Central HVAC Maintenance Posted on September 6, 2017September 8, 2017 by Vital AC Solutions | Posted in Blog To keep your car running at peak performance you perform regular maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations and tune-ups. Your home’s HVAC system is much like your car. If you neglect it, you’ll pay the price eventually. But with regular maintenance you can ensure trouble free operation and peak performance for a long time. Regular maintenance can help you to make sure that your system is performing properly when you need it the most. Depending on where you live, central HVAC maintenance might be a two-season affair making sure to maximize performance for the hot days of summer and the cold nights of winter. If you live in a climate that is hot and humid year-round like Florida, it may require more frequent service as high humidity levels can cause a host of problems. When it comes to your central HVAC system, it’s true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventative Maintenance Check List Most local dealers provide scheduled service for customers who have purchased an annual or bi-annual agreement. Bi-annual preventative maintenance will keep your system running as efficiently as possible. Depending on the unit, your dealer will perform the following tasks twice a year to keep your HVAC humming year-round. If your unit is outdoors your dealer will: Inspect, check and replace coolant as needed when necessary. Clean leaves and debris from inside the cabinet. Inspect the coil and cabinet for proper operation, and the base plate for drainage removing any obstacles. Inspect the fan motor and blades for wear and lubricate as needed. Inspect the electronics including wiring and accessories, contacts, relays, circuit boards, capacitors and sump pump. This includes the control box. Inspect the compressor and plumbing for damage. If your unit is indoors your inspection will include: Inspect and clean and repair the blower housing, wheel and motor. Lubricate motor and replace fan belt (if needed). Check combustion blower housing for debris or lint and remove. Check the coil, drain pan and condensate lines. Inspect the burner assembly and check for gas leaks (if a gas furnace) Inspect the heat exchanges, heating elements, ignition system and safety controls. Clean and replace filters, check ductwork and flue system for signs of corrosion, replace if necessary. Your dealer will also perform a series of diagnostic tests while your HVAC unit is running. These include: Check starting characteristics including monitoring for unusual noise, odors, and pressures. Monitor air conditioning for correct refrigerant levels, replace when needed. Monitor gas furnace for line and manifold pressure, adjust as needed. Check venting system, temperature rise (or decrease) and adjust airflow as needed Check electronics for correct line and load. Upon completing your service, your service technician will provide you with a system operation report that will include any information on repairs or needed replacement of components. Performing regular maintenance on your central HVAC can keep it running at peak efficiency and trouble free for many years. Regular maintenance by your air conditioning and heating professional will ensure that your system is up and running perfectly during critical times. Keeping your system running at peak efficiency also means you will be using less energy which can provide significant savings over the lifetime of your unit. Give your local air conditioning and heating professional a call and set-up and appointment to discuss a service plan. It’s a smart investment that will pay dividends for you and your family for years to come! Comments comments