Why Preventative Maintenance Is Important
Any way you look at it, preventative maintenance is a smart investment. Manufactures, contractors, independent publications and homeowners all agree… if you’re looking to save money on utility bills while extending the life and efficient performance of your Home Comfort System, then Preventative Maintenance is your answer.
Your heat source and air conditioner are like your car – each is a mechanical system that requires consistent and regular maintenance. You change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles because it helps keep your car running safely and reliably. Much like your car, your heat source and air conditioner must be cared for throughout its life in order for it to continue keeping you comfortable inside your home efficiently and effectively. If you were to get in your car and drive it for 2,500 hours at 55mph, you would put 137,000 miles on your odometer and changed the oil 45 times. Well, the average family “drives” their home comfort system an average of 2,500 hours per year… at full speed! With all that stress put on your comfort system, you can see why it’s a good idea to have your heat source and air conditioner tuned up at least once a year.
Pine State’s 32 Point Inspection and Tune-up!
We thoroughly evaluate your system and make sure it’s ready for a busy heating season.
- Thermostat Checked
- Clean Replace or Inspect Air Filters
- Inspect Evaporator Coil
- Clean Evaporator Drain
- Tighten Electrical Connections
- Measure Temperature Differential
- Check Fan Blades
- Fan Relay Checked
- Unit Wiring Inspected
- Ductwork Checked
- Condenser Surroundings Evaluated
- Lubricate Fan Motors
- Check Start and Run Capacitors
- Check Start Relays
- Inspect Blower Wheel
- Measure Voltage and Amperage
- Monitor Refrigerant Level
- Inspect All Controls
- Check Heat Exchanger
- Clean and Adjust Burners
- Clean and Adjust Pilot Assembly
- Monitor Gas Pressure-Adjust if Needed
- Unit Disconnect Inspected
- Check Operation of Sequencer
- Clean Condenser Coil
- Check Flue Piping
- Clean Heat Exchanger
- Monitor Flue Draft
- Heating Elements Tested
- Clean Flame Sensor
- Check Gas Piping
- Written Evaluation and Recommendations
Benefits Include:
- Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs
- Improve Your Equipment Efficiency
- Improve Dependability
Discount on Repairs Service and Parts
- Discounts on Installation of New Equipment
- Courtesy Reminders for Tune-up Scheduling
HVAC systems-Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind?
The old but true cliché “out of sight, out of mind” is often the reason for neglected maintenance guidelines for your HVAC system. HVAC systems are usually installed where they aren’t seen, such as in a section of the basement, a closet, on rooftops, or in mechanical rooms, making them easy to be neglected. The systems are simply taken for granted until they fail. Decreased efficiency, utility overpayment, discomfort, loss of productivity, eventual premature replacement, and higher repair costs are the result.
Just because your HVAC system is out of sight, does not mean it should be neglected. Getting your HVAC system checked twice annually is just as important as changing the oil in your car every 3,000 miles.
What should I expect my licensed technician to do during a preventive maintenance visit?
(Some of the basics) checking system functions, safety controls, and adjust the operating sequence where appropriate.
Have cleaning and inspection at least two times a year on your HVAC equipment to ensure proper performance and savings.
Winter – Fall: Furnace/AC Clean & Check
- Check & adjust thermostat
- Install gauges & check operation if needed
- Check evaporator conditions
- Clean & adjust all safety controls
- Clean burners and controls
- Clean & adjust pilot assembly
- Adjust burner for efficiency (air & flame)
- Check for gas leaks in furnace
- Lubricate moving parts
- Check fan controls & ignition startup
- Check furnace for cracked heat exchanger
- Check temperature rise
- Check all wire connections and electrical parts
- Check condensate trap & drain lines
- Check outside condensing coil & condition
- Inspection on ductwork & design
- Inspect filters
Summer – Spring: AC Clean & Check
- Check & adjust thermostat
- Install gauges & check operation
- Check evaporator superheat
- Check evaporator conditions & light cleaning
- Inspections of blower wheel and conditions
- Check & Clean primary condensate drain lines
- Check voltage & amperage to all motors w/ meter
- Lubricate moving parts
- Check compressor amperage & voltage
- Check outside condensing coil & condition
- Check for proper refrigerant charge & possible leaks
- Check belt & tension if needed
- Check all wiring connections and electrical parts
- Inspection on ductwork & design
- Inspect filters
Above are just some of the basics of what a technician should check on your HVAC system. Depending on what type of system, there may be other required items that need to be checked. Extra costs may apply for deep cleanings on your HVAC systems. Some companies state they have a 15 to 18 point checklist, but this may be a play on words to repeat their items in different meanings or terms, to make you feel you’re getting the best bang for your buck. A standard time to complete a basic PM is 1 hour minimum per system. Some visits may even be up to 2 hours or more hours depending on the degree of cleaning and the type of maintenance work needed. This is also a time for you to ask questions about your system and bring up other issues that might need to be checked.
We are not a typical HVAC company and we hold all our technicians accountable to:
“Do the Right Thing” for the customer.
WHY?
Peace of Mind: Predictive maintenance will mean fewer system failures and longer life for your HVAC equipment.
Priority Service: Should a system failure occur during the heat of the summer or the cold of the winter, customers with Preventive maintenance programs receive priority service.
Continuity: Many contractors are often able to assign technicians to specific customers. That way, you get to see and know the same service technician, and he or she becomes more familiar with you and your equipment.
Savings: Preventive maintenance programs typically more than pay for themselves through higher efficiency, less utility over-payment, and contractor discounts. Preventive maintenance program customers receive a discount on all parts and services performed during the entire year.