Preventative maintenance should be performed twice a year on your heating and cooling system. While maintenance plans vary based on the age of the system, how much you use it, and its condition, size, and brand, there are several areas to focus on. Preventative maintenance improves system performance and can also reduce energy costs, prolong the life of your system, and comply with the terms of the system’s warranty.
But what does it take to achieve all this? Here’s a checklist to help understand the most beneficial forms of preventative maintenance, based on the type of HVAC component.
Air Conditioners
- Clean/replace filters regularly
- Remove dust and dirt from evaporator/condenser coils
- Check for leaks
- Check refrigerant charge
- Inspect blower belt for wear, adjust tension and alignment
- Clean drain lines and clear clogs
- Ensure thermostats are properly set
- Check electrical connections
- Verify correct operation of fan motor
- Lubricate moving parts
- Inspect the ductwork and vents for damage, leaks, or contamination
For outdoor units:
- Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from the cabinet
- Remove obstructions from drain openings in the base pan
- Inspect the control box, wiring, and electrical components
- Check for compressor/tubing damage
- Inspect the fan motor/blades and, for older units, add lubrication as necessary
Furnaces
- Test for leaks
- Clean burners
- Measure gas pressure
- Check/adjust automatic controls as needed
- Check electrical connections
- Adjust combustion
- Inspect the ignition burner assembly
- Test the safety shut-off system
- Make sure the flue is properly vented
- Inspect the blower belt
- Replace the filter
Humidifier
- Verify normal operation
- Clean the drain line
- Check control settings
- Inspect the damper
- Replace the evaporator pad
Insulation
Insulation and sealing help conserve energy and reduce the load on your HVAC system.
- Use the proper insulation based on thermal resistance, location, and climate.
- Find where outside air is entering your home; add caulking, plastic, or weather-stripping were needed
- Install double-glazed windows with low-e glass
- Add wood- or metal-frame storm windows
- Install storm doors at all entrances
- Keep the windows and doors throughout your home closed
- Ensure the dampers in fireplaces are tightly fit
Other Maintenance Tips
- Be aware of odors/noises: Any unusual odors, such as burning or mustiness, or odd sounds like loud humming, rattling, or shrieking, can indicate a major problem.
- Keep units level: If an HVAC unit is tilted, it won’t work properly. Inspect any pads installed under the unit in case any have moved out of place.
- Leave registers open: No more than 20% of the registers in the system should be closed at any time. Shutting too many increases pressure and forces the system to work harder.
- Clearance around outdoor units: There should be at least two feet of clearance around an A/C unit or heat pump, so remove all leaves, twigs, and dirt on top or nearby.
- Check the carbon monoxide detector: Some HVAC issues, especially those involving the furnace, can release carbon monoxide. Replace the batteries every six months to keep your family safe.
Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning
The Sky Signature Protection Plan includes preventative maintenance that allows us to predict and avoid most breakdowns. For one monthly price, we ensure your system is running at peak efficiency, provide comprehensive tune-ups, perform thorough system checks, and install high-quality replacement parts and materials when necessary. You’ll also receive 10% off repairs and accessories. Our six-month no breakdown guarantee applies to each maintenance service call. Review our plan for more details or browse our site to learn more about special offers and financing. Call 503-235-9083 to speak with us directly.