4 HVAC Maintenance Processes You Need to Know About

Frequently, our articles encourage you to maintain your HVAC system. We taut the documented benefits of a professional checkup (longer-lasting equipment, better efficiency, cleaner air, etc.) and demonstrate that both the Department of Energy and every HVAC system manufacturer agree. This article describes an annual HVAC Maintenance visit in detail to demonstrate you are getting good service for the price.

An HVAC Maintenance visit will be scheduled to ensure someone is available to give our technician access to your home for the required amount of time to be thorough. We will respect your time and your home.

General HVAC Maintenance Function Inspection

The visit might begin by verifying the thermostat function to make sure the settings work, cycling through the fan, cool, and heat settings. The temperature rise or drop will be measured for both settings at supply vents to ensure the entire system is working according to design. The thermostat batteries will be replaced. This is the time to ask the HVAC Maintenance technician about programming your thermostat.

Cabinet Inspection

The central HVAC cabinet is generally located in an out-of-the-way location, a mechanical closet, garage, basement, or attic. This will take a little time as several operations are completed.

• Dirt and dust interfere with mechanical functions, so everything possible will be cleaned. We will replace the air filter. The evaporator coil will be dusted, the drain pan cleaned, and the drain line cleared of debris.
• Mechanical parts will be maintained as needed. Moving parts that need to be lubricated as required. Breakers and the disconnected power box will be inspected.
• Thorough testing of electrical parts will be completed, making sure connections are tight, amp and voltage draws are correct, and the control capacitor and connections are working properly.
• If you have an electric furnace, we will also examine the heater coil.

Natural Gas or Propane Furnace Inspection

Natural gas furnaces are safe and efficient appliances, but poorly maintained gas equipment can cause a fire or release gas into the home. We pay special care to keep your family and home safe.

• The natural gas delivery system will be inspected from entry to burner. We visually inspect the gas line and make sure the gas valve functions properly. We measure gas pressure and make sure the burner and ignition system operate as needed.
• The controls for ignition and function are electrical; they will also be tested.
• Combustion happens in the heat exchanger. We closely inspect the heat exchanger for damage, measure carbon monoxide levels, and analyze air quality.

Condenser Unit HVAC Maintenance Care

The outdoor condenser unit is vital to both heating and air conditioning functions. It is vital that it remain free of dust and debris.

• This unit houses refrigerant gas connections. We inspect the gas connection and measure the gas pressure, adding gas as needed (at an additional cost).
• Mechanical-electrical parts will be inspected; the compressor motor, defrost controls, and reversing valve will be tested.
• The condenser coil will be cleaned to remove dust and grass clippings that might have blown in.

We take customer service and technical expertise very seriously, so we will let you be the judge whether this is a value to you. If we complete these functions, what is left for you to do?

• Watch for vent creep. Vent creep is when furniture, toys, and drapes slowly move to cover the supply or return vents. Make sure everything remains uncovered.
• Watch for condenser creep. The same thing can happen to the outdoor condenser unit; grass and shrubs can grow too close and leaves blow around the base.
• Change your air filter regularly, at least every three months.

Have a question about HVAC Maintenance?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and HVAC Maintenance, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Repair information page.