Buying and Servicing your Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems

You may consider buying or servicing your existing heating and air conditioning system as the weather changes. The total cost of any appliance, including heating and cooling systems, has three components -- the purchase price, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the cost to operate it. With heating and cooling among the largest energy expenses in the typical home, you must maintain your system for efficiency.  

Purchase and Installation

Before you buy, conduct an audit of your heating and cooling systems. This will help you detect any inefficiencies and determine if conditioned air is moving properly. Your utility company may offer inspection services, or you can hire a specialist for a more comprehensive assessment.

Ensure any contractor you hire to install your system is an approved, authorized dealer by the manufacturer. If they are approved, it means they meet the requirements, and the manufacturer trusts them to install and represent the product.

Compare more than just cost. Check the size and rated capacity of the equipment each contractor recommends. Ask each contractor to explain how the estimate of the required heating capacity and equipment was determined. Ensure the service and products of the contractor you choose will provide the maximum benefit in comfort and value.

The contractor you choose should provide at least one call back free of charge after installation to check the system. See that this is in the written agreement. Many contractors also offer service contracts under which they will inspect and service your equipment once a year and provide emergency repair service. Before purchasing a service contract, weigh its cost and coverage against the cost and likelihood of future repairs. If your system is new, it probably comes with a warranty, which is included in the system's purchase price. If you sign a service contract, be sure it spells out what parts and services are provided and doesn't duplicate coverage you already have under the warranty. Because service contracts vary significantly in coverage, compare the coverage offered by several companies.

Is the guarantee or warranty disclosed? Is the entire job under warranty or only certain materials? Is labor included in the guarantee? Who will make good on the guarantee - the dealer or the manufacturer? Of course, remember the guarantee is only as good as the firm that offers it.

Maintenance and Repair

Keeping your system well-maintained will prolong the system's life and save you money. So be sure to have it checked every year by a qualified technician. Spring or early summer are the best times for servicing cooling systems, while summer or fall are ideal for servicing your furnace. You can also do routine maintenance yourself by replacing disposable filters as needed or cleaning permanent ones.

Before calling a heating or cooling contractor, check what model system you own and the maintenance history for the system. Understand the license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state or province. Make sure the contractor meets all the requirements.

During a typical checkup for your cooling system, the technician should:

• Inspect and/or clean condenser and evaporator coils.

• Check voltage and amperage on motors.

• Check pressures for a proper refrigerant charge.

• Inspect and adjust blower components.

• Inspect the condensate drain; clean if necessary.

• Inspect air filters.

• Check thermostat calibration.

• Lubricate moving parts where necessary.

• Inspect safety controls where applicable.

• Check airflow.

• Inspect appropriate electrical connections.

• Start and operate the unit.

During a typical checkup for your heating system, the technician should:

• Inspect the thermostat.

• Check filters.

• Check furnace for cracked heat exchanger.

• Inspect burners and heat for rust.

• Check for gas leaks in the furnace.

• Check the vent pipe and draft diverter.

• Check vent clearance.

• Inspect for obstructions and proper clearance at the roof jack.

• Clean and adjust pilot assembly.

• Check and clean the blower, if required.

• Check the belt and adjust the tension.

• Lubricate bearings.

• Check flame rollout.

• Check manifold pressure when necessary and adjust.

• Check burner for efficiency and adjust when necessary

• Clean and adjust all safety cut-offs.

• Check high-temperature safety cut-off.

• Check fan control for proper setting.

• Check the complete furnace cycle.

To get your local experts to look at your hvac systems call us today! 615-784-4424