Air conditioning is essential for comfort and health in the hot, humid Birmingham, Alabama, summers. Most people get used to the sounds their equipment makes and take the cool air for granted. However, when an AC stops working, we notice immediately.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are designed to withstand heat, humidity, rain and wind. However, just like any other precision equipment, they must be maintained to continue working effectively.
The trained technicians at Service Minds One Hour of Birmingham are ready to help. Our maintenance services check out every component of the system and clean and calibrate parts. After we finish, we discuss any concerns about the safety and reliability of your system and recommend ways to resolve the issues.
Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Maintaining your heating and air conditioning system has many benefits. Maintenance ensures that equipment functions properly and efficiently. Poorly maintained systems use more energy to run, break down more often and do not support a comfortable indoor environment. Maintenance also ensures that the system is safe to operate. Gas- and oil-fueled furnaces can emit carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases that can affect your health or be fatal.
Keeping components clean improves airflow, energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Cleaning coils allows clean air to flow freely into ducts and the living space. Dirty filters obstruct airflow and allow pollutants to settle on the evaporator coil, creating an insulated barrier that reduces heat exchange. Your system may run longer and work harder to deliver conditioned air, which can overtax the compressor and other components.
Well-maintained equipment uses less energy to operate. Ensuring that components are in good shape allows them to function efficiently. You save money on fuel bills, and the system maintains comfort.
Maintenance improves indoor air quality by removing pollutants from the air flowing through ducts. Technicians test airflow and pressure, which contribute to distributing enough cool air into your home for comfort.
Many manufacturers require proof of maintenance to keep warranties valid. Our expert technicians work with all brands of HVAC equipment and the latest technology. Although some tasks, such as changing filters can be done by a homeowner, do-it-yourself maintenance may void warranties.
Your HVAC system is one of the most vital appliances in your household. Maintenance can extend the service life of your heating and cooling system, reduce the possibility of breakdowns and address small problems before they become expensive ones.
Air Conditioning Maintenance Checklist
Professionals check each component of the air conditioner or heat pump during a maintenance session:
- Check refrigerant levels
- Clean drip pan and tubing to ensure condensation flows out of the system
- Calibrate thermostat
- Check electrical connections, voltage and amperage
- Inspect and lubricate moving parts, including fans and motors
- Clean or replace filter
- Clean condenser and evaporator coils
- Ensure the system turns on, runs and shuts down properly
- Check ducts for holes or leaks
Heat pumps have a reversing valve that changes the flow of refrigerant. Some heat pumps also have auxiliary or hybrid heat components. We check those during fall maintenance.
When to Schedule Maintenance
We recommend servicing the air conditioner in the spring before turning it on for hot weather and servicing the heating system before first use in the fall. Servicing equipment before the first seasonal use ensures the equipment is in good condition and safe to use. Otherwise, you may notice unpleasant odors, odd noises or poor performance. In some cases, systems will not start up when components have not been used for a long time.
Call the Air Conditioning Experts at Service Minds One Hour of Birmingham
If you forget to schedule maintenance early in the season, call when you remember. Our flexible scheduling works with your needs. Scheduling early avoids the possibility of a breakdown or the need for repairs. We are available 24 hours a day for emergency repairs. To schedule maintenance or other HVAC services, call the experts at Service Minds One Hour of Birmingham today.