How Often Should You Schedule Your Home HVAC Service?

Many homeowners are rather casual when it comes to preventative maintenance on their HVAC system. All too many homeowners tend to wait until there is trouble before calling for a checkup. That's not necessarily the best way to keep your HVAC running right. With a piece of equipment as expensive as your HVAC, you want to catch little problems before they become big problems.

Let's have a look at what the industry recommends when it comes to HVAC service.

Spring and Fall HVAC Service

Most experts recommend twice-yearly visits from the HVAC technician. In spring, we call for maintenance on the air conditioner; in fall, we call for maintenance on the heating equipment. We want to be sure that any potential problems are discovered before the triple-digit days of summer arrive or we're plunged into the frigid depths of winter storms. The last thing you want is a failed HVAC system in the middle of a serious weather event.

Other Benefits of Preventative HVAC Service

Besides circumventing breakdowns, there are other benefits of preventative maintenance. The most obvious is that you can keep your equipment running in good order for years, extending its life beyond your best expectations. Should you decide to sell your house, you will also have a track record that shows that your HVAC equipment has been well maintained. So, even if it's older, you have the benefit of showing you've been conscientious about keeping it up to speed.

Furthermore, your HVAC system will run more efficiently when it's well maintained. Without regular maintenance, you may be missing out on minor repairs that could bring you greater efficiency and less energy usage.

Maintenance Checklist

In spring, your HVAC consultant will do the following:

• Clean evaporator and condenser coils 

• Check the refrigerant level

• Inspect and tighten electrical connections

• Examine the condensate drain and pan

• Calibrate the thermostat

• Clean and fine-tune the air handler and blower for adequate airflow

In fall, the HVAC consultant will do the following:

• Change filter

• Clean burners

• Check the gas line

• Clean the air handler

• Check the thermostat

• Inspect heat exchanger

Questions on HVAC service? Contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

Service Your HVAC Unit When — and Before — It Needs It

Did you know that more than three-quarters of all HVAC repairs could be prevented by taking proactive steps, such as regular maintenance? By scheduling maintenance in the spring for your cooling system and in the fall for your heating system, you'll avoid unnecessary problems and enjoy enhanced comfort throughout the year. If you haven't kept up with HVAC maintenance, the signs below will help you know when it's time to have your system serviced.

Poor Airflow

When you turn on your A/C system, you may feel very little air pressure coming out of your vents. Several A/C issues can cause little or no airflow, including:

• A clogged filter

• A malfunctioning fan

• Ductwork problems

• A faulty compressor

Besides making your home feel uncomfortable, poor airflow could also cause severe damage to your system. You'll need to contact a professional to check the system and provide the right diagnosis, as well as reliable repairs, if necessary.

Unusually High Energy Bills

Have you received an abnormally high electricity bill? Most probably, your system isn't operating as efficiently as it ought to be and needs to be checked. Make sure you schedule a system tuneup to fix the issue before the next power bill arrives.

Strange Noises

It's normal for your HVAC system to make some noise when it's running. However, unusual sounds like a hissing furnace or loud banging inside your air conditioner can be signs of a significant issue. Have the unit tuned up right away, or you risk having to buy a new one if you neglect the problem for too long.

Age

HVAC systems are usually designed to last for around 10 years. With regular maintenance, they can last even longer. If your system was installed more than a decade ago, you should contact a service person to tune it up.

Timely HVAC maintenance will protect your system's life span and save you money by preventing costly repairs. If you need HVAC maintenance in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance. We offer an Extended Service Plan that gives you peace of mind knowing we'll service your system every year. The plan also entitles you to priority service and a 15% discount on repairs.

How to Care for Your HVAC Condensor Fan Motor

The condenser is located in the outdoor unit of the HVAC system, along with the compressor and condenser coils. This HVAC condenser fan motor is key to the proper operation of the entire HVAC system, keeping the air conditioner cool as the fan motor turns the blades, blowing air across the condenser coil where the refrigerant is cooled from hot gas into a liquid. During this process, warm air from the house is exhausted outdoors.

It's important to keep the condenser from overheating or working too hard. Regular maintenance includes lubricating the fan and other parts at least once a year, before you turn the air conditioner on for the season.

Condenser Problems

Some of the main things that can go wrong with the condenser are these:

• Motor can go bad. If the motor is incorrectly sized in the unit, it is likely to malfunction.

• If the fan blades are not installed correctly, airflow may be impeded and the motor may overheat.

• An incorrect start run capacitor or incorrectly sized fan blade may cause a condition called overamping.

• Poor air flow can also result from obstructions near the unit, such as weeds, leaves, grass, shrubs and garden furniture. Clear all vegetation and debris away from the condenser so it can properly exhaust warm air.

• Dirty coils can prevent the unit from transferring warm air, which will result in inadequate cooling in the home. The coils should be cleaned annually.

• Refrigerant leaks can develop in the condenser and the lines leading to it. Insufficient refrigerant can result in inadequate cooling, as well as strain on the compressor, leading to breakdown.

To tell if your condenser fan motor is overheating, place your hand on the unit. You can also check the temperature of the condenser fan motor with a regular thermometer, but it's best to hire an HVAC professional with proper equipment to do the job.

For more on your HVAC condenser fan motor and other HVAC parts, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow. Call us to schedule repairs, maintenance or new installations; we've served Broken Arrow since 1985.

HVAC Tape and How It's Used

Some HVAC projects are costly and typically need a professional to perform them. Fortunately, if you're a do-it-yourselfer, there are some tasks that you can handle on your own with ease. One of the tools that will come in handy when performing such tasks is HVAC tape.

What is HVAC Tape?

HVAC tape refers to any tape that's specifically engineered for HVAC installation and maintenance tasks. For example, you can use the tape to seal flex duct, rigid duct material, and sheet metal.

How Do You Apply It?

How you apply the tape to your HVAC equipment makes the difference between dependable, long-lasting performance and expensive inefficiency. Be sure to follow the steps below:

1. Tear or cut enough tape from the roll if you're sealing a short length of HVAC material. Apply the tape directly from the roll if you're to use it on a longer material. For easy handling, just unroll a few inches of the tape at a go while applying.

2. Starting with the end you're using, remove the tape liner. Apply the HVAC tape while centered over the area you're sealing. Keep peeling off the liner while applying the tape. Make sure the tape stays unwrinkled on smooth surfaces and conforms to textured or uneven surfaces like reflective insulation and flex duct.

3. If you're applying the tape straight off the roll, tear or cut it once you establish the exact length that will ensure no leaks or gaps and total system closure. Using excess tape will unnecessarily increase your repair costs.

4. Finish your tape application by wiping it down thoroughly with a squeegee. That maximizes surface contact, resulting in a more secure bond.

Remember, HVAC tape reliability is crucial to the success of your project. Therefore, only work with a UL listed tape as it has passed a series of tests for shear strength, tensile strength, and adhesion level. If you get stuck and need responsive and reliable HVAC assistance, contact the experts at Air Assurance. We've been helping Broken Arrow homeowners with their home comfort needs since 1985.

Signing an HVAC Contract? What You Need to Know Before Agreeing With Services

Are you thinking of signing a contract for HVAC maintenance, but you're leery of what it might contain? Knowing what you should expect in an HVAC contract can make a signing decision easier, and provide peace of mind that you'll receive dependable HVAC care. If your HVAC company doesn’t have any literature, here is a sample template to view HVAC Contract. Here's what your contract should contain:

Covered Components

Your contract should list the specific HVAC components in your home that will be covered by the agreement.

Number of Maintenance Visits

While two visits per year is the norm, the contract should state exactly how many you'll receive.

Tasks Completed During Maintenance

It's important that a contract includes a complete list of the tasks a technician will perform on your cooling and heating systems, so you know they're being thoroughly inspected and serviced during each maintenance visit.

Beneficial Cost Savings

A detailed contract should mention the specific savings signing brings you – like the parts/labor for maintenance visits, or discounts on certain services and repairs.

Specific Exclusions

As well as stating what it includes, a contract should also specify any exclusions – such a extra fees for after hours service calls, additions for travel time, or charges for priority service.

Explanation of Labor Calculations

The contract should explain whether the company charges a set service call fee, an hourly labor rate or a combination of the two.

How Minor Repairs Are Handled

It should be clearly stated whether minor repairs will taken care of during maintenance visits (up to a certain dollar amount), or you'll receive an estimate for any needed repairs and be charged for another service call.

Scheduling Responsibility

You need to know if the contractor sends out reminders about scheduling maintenance, or if you'll need to remember to call and make an appointment.

Renewal Details

Will the maintenance agreement renew automatically, or does it expire and leave you without any preventive care coverage on a specific date?

Payment Terms

The payment terms should be clearly spelled out, along with any discount offerings or flexible payment options.

To find out more about the HVAC contracts we offer Broken Arrow homeowners, contact us at Air Assurance.