While HVAC maintenance plans function like warranties in terms of coverage, they give you a much higher return on your investment. An HVAC maintenance plan helps to prevent system failures, saving you repair and replacement costs long after your warranty runs out.
The trick to saving money with your HVAC maintenance plan is choosing the right one.
Your technicians should be cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting all necessary parts for effective maintenance. To get a better idea of what a typical maintenance plan looks like, run through this quick checklist of standard tune-up tasks.
- Cleaning of outdoor coil – This clears out any dust and dirt preventing sufficient, airflow.
- Clearing of drain line – If it’s not cleaned every year, your drain line can start collecting mildew, algae, fungus, and moldy buildup of all sorts.
- Tightening of electrical connections – Most electrical connections become loose over time. A loose electrical connection could lead to a very dangerous situation.
- Inspecting the heat exchanger with an infrared camera – The high definition features of an infrared camera make it easier to spot signs of fatigue and cracks.
- Checking temperature drops – This determines the degree change from indoor temperature to supply air temperature, giving you a better idea of your systems cooling efficiency.
- Checking refrigerant – When your air conditioner lacks refrigerant, the air coming out of the system is not as cool as it should be.
- Oiling motors –Lubrication of the fan motor extends the life of your HVAC system.
- Checking gas pressure – When gas pressure is too low, your furnace doesn’t produce as hot of air as it should. When gas pressure is too high, it will cause your furnace to overheat.
- Checking igniters on furnaces – Your heating cycle won’t begin, or “ignite”, without functioning igniters.
Checking the safety of your furnace to make sure it’s working properly – Your HVAC system is made up of dangerous fuels and safety devices. Safety precautions are a must. - Making sure your flue pipe is clear from obstructions – A flue pipe leads outside your home, taking all those harmful gases with it. If your flue pipe is blocked, those harmful gases (carbon monoxide among them) can travel right back into your home.
An occasional inspection and fine-tuning of your HVAC system extends its life and reduces the need for future repair or part replacement. With the right HVAC maintenance plan in place, you ensure a powerful and long-lasting system and, more importantly, you save money in the long run.
Want to learn more about choosing the best HVAC maintenance plan? Call the Comfort Consultants from On Time Experts at 281-694-7946 or send us an email to begin your Home Comfort Process today.