Preventive HVAC maintenance is your first line of defense against mid-season breakdowns, costly repair bills, discomfort and premature system replacement. Timing is everything when it comes to scheduling an appointment with your contractor. While it’s never too late, be sure to schedule early between heating and cooling season to ensure your heating equipment is cleaned, tuned and ready to go, and will provide you with reliable service all throughout the winter.
What to Expect From HVAC Maintenance
- Thermostat check. The proper calibration and programming of your thermostat is vital to your comfort.
- Lubrication. All moving parts should be lubricated, to prevent friction, stress and wear and tear on parts.
- Condensate drain inspection. Should your drain become plugged, you may experience high humidity levels, water damage or mold and mildew growth.
- Fuel line inspection. Disconnected or leaky fuel lines are dangerous, and can contribute to a decrease in system efficiency.
- System control check. System operations should be verified through the startup, operation and shut down of your heating system.
- Air filter change. This task should be performed by the homeowner on a monthly basis throughout heating season, and involves the inspection, cleaning or changing of the air filter.
- Electrical connection inspection. Faulty connections can be hazardous, and lead to improper operation, decreased efficiency and potential component failure.
- Examination of the exhaust outlets. The vent stack or chimney flue should be inspected, to ensure proper exhaustion of combustion gases; back-drafting, corrosion or leaks can cause deadly CO poisoning.
- Heat exchange and burner check. A dirty burner, or cracked heat exchanger contribute to decreased efficiency and increased exposure to harmful fumes.
The Benefits of Scheduling Early
- Your contractor has more time during the off season to work around your schedule; once heating season is in full swing, you may find yourself waiting for an appointment.
- Running your heating system when it’s dirty or in need of repair may cause further damage.
For more information on what’s included in HVAC maintenance, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating, serving homeowners in the Los Angeles area since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC maintenance and other HVAC topics, downloadour free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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