Most of the tasks involved with preventive maintenance should be left to the pros. However, there are a few steps homeowners can take to care for their cooling systems. With warmer weather just ahead, now’s the time to schedule preventive maintenance with your local HVAC expert, and learn what you should be doing to keep the system in good operating condition. Both tasks ultimately ensure optimal operating efficiency and energy savings.
Preventive maintenance tasks your HVAC technician will perform include:
Checking the system’s refrigerant charge, and adjusting it as necessary.
Inspecting the refrigerant lines, ensuring that they don’t leak.
Cleaning the components to remove dirt buildup.
Inspecting the condition of components such as the fan motor and blades, the coil, the drain line, compressor, condenser and evaporator.
Checking the control box, wiring, relays, circuit boards and more for wear and tear.
Checking the airflow over the air handler.
Measuring the temperature differentials on the supply and return side of the ductwork.
Checking the overall safety of the system as it operates.
Here's how homeowners can participate in preventive maintenance before and during the cooling season:
Before starting up the air conditioner for the first time, install a new air filter.
Over the season, check the air filter regularly, about once a month, and install a new one as necessary. A dirty filter will block airflow into the A/C, and decrease operating capacity.
Keep the outdoor unit free from obstructions like grass clippings, leaves and so forth that also impede airflow.
With regularity, preventive maintenance offers more benefits to homeowners than just energy savings. By providing your system with the care it needs, you’ll largely bypass costly repairs that are common when homeowners neglect to maintain their air conditioners. You’ll also extend the life of the A/C, as experts agree that a system that’s well cared for will last longer, often for as much as five years.
Contact the experts at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today to schedule preseason preventive maintenance for your air conditioner. We've served homeowners in greater Broken Arrow for nearly 30 years. Give us call today or visit our website for more information.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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