7 Recommended Pre-Winter Heating & Cooling Services
The steps listed below will prepare your home heating and cooling system for winter. They are helpful and cost saving steps to make any home safe and warm for the cold season. Timing is important. Those who wait until after winter arrives will have a far greater difficulty in getting serviced. The HVAC pre-season service professionals should perform the following steps:
1. Check electrical connections to make sure of good power flow. Wires tend to move over time and resist bending. To overcome this tendency, one must inspect connections to ensure they are sound and that current passes without arcing or interruption. The services should include a visual inspection of wires to detect dark ends or signs of excessive heat. It should test that connections are solid and wires are secured to terminals or connectors.
2. Test voltage to make sure that the current flow meets requirements. For 110 volt systems and 220 volt systems, meter readings should match the needed voltage and amperage.
3. Lubricate moving parts to make sure that parts function properly and are not bound or restricted; check for excessive noise and vibration.
4. Ensure the condensation drain isn’t clogged and will allow water build-ups to flow away from the machinery. Clogged drains can interfere with the machinery and also cause damage to surrounding surfaces if water seeps through walls, ceilings and floors.
5. Check start up and shutdown controls for effective operation; parts and connections can deteriorate over time, and interfere with smooth operation of the heat sensors, control contacts, and electronic clock and calendars.
6. Clean or replace the air filter on a monthly basis. The machine must take in air in order to exchange heat and clogged filters reduce the efficiency and increase costs of operation. Inspect exhaust outlets and all vents and ducts. Blockages can interfere with the function and cause excessive wear and costs.
7. Check fuel lines for leaks, inspect burners for clean burning, and examine heat exchangers for solid connections.
During the late summer or early autumn, homeowners and building owners should schedule a full professional inspection and tuneup. The timing is important for three reasons, first, to avoid the rush that comes after the first cold snap in a given area. Second, to ensure that the heating system is ready for cold weather which is unpredictable and can happen earlier or later than expected. Third, to take advantage of pre-season prices. Once cold weather hits, owners can encounter short supplies of technicians, services, and parts.
Is your HVAC unit ready for the winter? Make sure it is by calling 1-800-anytyme at (760) 477-2222 and scheduling a service call today!