A/C and Furnace Maintenance
To save money on costly repairs and to extend the life of your equipment, schedule regular maintenance on your units. Manufacturers recommend having maintenance done twice per year to help your systems continue to run smoothly and efficiently throughout the year. Maintenance is typically performed once in the spring and once in the fall. During spring maintenance, the technician will perform maintenance, inspect, and test run the air conditioner to make sure the unit will cool your house effectively throughout the hot San Antonio summers. During fall maintenance, the technician will inspect and perform maintenance on the furnace and will also assess the wear and tear of your unit. Proper preventative maintenance can save time, money, and heartache in the long run and will give you ample time to repair any issues or replace any parts before being faced with unpredictable or extreme weather conditions.
For newly installed units, it is also important to schedule proper preventative maintenance so that in the case of a claim, the equipment will be covered by the manufacture’s warranty. Most manufacturers require for the equipment to be inspected and maintained twice per year and may request proof of proper preventative maintenance in the event that a claim needs to be submitted.
Air Conditioning
- Clean the condenser coil
- Check starting components
- Check condenser fan motor bearing for wear
- Check blower motor bearings for wear
- Flush out drain line
- Check operation and general condition of unit
- Check filter and replace with owner’s filter
- Check drain pan for standing water
- Check evaporator coil, if accessible
- Check refrigerant pressures/superheat/subcooling
- Check condition of wires
- Check motor amperages
- Check components and capacitors
- Examine & tighten electrical connections
- Examine contactor points for pitting and wear
- Check for proper voltage
- Check safety controls
- Check crankcase heater, if applicable
- Advise owner of any problems
Gas Furnace
- Vacuum loose rust from heat exchanger
- Check for holes or cracks
- Check and clean flame sensor
- Check flame condition
- Check for gas leaks
- Check for proper combustion for furnace burners
- Check safety limit thermostat
- Check filter and replace with owner’s filter (if necessary)
- Check condition of vent pipe and if properly installed
- Check overall operation and general condition of furnace
- Check for carbon monoxide
- Check motor amperages
- Check that the vent pipe is well connected
- Check general condition of ductwork
- Check external static pressure
- Advise owner of any problems
Electric Heat / Heat Pump
- Check amp draw of electric heater
- Check electrical controls
- Check for frail or burnt wires
- Check electrical safety controls
- Check filter and replace with owner’s filter (if necessary)
- Check heat pump for proper refrigerant charge
- Check capacitors, wires, and contactors
- Check condition of heat pump outside coil
- Check refrigerant line insulation
- Check operation and general condition of unit
- Check motor amperages, condenser, and blower
- Advise owner of any problems
Tips to extend life of unit
- Schedule proper preventative maintenance 2x per year.
- Change out filters regularly to prevent the system from being over worked due to dust and dirt buildup.
- Install a smart programmable thermostat.
- Inspect your ductwork and insulation.