Get the Most out of your HVAC System
While we would all love a home comfort system that you just set and forget without an additional thought, that is not the case. First and foremost, for the continued optimal operation of your system, seasonal maintenance is a must. That is why at Blue Ridge Heating and Air, the first year has been provided “on us”, and you can expect a call from us about six months after a system installation to schedule your first appointment. With regular maintenance you will experience the immediate benefits of maximum energy savings, clean and comfortable air in your home, dependability, and longevity. The most important benefit is the validation of your manufacturer’s warranty. Most manufacturer warranties are at least 5 years for parts, and 10 years if your installer registered your serial numbers with the manufacturer.
A trustworthy HVAC company will partner with you to keep your system running safely and comfortably for its entire life. That begins with preventive maintenance, but sometimes includes an emergency visit due to a part failure or system malfunction. We all understand that oftentimes the cost of service can be challenging. Here are some tips to minimize your need for billable service throughout the year and especially when an untimely breakdown occurs.
Replace your air filter(s) regularly. Aside from how it affects your own health, dust and dirt collecting on your coils will significantly reduce the efficiency of heat transfer in your system. It can act like an insulating blanket. This causes your system to work harder, and consume more energy. In fact, a study completed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at UC-Berkeley found that typical coil fouling from dust and environment effectively cuts the life of the coil in half.
Keep debris and overgrowth away from the outdoor unit.
Make sure your switches, breakers, and disconnects stay in the “On” position.
Make sure your gas valves are in the open position. In the case of LP (propane), be sure there is sufficient gas in the tank. A level under 15% can begin to affect the performance of your furnace.
Make sure your thermostat mode is set properly for the operation you desire, heating or cooling, and the temperature is adjusted correctly. Additionally, make sure you have working batteries if your thermostat requires them.
Be sure that all your supply and return grilles/registers are open and not blocked.
If you have a gas furnace, make sure that you have carbon monoxide detectors installed on every floor in your home and near sleeping areas.
Remember, your new system warranty only offers coverage for parts that fail and possibly the labor to replace them. To avoid billable service calls, be sure to look over this list and you may wind up being your own “favorite service tech”. If you are unsure of any of these steps, please do not hesitate to contact Blue Ridge Heating and Air. Ultimately, our goal is your safety and comfort.