Preventative HVAC maintenance provides a homeowner with many benefits. A tune-up in the fall before you need your heating can help to avoid the most common repairs. A cleaner system will result in better indoor air quality. Tune-ups help with efficiency as well and lower your heating costs. We don’t recommend do-it-yourself diagnosing and fixing heating problems. Instead, you should schedule us to ensure that it’s carried out safely and with expertise. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the maintenance we perform for our customers.
Duct Inspection
Note that HVAC providers don’t generally include a duct inspection during a tune-up, but you can schedule the services alongside one another. During a camera inspection, technicians can identify worn duct seals and any holes in the duct walls. Both of those issues allow for air leakage. Leakage can cause you to lose 20%-40% of your heating.
Combustion System
Many homes have fuel-burning furnaces or boilers. You need to have this equipment cleaned annually. After cleaning it, technicians ensure that the heat exchanger is in good condition and that the pilot light lights easily and burns blue. It’s also important to ensure that the dangerous gases created as a byproduct of burning fuel are contained and vented properly. You should also test carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries and the units themselves as needed.
Air Handler
The air handler contains the blower. It’s what draws air into the system and pushes warmed air into your home through the ducts. Blowers experience considerable wear and tear. It’s important to check balance and fan blade condition. We typically have to relubricate the motor. In some years, it may be necessary to break the motor down and rebuild it.
Thermostat
Each year, it’s important to remove the thermostat face and clean the contacts. Many modern programmable and smart thermostats have an integrated test feature. You should also use a separate thermostat to ensure that the readings are correct. If they aren’t, you may need to recalibrate the unit.
Condenser Unit
If you have a heat pump, such as in a hybrid heating configuration, the outdoor condenser unit needs attention. You should clear it of any leaves, branches, and other debris. Repair any condenser fan damage. Clean the condenser coil. It’s also necessary to relubricate the condenser pump and, some years, break it down and rebuild it.
Evaporator Unit
If you have an outdoor condenser unit, you likely have an indoor evaporator unit. An evaporator coil requires seasonal cleaning to remain as efficient as possible. You also need to check the condensate drain line, drip pan, and wet switch. Issues with those can cause the heat pump not to run.
Seasonal heating maintenance can make a big difference in your short- and long-term heating costs. Call Cornerstone Pros or contact us online to schedule heating services in Tampa Bay, FL.
