We get lots of questions regarding HVAC maintenance. This is a good thing! It means people care about their HVAC investment. Since we're entering air conditioner season, let's focus on questions relating to air conditioner maintenance:
- What is air conditioner maintenance? Preventative maintenance is completed on the a/c to ensure that it is running properly and as efficiently as possible. The air conditioner is cleaned and there are many components that are checked. If a reading is off or out of range, the homeowner will be made aware. Keeping the air conditioner clean also ensures proper air flow.
- Can I turn my air conditioner on before maintenance has been completed? Yes! The air conditioner can certainly run before maintenance is done. Keep in mind that maintenance keeps it running as efficiently as possible.
- What months do you schedule maintenance? We generally start scheduling maintenance mid-April, depending on the weather, and continue to schedule throughout the summer. It's more important that maintenance is done each year rather than it being done a specific week or month.
- Can the service be completed if it's raining? We will reschedule your maintenance appointment if it's raining or below 60-65 degrees outside. Although the techs do have raincoats, we don't want some of the tools and gauges out in the rain. We also don't want your a/c exposed to the moisture. The new R-410 refrigerant attracts moisture 10 times more than the old R-22 refrigerant. We don't like to take chances, so we'll always reschedule if it's raining. In addition to being dry outside, it also needs to be at least 60-65 degrees outside. If it's colder than that, the temperature drop and readings could be inaccurate. Accuracy is key, so we will reschedule if it's too chilly outside.
- How will I know what the technician does during the service? The technician will complete an invoice detailing everything that was completed during the maintenance service. He will also let you know how everything looked and answer any questions you have about your system.
- How much does an annual maintenance plan cost? Our plan is $150 per year. That includes the maintenance service on the a/c in the spring or summer and the maintenance service on the furnace in the fall/winter. Other benefits included with the plan are: No service call if a return visit is needed within 30 days, $10 off service call, 15% off repairs, 15% off indoor air quality (humidifiers, filters, thermostats, UV lights, etc) and no overtime rates if service is needed in an evening, weekend or holiday.
- Does maintenance guarantee that my air conditioner will not break down? Air conditioners are machines and can break down at any time. That being said, there are issues that can be found during maintenance and either repaired at that time or at least brought to the homeowner's attention. For example, the technician may see that a motor reading is in range, but on the high end. While it doesn't necessarily need replaced at that time, the homeowner can be made aware that the motor is on it's way out. It could last another week or it could last another 6 months. In any case, the homeowner is now aware.
- Will you change my filter while you're here doing maintenance? Absolutely! If you already have filters, we will gladly change it for you. If you don't have filters, we can provide you with the price to bring one with us. We also have an online filter program in which we can provide you with a code to order your filters online and have them delivered to your door. Shipping is free and you'll always have your filters on hand.
- What if I have two HVAC systems at my house? We can put each system on the annual maintenance plan. We'll schedule a longer period of time to be at your house to complete maintenance on both air conditioners (and same in the fall/winter for the furnaces). The second system would be $10 off ($150/$140 for two plans).
- Do I need to be home when you do the air conditioner maintenance? Preferably, yes. We will need access to the thermostat and furnace area so will need inside the house. If you have a lockbox or garage code, we can enter that way but always prefer having someone home so the technician can answer any questions while he's there.
Hopefully, we answered some of your questions about air conditioner maintenance! If not, feel free to contact us as we're happy to discuss.