Keep Your Unit Running Well With HVAC Preventative Maintenance
HVAC maintenance is not just for when problems occur; HVAC preventative maintenance should be carried out as well so homeowners do not have to worry about a unit breaking down at an inopportune time. Preventative maintenance will not only give homeowners peace of mind, but will also keep a home comfortable all year long.
When to Schedule
An HVAC unit should be serviced in both the spring and the fall. The spring maintenance will get the unit ready for the long hot summer and help keep a house or building cool and comfortable. The fall maintenance will get the unit ready for the long cold winter and keep a home warm and cozy. It is important to follow the schedule and fix any minor or major issues so the unit will work best during the seasons it is supposed to.
How to Clean
The HVAC unit should be cleaned thoroughly each time it is serviced. Removing all the dirt, debris and other particles from the movable components of the unit ensures that each piece will function appropriately and will also prevent any damage. Cleaning the HVAC unit also involves checking for any blockages or broken components, as well as a thorough inspection of the electrical system.
Monitoring Performance
Performance of an HVAC unit should be checked periodically throughout the year in order to ensure that the unit is continuing to function properly, and to prevent minor problems from becoming major repairs. Checking the functionality of the unit is as simple as comparing the air temperature both inside and outside. Additionally, when turning the unit to the highest or lowest setting, it should take no more than 15 to 20 minutes to raise or lower the temperature. Check for problems or call a HVAC technician if it takes longer than 30 minutes or never reaches the desired temperature.
Keep Parts Running Smoothly
Each scheduled HVAC preventative maintenance service should include a lubrication of all bearings and a tightening of all belts. These parts should be able to run for thousands of hours, but their life expectancy decreases if they are not installed properly. It is common for things to become loose or stuck after running for so long. Lubrication and tightening is an inexpensive fix to prevent expensive problems.
Keep Accurate Records
By documenting all the checks done on the HVAC unit, it is possible to determine how the unit is faring between maintenance services. It also lets homeowners know when the unit needs to be serviced again. Make a list of when the filters, belts and fans were last cleaned or replaced, and when the oil and cooling levels of the system and when the vents were last cleaned out. Be sure to review the documentation and stay on schedule with maintenance to prevent issues from happening.
It is normal for an HVAC unit to demonstrate wear and tear after being operated season to season for a few years. Preventative measures will not always keep problems from occurring, but being proactive can help individuals avoid experiencing some of the more common pitfalls of an HVAC unit.