Maintenance Checklist

Ensure optimal performance of your HVAC system and avoid unexpected expenses by maintaining your equipment regularly. Schedule annual pre-season check-ups with a qualified contractor to keep your cooling and heating systems running smoothly. As contractors tend to be busier during peak seasons, it’s advisable to have your cooling system inspected in the spring and your heating system in the fall. Consider aligning these check-ups with the time changes in spring and fall for easy scheduling and to ensure your HVAC system remains in top condition throughout the year.

A standard maintenance inspection should involve the following tasks:

🔹Inspect thermostat settings to maintain comfortable temperatures at home and conserve energy during your absence.

🔹Secure all electrical connections and assess voltage and current levels on motors. Loose connections pose safety risks and shorten the lifespan of critical components.

🔹Apply lubrication to all moving parts. Proper lubrication reduces friction in motors, leading to lower electricity consumption.

🔹Inspect and clean the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump (during cooling mode). A clogged drain may cause water damage and affect indoor humidity levels.

🔹Test system controls to ensure safe and efficient operation. Evaluate the equipment’s startup cycle to ensure it initiates, operates, and shuts down correctly.

Specific to Cooling:

🔹Clean the evaporator and condenser coils to maintain cooling efficiency. Dirt buildup reduces the capacity of the system, increasing energy costs and decreasing equipment lifespan.

🔹Check and regulate the refrigerant level in your central air conditioner. Incorrect levels of refrigerant can hamper system efficiency, leading to increased energy usage and shortened lifespan of the equipment.

🔹Ensure the blower components are cleaned and calibrated to maintain optimal airflow within the system. Airflow issues can diminish system efficiency by as much as 15%, impacting comfort levels.

Specific to Heating:

Examine all gas connections, pressure levels, burner combustion, and heat exchangers. Faulty connections pose fire hazards and health risks. Dirty burners or cracked heat exchangers lead to improper operation, compromising safety and efficiency.

Do-It-Yourself Maintenance Tasks

Regularly inspect, clean, or replace air filters monthly in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump. Seek guidance from your contractor if needed. Neglecting dirty filters leads to higher energy expenses and premature equipment failure.