaporator. Dirty coils will reduce the system’s ability to operate at its best. Again, this is drag on system performance, creates increased energy costs and reduces the lifespan of the system.

Clean and adjust the blower component of the system. Doing this will optimize the system and maximize airflow for faster, greater comfort levels. A clean system can reduce your HVAC system’s overall efficiency by as much as 15 percent.

For your furnace

Check connections, pressures, burner combustion and heat exchanger. Left unchecked, if any of these pieces fail, a fire hazard can be created, not to mention health problems due to leaks into the air you breathe. If any cracks or leaks aren’t repaired, this can certainly cause the equipment to malfunction and operate less efficiently not to mention unsafely.

 Inspect and regularly change air filters to your system. A dirty filter causes your system to work harder; less efficiently and in the long term, can lead to system failure.

For those less handy

If any or all of these remedial checks are above your comfort level, don’t hesitate to call the experts. Not sure if you need to call in for backup? Ask yourself the following:

• Has the system been ‘acting up’? If you’ve experienced temperature variance, humidity inconsistencies, or maybe hearing odd noises – make the call.
• How many hours per day/week is the system operating? If the furnace or AC is firing at odd times (or the wrong times/temps), make the call.
• Are your energy bills higher than usual? Obviously, the outside temperature drives the activity of your HVAC system, but if the bill seems high or higher than normal – make the call.

The technicians at MaxAir can help diagnose and fix any issues for your HVAC system, not to mention provide guidance for regular maintenance to ensure you enjoy every season safely and comfortably. Make the call!