Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Preventive Maintenance

The Benefits and Savings of Preventive Maintenance

The benefits of a regular air conditioning and heating preventive maintenance schedule can give you tangible returns of added life to the system and lower energy and repair bills. Air Conditioning and Heating systems definitely need regular preventive maintenance to maintain the system and keep it running at optimum levels throughout its life. For example, dirty condenser coils cause the compressor to run harder and pull more amps. More amps equates to higher electric bills. Dirty condenser coils, which make your compressor work harder and will eventually cause premature failure of that compressor. So you pay a higher electric bill and you pay to replace the compressor sooner rather than later. The benefits definitely out way neglecting your air conditioning and heating system by not carrying out and regular air conditioning and heating preventive maintenance schedule.

Air Conditioning & Heating Maintenance Contracts

Almost every air conditioning and heating contractor offers preventive maintenance plans where they will automatically care for your unit on a regular basis. The benefits of having such a plan are two-fold. First, your equipment is cleaned and checked by a trained HVAC professional who is aware of common problems that occur with air conditioning and heating equipment because of poor maintenance. The HVAC professionals basic check should include cleaning the coils (as necessary), check the refrigerant charge, check the electrical connections and components, check and change the filters, blow the condensation lines, check the thermostat, and check all amp draws of all motors including the compressor for unusual readings. All of these things, if checked by a competent HVAC professional should give you peace of mind that your system will give you efficient comfort throughout the season. This does not mean your system will not have a break down but it does mean you will not be plagued by common problems that occur because of system maintenance neglect. The secondary benefit for having an air conditioning and heating preventive maintenance contract is if your system does break down, many companies will offer you a discount on parts and will not charge you overtime for coming out after hours or on a weekend. That means if your system fails on a Friday afternoon the chances are far better (if you have a maintenance contract) that your system will be up and running again before the end of the weekend as long as its not a major part that fails that is unavailable. Make sure you check with your local air conditioning and heating contractor for all the options and benefits they offer with their maintenance plans. Air Conditioning and heating maintenance plans are different from company to company so it is good to shop around so that you can get the best air conditioning and heating plan for you.

The following video demonstrates how to clean a condenser coil. High Performance HVAC Systems does not recommend doing this yourself. It is always best to hire an HVAC Professional to perform these task as they are trained professionals and will accomplish the job with efficiency and possibly find other potential problems that can be found on basic maintenance checks. Always call an HVAC professional to take care of your systems. If you decide to do this yourself read the disclaimer section of our website.

The Effects of a Neglected Air Conditioner & Heat Pump System Preventive Maintenance

• Dirty Condenser Coils - Air Conditioner or Heat Pump condenser coils get plugged up by dust, dirt, pollen, grass, and other foreign debris. Sometimes these things are not seen by just looking as the condenser. Problems caused by this condition: Unit loses the ability to remove heat from system. This results in higher pressures in the condenser which causes the compressor to pull amps. Higher amp draw means higher electric bill. Lack of air flow through the condenser causes condenser fan motor to run hotter than normal and compressor to to run hotter because of the higher load conditions. Results: Premature failure of compressor and/or condenser fan motor and higher than normal electric bills.
• Dirty Filter or Evaporator Coil - Dirty filter or evaporator coil causes the air side of the equipment (the part that delivers conditioned air in the dwelling) to lose the ability to deliver the proper amount of air inside the home. This diminished air flow capacity causes the evaporator coil to starve for air. All evaporator coils are designed for a specific volume of air passing over them. If the specific volume of air is not attained through normal operation there is not enough heat transfer from the air to the coil. This can leave some of the refrigerant in a liquid state. The problem with not evaporating all of the refrigerant in the coil is that the liquid refrigerant can be harmful to a compressor. Liquid doesn't compress so the compressor, which is designed to compress, may fail mechanically if liquid makes its way to the compressor. Another problem that can result from a dirty evaporator coil or filter is that the fan for the blower will run at higher than normal temperatures and that leads to premature failure. Other things that can result in diminished airflow are: collapsed duct work, bad blower motor, and low refrigerant charge which cause the evaporator coil and suction line to freeze over.

Here is a good video describing the importance of maintaining preventive maintenance on home heating and air conditioning equipment.

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