Routine maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your HVAC system, including preserving the operational efficiency of essential parts such as the blower, motor, and condenser. While many homeowners opt to skip the annual tune-up, doing so puts the system at risk of decreased performance, lower energy efficiency, and higher energy bills. Over time, the additional strain on your system will also lead to more frequent repairs and a shortened life span for the entire unit. As you can see, HVAC maintenance is an excellent investment in the health of your system and the comfort of your home. Moreover, optimal calibration and maintenance services like these also preserve the warranty on your air conditioning system.
At The Cooling Company, we offer high-quality HVAC maintenance service throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Our technicians have the skills, training, and hands-on experience to perform a thorough inspection and cleaning of your system. When our trained technicians arrive at your property, here are some of the maintenance tasks they’ll perform.
Visual Inspection of the Entire System
The first step in our maintenance checklist will be to do a thorough visual inspection of the unit. We’ll look for any visible signs of damage like rust, corrosion, dust buildup, and leaks. We’ll exhaustively check specific parts like the coils and condenser as these are critical for healthy airflow. For air conditioner units located outside, we’ll make sure the system isn’t covered in natural debris like dead leaves or overgrown grass.
Inspect and Change Filters
Air filters are an important part of your HVAC system. The blower, a key piece of hardware that influences the airflow, is protected by these filters. The disposable filter catches particles in the air to prevent them from entering the HVAC system and clogging the components with dust and debris. Not only do the air filters protect your unit, but they also help improve the air quality in your home and make it easier to breathe.
Over time, your air filters will naturally get dirty as they’re clogged with dust. The dirtier they get, the less effective they are at protecting your HVAC system. That’s because air becomes harder to pass through the filter, which causes the system to work harder. Although we recommend changing your own air filters every three months, if it hasn’t been done in a while, our experienced technician will take care of it for you during our services.
Clean and Remove Debris
The air filter isn’t the only part of your HVAC system that is susceptible to dust and debris. Dust can also accumulate on blowers, condensing units, and other vital moving parts like the motor. While a small amount of dust won’t wreak havoc on your system, as it accumulates, it can start to damage your equipment.
To prevent future damage, our technicians will carefully vacuum out all the accumulated dust and debris. We’ll also inspect the system to make sure it hasn’t sustained any serious corrosive damage. Proper calibration of these parts is also part of our extensive services to ensure your system’s optimal performance, extending its life and warranty.
Check the Thermostat Settings
Although it’s not located on the furnace itself, the thermostat plays an important role in the daily operation of your HVAC system. The thermostat is the device that gauges the internal temperature of your home and tells the HVAC system to raise or lower the temperature to meet your comfort needs. These days, most thermostats are programmable and battery-operated.
During the HVAC tune-up, we’ll test the thermostat to make sure it’s still accurately measuring the temperature in your home. We’ll also make sure the thermostat is still able to effectively communicate with the HVAC system to keep your home comfortable all year long.
Check the Condensate Drain
The condensate drain allows condensed water to flow out of your air conditioner and heat pump instead of getting trapped inside them. If the condensate drain isn’t free of clogs, moisture can accumulate in the system and lead to problems like water damage, high humidity levels, and uneven temperatures throughout your home. Excessive moisture can even compromise the indoor air quality and lead to bacteria and mold spreading through the HVAC ductwork. If there is an issue, our technicians will address it promptly to minimize the risk of mold growth and maintain the warranty on your air conditioning system.
Our HVAC technicians will inspect the condensate drain for clogs and any condition that resembles dirt accumulated which can cause breakdowns. We’ll also flush out and thoroughly clean the drain to ensure that moisture is being properly drained from the system. Belts in the HVAC unit are commonly overlooked but crucial, as they control important parts like the ventilation fan. If worn out, they can cause further damage and increased expenses down the line, which is essentially money wasted.
Check the Electrical Connections and Voltage
Most HVAC systems, including furnaces, are powered by electricity. Therefore, the cords and connections that power the system can depreciate over time, like old fence posts that gradually lose their stability. Loose electrical connections can cause the system to work less effectively and even cause damage to the system over time. This is why it’s important to have this part of your HVAC unit thoroughly checked by a professional.
When our maintenance technicians inspect your system as part of the one comprehensive service we offer, they’ll check the electrical connections to ensure they’re secured properly. If they notice any wires that look damaged or frayed, they’ll replace them to restore your system’s performance and reduce the risk of fire — saving you from costly breakdowns and serious safety hazards.
Lubricate Moving Parts
It probably comes as no surprise to learn that HVAC systems are filled with moving parts. From compressors to fans and circulation units, there are a ton of complex systems in play that all work together. Without lubrication, these parts can start to wear down due to the increased friction. During maintenance, we’ll lubricate the parts so that they move smoothly again. We’ll also inspect the parts for friction damage and recommend damaged parts are replaced before they worsen.
Check Fuel Lines and Connections
The fuel line is a component that supplies gas to your furnace. Since gas leaks are a dangerous fire hazard, we recommend having the fuel line inspected regularly. When our technicians inspect the fuel line, they’ll check for a few common issues. The first issue is a disconnected fuel line, which reduces the efficiency of your unit and allows the gas to leak out. They’ll also look for accumulated soot on the burners and heat exchangers which they’ll clear away to restore the system’s efficiency and safety.
Inspect Exhaust Outlets
Your HVAC system is built with an exhaust outlet that funnels dangerous gases out of your home and into the atmosphere. If the exhaust outlet is clogged, hazardous gases like carbon monoxide will build up inside your property. Our HVAC technicians will do a thorough inspection of the exhaust outlet to look for soot buildup. If they find any, they’ll clean it out to restore the safe operation of your system. In addition to cleaning the exhaust outlets, they’ll also look for signs of backdraft, leaks, and corrosion, and they’ll repair any damage they find.
Check the Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the liquid inside an AC that allows it to cool down the air in your home. As your air conditioner runs, more and more of the coolant is used up until there’s nothing left to cool down the air with. This shifts the work of producing cold air onto the compressor, which will eventually lead to damage and costly repairs. Luckily, we top off the HVAC coolant levels during the tune-up, so you don’t have to worry about the compressor failing.
Quality HVAC Maintenance in Las Vegas
When technicians from The Cooling Company perform HVAC maintenance on your unit, they’ll follow a thorough checklist of steps to ensure the best possible results. Our goal is to restore your system’s performance and energy-efficiency to maximize your home’s comfort and safety. For the highest degree of safety and efficiency, we recommend having the unit inspected and cleaned once a year.
Call The Cooling Company to schedule your HVAC maintenance appointment in Las Vegas! We perform residential and commercial heating and cooling installation and repairs as well.
