We all appreciate the comforts of home when the air conditioning and heating systems are working properly. However, the average homeowner doesn’t know what it takes to keep these systems maintained. HVAC service providers are often the resource to keep us living cool and comfortably all year long. Many HVAC service providers offer maintenance plans to help maintain function of your HVAC system, but homeowners that forgo this simple solution may be faced with costly repairs in the future. Regular home maintenance is critical to the integrity of your home, and the HVAC system is not an exception. HVAC maintenance plans offer homeowners distinct advantages that can save you money in the long run. While plans do require a financial commitment, the services provided are considered an essential part of the upkeep of your home – like a full-service oil change for your car! By performing regular maintenance to your HVAC system, you can catch small issues before they become larger and more expensive problems. Key benefits to HVAC maintenance plans may include:
- Peace of mind knowing your equipment is working properly.
- Optimal performance and extended life of your equipment.
- Improved efficiency via cleaning of your equipment.
- Evaluation of the electrical components for proper function and safety.
Maintenance plans should be reviewed to learn about the exact services and the timing of service delivery included in the plan. These documents can be considered legal contracts; so, review the plan for specific clauses and terms and conditions to ensure that the service works for you, your home, and your budget. Potential plan services may include: Air Conditioning
- Cleaning of the evaporator coils & condenser coils.
- Refrigerant capacity & pressure check.
- Thermostat review.
- Electrical current draw on key components such as your condenser, fan motor, & blower motor.
- Cleaning of the condensate drain lines.
- Air flow balance & monitoring of your supply ducts.
- Air filter changes.
Heating
- Heat exchange cleaning on gas units.
- Carbon dioxide monitoring on gas units.
- Electrical current draw on electrical unit components.
- Electrical current draw on the blower motor.
- Thermostat review.
- Air flow balance & monitoring of your supply ducts.
- Air handler (blower) evaluation.
Maintenance plan service calls may eliminate inconvenient shutdowns of your air conditioning or heating system. Often, the shutdowns are related to safety features of the mechanics, triggered by poor maintenance or part defects. Troubleshooting and routine maintenance may eliminate these shutdowns. In contrast to maintenance plans, homeowners are committed to maintaining their own equipment. Without upkeep, homeowners will be forced to hire out service with no guarantee that it can even be fixed that same day. With the high-tech improvements in today’s equipment, most homeowners can’t provide the services included in HVAC maintenance plans. Remember – maintenance is your friend and should be performed on your HVAC equipment! Interview and consult with HVAC service companies in your area for available plans to support proper maintenance and enhance operation of your air conditioning and heating systems.
