When spring draws near, it's time to think about annual HVAC maintenance. Your air conditioner has been sitting outdoors all winter, so it needs some care before you turn it on for daily use.
When you have HVAC maintenance done in the spring, the technician services the condenser outside, and the air handler indoors. When you have maintenance done in the fall, the technician services the furnace. That provides a couple of opportunities each year for a professional to check your equipment. Here are some important systems an HVAC maintenance technician checks.
The Air Conditioner Parts
The technician will probably check the level of refrigerant just to verify there isn't a leak in the system. They may also clean out the condenser in case leaves have built up inside or mice made nests in the condenser cage. Some parts the technician may check include the fuse, wiring, contactor, fan, fan motor, compressor, and capacitor. If any of these parts are faulty, they may need to be replaced.
The Thermostat
Since the thermostat also controls the furnace and AC, it works for several months of the year. The technician will probably check it to see if it's dusty inside and to make sure the wires are connected tightly. They may calibrate it or test it to make sure it's working properly.
The Furnace Parts
The maintenance for a gas and electric furnace differs. An electric furnace has heating elements, so the technician checks those and the parts that control them. A gas furnace needs more work since it gets dirty due to the byproducts of combustion. The HVAC maintenance technician may need to spend time scrubbing the burners and other parts of the combustion area to get them clean and safe for another year of operation.
The Air Handler
The air handler is inside your furnace. It's where the blower is located and where the evaporator coil for the air conditioner is placed. The maintenance technician may need to clean the evaporator coil and the condensation drain to make sure they are free from dust and grime.
In addition, the HVAC maintenance technician might need to clean the blower wheel and check the motor and capacitor to make sure everything is functioning properly.
As long as your HVAC is in pretty good shape, maintenance shouldn't take too long. If you have old equipment, it may take longer to get it ready for summer or winter. The HVAC maintenance technician wants to be thorough since that could mean the difference between a season with no difficulties and a breakdown that leaves you uncomfortable in your home.
Share5 January 2023
I know it can be difficult to make yourself think about getting your furnace running when the skies are sunny and the temperatures are hovering around 90, but it is the best time for you to think about your heating system. Getting ahead of the winter preparation game will help to save on the cost of the repairs because the need for furnace maintenance is usually at a low during the fall season. This blog will show you what you can do to prepare your furnace for winter and when you should hire a professional HVAC technician to take care of it for you.