Routine HVAC maintenance is the best way to ward off problems, prevent unexpected costs, and prolong the system’s lifespan. For Rose City, Texas, residents, we recommend two HVAC checkups per year before the heating and cooling seasons. The extensive checklist our technicians adhere to ensures your HVAC unit is prepared to keep your home inviting and comfortable throughout the year.
Calibrate the Thermostat
One of the first areas we’ll address during your annual HVAC system tuneup is the thermostat. Thermostats can lose calibration over time due to dust or other issues, which is why we make sure your thermostat is accurately communicating with your HVAC system.
In some cases, we may recommend an upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat, especially if your thermostat is outdated. Modern thermostats come with advanced features that help save energy and respond to your heating and cooling habits so that you don’t have to worry about adjusting the temperature setting.
Inspect Equipment
Inspecting your HVAC equipment is one of the most important steps we take as technicians. Visual inspections allow us to see the big picture, including how well your system is aging. A well-maintained, high-quality HVAC system should last at least 10 years, if not more, but manufacturers guarantee this lifespan based only on annual maintenance checks.
When inspecting your HVAC equipment, our technicians look at the indoor and outdoor coils, blower wheel, ducts and crawl space, condenser unit, and all accessories. This inspection allows us to identify problem areas and prep for repairs.
Clean the Condenser Unit
Since a large part of your HVAC system is located outside, the exterior condenser unit is prone to weather damage and dirt accumulation. Outdoor condensers often collect grass cuttings, weeds, twigs, trash, biological growth, and other debris. By keeping your condenser clean, we’ll help your system achieve a healthy, unobstructed airflow.
While we perform a thorough condenser cleaning at every maintenance check, you can take a few measures throughout the year to keep your condenser operating efficiently. For starters, plant shrubs, flowers, and trees several feet away from the exterior unit. Don’t store any lawn equipment or trash cans next to it either. Any obstruction prevents maximum airflow through the system.
Check Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system because it makes cooling possible. Low refrigerant levels suggest there may be a leak in the refrigerant line, a problem which should be addressed immediately. Our technicians check the refrigerant levels during each tuneup to ensure no issues are present. In some cases, we may need to recharge the refrigerant or repair leaks to optimize your system once again.
If you’ve noticed ice buildup on the refrigerant line or if your home is taking longer to cool than normal, schedule a maintenance service right away as these issues can suggest that you may have a refrigerant leak.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Your air conditioning and heating system has many moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause unnecessary friction, resulting in premature wear and tear. Keeping these parts properly lubricated is essential to prolonging your HVAC system’s lifespan.
Tighten Electrical Connections
Our technicians are trained to spot faulty electrical connections, issues which can make your HVAC system unsafe to operate. Our preventive maintenance service includes tightening these loose connections as well as measuring the current voltage on the motors.
Even if your electrical connections were working correctly at your last inspection, machine vibrations can cause these components to come loose over time. Loose wires and connections are generally not a major problem, but they still require a trained HVAC technician to address the issue. Otherwise, these connections could become completely detached.
Study the Ducts
You want to make sure your home’s ductwork is in good condition. Any evidence of dust, pest waste, or biological growth can negatively impact indoor air quality, which could make your family sick. If we notice dirty ducts during our inspection, we may suggest a thorough duct cleaning to clear out any debris.
Don’t put off your HVAC system tuneup any longer. To schedule your annual HVAC system maintenance service visit, call Thermacon Service Company at 866-797-1535.
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