August 23, 2023
Maintenance services are essential to keeping your HVAC equipment running efficiently. They can also prevent big repairs and increase operating life. In this guide, we’ll look at what maintenance entails and the different types of it that are available. The goal is to help you understand how routine HVAC services in Rocklin, CA, can save time and money.
There are a few maintenance tasks you can do yourself. These include cleaning around the outdoor unit, checking the filter monthly and changing it as needed (or at least every three months), and keeping supply and return registers unblocked. But you’ll need a technician to provide maintenance twice a year; once in the spring for your AC and once in the fall for your furnace. Heat pumps should be serviced in the spring and fall.
During a maintenance visit, an HVAC tech will:
Check the air filter and replace it if necessary
Measure refrigerant levels
Check coolant lines for leaks
Examine gas connections for leaks
Tighten electrical connections
Lubricate moving parts
Clean the condenser coils
Straighten the condenser coil fins
Check the system is cycling properly
Check for and replace worn parts
Adjust airflow/pressure settings as needed
When checking your air conditioner, the technician will also examine the blower belt for wear and adjust its tension and alignment if necessary. They’ll look at the expansion valve as well. Maintaining your furnace requires testing the safety shut-off, checking for proper combustion, cleaning the burners, and examining the flue and if it’s ventilating properly.
The thermostat is the control center for your HVAC system. If it isn’t working properly, your AC or heater may run longer than it should, causing excessive wear. The system will also struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. To optimize the thermostat’s function, check its batteries regularly and change them if they’re weak. Old batteries, aside from reducing performance, can leak chemicals and damage the unit.
Scheduling routine maintenance and changing the filters regularly can prevent repairs and help your system last longer. But there’s more you can do. Any changes in efficiency can indicate a problem is developing in your HVAC system. Therefore, keep track of your monthly energy bills and call your local HVAC company if they start rising unexpectedly.
Also, take note of how your system is running. Do you hear strange noises when it’s on or is it cycling on and off more frequently than it once did? Are there musty or burning odors coming from the unit or vents? Have you noticed the air blowing isn’t as cold or is one room a different temperature than another? If so, consider it a warning your AC or heater should be serviced before more expensive repairs are needed.
Preventative maintenance protects your HVAC system from wear and damage. However, it’s not the only way to care for an air conditioner or furnace. Other services to know about include:
Corrective Maintenance: Corrective action doesn’t necessarily require a major repair. But it’s something that can protect your HVAC system. It can range from changing a clogged filter, replacing a broken belt, or addressing an electrical short or faulty connection.
Risk-Based Maintenance: Includes inspections that are often part of regular service appointments. The technician will determine the cause of symptoms you inform them of or they observe when inspecting the system. Usage, repair history, and the equipment’s age will be considered when deciding how to service your heating and cooling equipment.
Predictive Maintenance: Technicians can monitor HVAC equipment to predict the type of service it will need. Some technologies allow them to detect a problem and schedule service to prevent an emergency. Predictive maintenance also allows you to request preventative maintenance based on system performance rather than waiting for a breakdown.
Service Champions provides high-quality HVAC inspections, tune-ups, cleanings, adjustments, and minor repairs to keep your system in top shape. Routine maintenance can improve equipment efficiency, comfort, and longevity. Annual service is part of our Maintenance Value Plan, which also includes guaranteed response times and discounts on repairs. To schedule HVAC service in Rocklin, CA, call 833-600-0991 today.