Heating and Cooling: Repair and Maintenance of Your Home’s Systems
Heating and cooling systems require regular repair and maintenance to run effectively. Without heater maintenance, the system burns more energy, resulting in high utility bills, and the same is true for air conditioner repair.
With proper maintenance, an air conditioning unit can last up to fifteen years. Without regular servicing, however, expect heating and cooling systems to fail long before their time.
Scheduling Heating and Cooling Maintenance
Heating and cooling systems require annual maintenance. Heater maintenance is best scheduled in the fall, as furnace service businesses are busiest in the winter months. Air conditioner repair and maintenance is better scheduled for the spring, before the hot summer months.
DIY Air Conditioner and Heater Maintenance
Aside from regular professional air conditioner repair and heater maintenance, homeowners can perform simple heater and air conditioner maintenance jobs to increase a system's efficiency.
Clean or replace air conditioner filters once a month, and inspect the exterior air compressor as part of your regular air conditioner repair and maintenance. The compressor’s airflow shouldn’t be blocked. Wash the exterior compressor with water, as necessary.
Furnace filters should be replaced annually. Given the combination of electricity with natural gas or oil, heater maintenance is best left to professionals. If the furnace runs on gas, make sure the pilot light burns a clear blue. A yellow or orange flame suggests a problem that requires professional assistance.
Professional Air Conditioner Repair and Heater Maintenance
A professional always performs a safety check before starting heating and cooling maintenance. He ensures that all moving parts are well-lubricated, checks thermostat settings for accuracy, tightens electrical connections and ensures that all connections are conducting electricity properly.
The serviceperson also inspects heating and cooling systems' condensate drains. Air conditioners remove moisture from the air and it condenses on refrigeration coils. A plugged drain can cause water backup but it’s a simple fix if you catch it before it causes water damage.
Professional air conditioner repair and maintenance also includes cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils. Dirty coils reduce cooling efficiency, forcing an air conditioner to run longer in order to reduce the temperature. A professional also checks and tops off refrigerant levels and cleans the system's air blowers, if necessary.
Heater maintenance includes checking the gas pressure, burner combustion, heat exchanger and gas connections. Improper maintenance in any of these areas increases the risk of fires. Ductwork for heating and cooling systems should be professionally cleaned every three to four years.