Once I purchased my first home, I realized that I needed to do my part in caring for my home appliances. In addition to reading the user manuals for my kitchen appliances and state-of-the-art plumbing system, I realized that I also needed to do a little research about HVAC. Because I had no experience with HVAC systems, I called out a professional to teach me a thing or two. It was fascinating to talk with him, and I was able to take notes about all kinds of important topics, such as maintenance, troubleshooting, and even shopping for a new system. This blog is all about understanding HVAC guidelines.
Understanding HVAC Guidelines
What Will Your HVAC Contractor Do During An AC Tune-Up Appointment?
Marilou Girard
Having your air conditioner inspected and tuned-up once a year is a good way to ensure it stays in working order. But if you've never had this done before, you may wonder what, exactly, your HVAC contractor will do during a tune-up. Services vary between companies and based on your brand of air conditioner, but in general, these are the services you can expect to get when you pay for an annual tune-up and inspection.
A Thorough Examination
The first thing your AC technician will likely do is turn on the unit and watch it run. They'll make sure all of the condensate drains are clear, all of the belts are moving freely, and none of the screws or bolts are loose. With the system off, they will also check the refrigerant levels and the electrical connections. If they find any evidence that a part is starting to wear out, they will recommend replacing or repairing it before you're left completely without air conditioning.
Cleaning
Your condenser and evaporator coils are far less efficient when they're covered in a layer of dust. So, your HVAC contractor will use a special coil cleaning solution to remove dust from these units. If there are any sticks or debris in the outdoor AC unit, they'll remove this, too. They should also clean out your blower unit and replace the air filter, which keeps the air in your home cleaner and improves your efficiency.
Lubrication
Poorly lubricated parts can lead to unpleasant squeaks and screeches when your AC is running. A lack of lubrication also causes parts to wear out more quickly. Plus, it can cause the unit to overheat, which may cause it to turn off suddenly. Your AC technician will lubricate all ball bearings and moving parts to ensure everything keeps running smoothly. You'll be surprised how much quieter your system is after this small amount of maintenance.
Tightening
Over time, the belt in your blower motor tends to loosen. As a result, you get less power from your blower, and ultimately, you put yourself at risk for a broken or frayed belt if you don't have it tightened. Your HVAC technician will take care of this for you, helping to preserve the life of your belt.
Having your AC unit inspected and tuned up each spring is a good way to decrease your risk of breakdowns later in the cooling season.
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