Your Kennesaw, GA, home’s heating and air conditioning system is complex. It has hundreds of critical mechanical and electrical parts, and all of them have to be in proper working order. Professional maintenance is the best way to keep your heating and cooling system efficient and effective. There are also some simple maintenance tasks you can do on your own at home between our tune-ups. Here’s what you need to know about how often your heating and cooling system needs a tune-up and how often and when to do certain maintenance tasks on your own.
What Is HVAC Maintenance?
HVAC maintenance seems a little ambiguous until you understand what it seeks to achieve. When we talk about HVAC maintenance, this actually encompasses two different sets of maintenance routines, heating and air conditioning maintenance. Both have some similar aspects; however, consider focusing on the system you’ll be using for the upcoming season.
There are three primary things that should be addressed during your HVAC maintenance. The first is cleaning airborne contaminants that are small enough to flow through your air filter. These collect on various spaces throughout your system and cause airflow restrictions, reducing your system’s efficiency.
Second, your system creates vibration as it runs, which loosens mounting hardware and electrical connections. This allows excessive movement, which adds strain to your system’s components, leading to strain-related repairs.
Finally, your technician should test the system, including individual components. This ensures your system is initializing at the right times, and in the right order. Individual component tests ensure each part is operating within optimal parameters. Anything not operating optimally adds strain, leading to more frequent repairs and a shorter service life.
Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance Each Spring
Each spring, schedule a tune-up for your air conditioning system. Ideally, this tune-up should take place in mid-March to mid-April, before the heat and humidity get too intense. Our technicians make sure that your cooling system’s refrigerant level is correct. We also verify the thermostat settings and check all the wiring. Our multi-point tune-up service includes cleaning the fan, motor and condensate line. We also lubricate each moving part. The maintenance visit includes an air filter change and a system performance test to make sure that it’s delivering enough cool air to keep your home comfortable. Our technicians can show you how to check and replace the filter during this maintenance visit. We can also provide you with extra filters to have on hand for when you need to replace a dirty one.
Schedule a Heating Tune-Up Each Autumn
Each autumn, schedule a tune-up for your heating system. Furnaces and boilers need tune-ups in order to ensure the efficient and safe burning of fuel. Our heating system maintenance includes testing the gas supply valves, inspecting the pilot and thermocouple and examining the heat exchanger. We make sure the combustion chamber seal and flue are intact. We also test for carbon monoxide. Our technicians clean the furnace and air handler motors. The heating system maintenance visit also includes changing the HVAC filter and verifying the thermostat settings. If you have a high-efficiency furnace or a boiler, we’ll clean the condensate drain.
Heating maintenance isn’t limited to gas furnaces. It also includes geothermal systems, air source heat pumps and ductless mini-splits. The goal is to ensure the system is operating efficiently and without small problems before it is strained by cold weather.
Schedule Heat Pump Tune-Ups Twice Each Year
Many homes in Kennesaw have a heat pump. These systems perform both heating and cooling functions. Because they’re in use all year long, heat pumps need two maintenance visits each year. It’s best to schedule a springtime maintenance visit in March or April to get the system ready to cool your home for the summer and to schedule a second visit in October or November to prepare the heating system for wintry weather. Our heat pump tune-ups include measuring the refrigerant level, cleaning and lubricating all moving parts, washing the housing and fins, inspecting the coils, verifying the system pressure and performance and removing and replacing the air filter.
Check Your Air Filter Every Month
Between our professional maintenance visit for your heating and cooling system, you’ll need to do a few important tasks. We recommend checking your HVAC filter every month. The filter traps dust, spores and other particles. Once the filter media is filled, your heating or cooling system won’t work as efficiently. A dirty air filter decreases the heating and cooling system’s efficiency by 15% or more. Our technicians will show you where the air filter is located. You just access the housing and slide out the filter. If you see dust and dirt buildup, it’s time for a replacement. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar so that you don’t forget to check the filter each month. Pick a date that’s easy to remember, such as the first Saturday or the 10th day of each month. You can also schedule air filter change appointments with our technicians.
Remove Vegetation Every One to Three Months
Another important maintenance task for you to do is remove vegetation from the area around the outdoor unit if your air conditioner or heat pump. During the spring through fall months of the year, grass, trees and other vegetation can grow into the unit. This impedes airflow. Cut back the vegetation every one to three months.
Benefits of Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance isn’t just something nice to do for your HVAC system. It comes with specific benefits. First, it will keep your system running at its peak efficiency, saving you money on your utility expenses.
Second, maintenance finds problems while they are still small. These problems often lead to larger issues and more substantial repairs. Catching them early prevents this additional damage, reducing your repair costs. It also allows you time to plan for the repair before you are left in extreme heat or cold without the use of your HVAC system.
Thirdly, it keeps your manufacturer’s warranty valid. Manufacturers understand the importance of maintenance in keeping a system operating properly for its entire service life. As such, most manufacturers stipulate routine maintenance as a term of their warranty. Many homeowner’s insurance policies also have this stipulation to qualify for fire protection when an accident is tied back to your HVAC system.
At Controlled Climate Services, we’re the trusted providers of heating and air conditioning maintenance in Kennesaw since 1990. Homeowners also count on us for affordable heating and air conditioning repair and replacement services. Our indoor air quality solutions, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and ventilation services are designed with your comfort and health in mind. Call today to schedule your HVAC maintenance.
