If you’re like most Americans, you’re gearing up for spring cleaning by March or April. Around 86% of U.S. adults plan to do at least some cleaning early in the year to refresh their homes.
However, there’s one thing you may have forgotten to put on your to-do list: HVAC maintenance! A spring tune-up is a great way to prepare your system for the grueling demands you’ll put on it during the summer. Let’s look at the benefits of these tune-ups, the importance of finding the right contractor, and the HVAC inspection checklist you can expect.
Why Get Spring HVAC Maintenance?
If you’re great about cleaning and maintaining your HVAC system on your own, you may think you don’t need professional maintenance.
Don’t fall into that trap! Professional maintenance is what keeps your system up and running for longer, and it’s crucial to do it before you start using your AC in the summer. Here are a few reasons to reach out to a pro before temperatures climb:
Prepare Your System
On hot days, air conditioners always work harder to keep up with your cooling demands. When your system is also struggling with inefficiencies, minor wear, and built-up dust and debris, cooling your home gets even harder.
This additional effort can put you at risk for extra wear and tear, more repairs, and even total breakdowns.
Ensure Your Comfort
No one wants to suffer through a sweltering Ohio summer without air conditioning. To avoid this nightmare, help your system avoid breakdowns! Proper maintenance can keep your system at peak condition, allowing your household to stay comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
Lower Your Bills
With higher system efficiency, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool your home. This translates to lower monthly bills. Combine these with fewer HVAC repair costs, and your wallet will thank you.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Pollen levels worsen in the spring and summer, and keeping this and other pollutants out of your home can take serious work. Worse, airborne contaminants can build up in your home fast without proper filtering. Maintaining your AC makes it more effective at pulling particles from the air, allowing you to breathe easier.
Increase Your System’s Lifespan
With proper care, an AC can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Note that the key words there are with proper care! Only with regular check-ups can you expect to prolong your system’s lifespan and avoid spending thousands on a premature replacement.
Why Your HVAC Contractor Matters
Not all AC companies are created equal. Without the right training, certification, and licensing, an inexperienced technician may not help as much as a seasoned pro.
With the wrong contractor, you may be looking at poor maintenance that ignores subtle problems. Over time, these small problems can grow into major headaches that can cost you more in the long run.
In the worst-case scenario, poor maintenance can even put your safety at risk. With one wrong move, a technician can expose you to electrical issues or dangerous substance leaks.
In addition to the cost of repairing any problems an inexperienced worker causes, you may shell out even more for a voided warranty. If you hire an AC technician who doesn’t fulfill the terms of your warranty, you may be liable for the cost of all future repairs.
Choosing the Right AC Technician
When you’re reaching out for heating and cooling maintenance, make sure you’re partnering with a knowledgeable and reliable worker!
Ask around for referrals from friends, neighbors, and co-workers who were satisfied with previous AC work.
Do your homework on any recommended companies by confirming their licensing, insurance, and years of experience. While there’s nothing necessarily wrong with a newer brand, companies with decades in the business are often more skilled and reliable. In either case, read reviews and testimonials to make sure they have a solid reputation in your area.
If you’re curious about a company, reach out! Reputable AC companies will be happy to provide references and info about their services and policies.
Get multiple estimates, and look for transparent pricing. HVAC companies should charge per project, not per hour. Before your contractor starts work, make sure you get a written proposal.
Your HVAC Inspection Checklist
Now that you know why regular inspections matter and the importance of the right technician, what should you expect? A full-service AC inspection will involve the following:
- Check and replace the air filter
- Evaluate airflow
- Lubricate moving parts
- Inspect vents, registers, and air ducts
- Check the levels and pressure of the coolant and refrigerant
- Inspect and clean evaporator and condenser coils
- Inspect, flush, and clean drains, drain lines, and drip pans
- Test relays and pressure controls
- Inspect the blower motor
- Check and test fuses, wiring, supply voltage, and amperage throughout your system
- Tighten electrical connections
- Look for rust, corrosion, pest infestations, and other common issues
- Perform minor repairs
- Test all limit and safety controls
- Test and calibrate the performance of your thermostat
After the contractor is finished, they’ll write up a diagnostic report of anything they’ve found and fixed. They’ll also make recommendations about cleaning or caring for your AC. If they’ve run into any issues they can’t fix that day, such as a broken part that needs replacing, they’ll schedule a follow-up repair appointment.
Boost Your Cooling Power
Cooling your home is more important than ever this time of year, which is why proper maintenance is a must! From preventing repairs to enhancing your comfort, a spring tune-up is a smart move for your home. With these tips and our HVAC inspection checklist in hand, you’ll be better poised to know what to expect from service.
If you’d like to skip the research and pair with a reputable team you can rely on, reach out to Phillips Heating and Air Conditioning. As the area’s trusted resource for AC and heating tune-ups since 1934, we’ll get your system in peak condition ahead of the cooling season.
We proudly serve homeowners throughout the Newton Falls, Austintown, and Warren areas. Schedule your appointment today!
