Fall is a transitional season – the perfect opportunity to perform HVAC maintenance that readies your furnace for the coming heating season and puts your A/C into a protective state so it will be ready for use next spring. This interval also gives your qualified HVAC technician the opportunity to thoroughly inspect all components of the system. He’ll be able to detect incipient furnace problems that might become major issues later in the winter, as well as note any wear and tear issues in the air conditioner that may have resulted from a long summer carrying the household or business cooling load.
Here’s what to expect from a fall HVAC maintenance call.
Furnace Maintenance
- Verify thermostat connections and proper on/off signaling of the furnace. Check thermostat readings against a mercury thermometer and calibrate the thermostat if necessary.
- Check all electrical connections inside the furnace. Measure the amperage draw of the blower fan motor.
- Lubricate the blower fan motor and fan pulley.
- Clean the burners and visually inspect the heat exchanger for cracks.
- If a standing pilot light is installed, verify proper operation.
- Check for correct gas pressure at the valve.
- Make sure the vent is functional and unobstructed all the way to the roof.
- Check for proper burner ignition.
- Install a new system air filter.
- Verify that all supply and return grilles are open and unobstructed.
- Start the system.
- Test for high level of carbon monoxide.
A/C Maintenance
- Make sure no residual water is left standing in the condensate drain pan.
- Clean the indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condenser coil.
- Measure the refrigerant charge and detect and repair any refrigerant leaks.
- If necessary, cover the outdoor unit with a properly-fitted A/C cover for additional protection from the elements during the winter season.
For more information on proper fall HVAC maintenance to prepare for another winter, please contact the professionals at Bruce Thornton A/C.
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