Your HVAC system is a complicated workhorse, whether it’s keeping your family toasty in the winter or cool in the summer. It works hard, and it’s not designed to last forever — especially without some TLC. HVAC systems should get serviced at least once per year. Do you remember the last time a professional made sure your system was optimized?
Ask an HVAC professional, and they will have a list of common calls, and unfortunately they don’t include preventive care inspections or routine maintenance requests. Topping the charts is blown fuses. A fuse keeps the motor/compressor safe and prevents overheating. If you think your motor is failing, it might actually be the fuse. However, if you put off servicing the fuse long enough, your motor just might suffer! That’s why it’s the first item on a tech’s checklist.
At Your Service
Another component that gets a lot of wear and tear is the contactor. Every unit has three contactors, one each for the compressor, fan motor and blower motor. If pitting occurs on the contactor, it can make it challenging for electrical currents to navigate and kick on the motor. This is an instance in which homeowners are worried that their motor is going bad, but this is actually a quick and easy fix.
Capacitors can also wear out, which is the part that regulates motor speed. If a capacitor completely wears out, your HVAC system won’t work properly (or possibly not at all). Sometimes homeowners put off service calls, but this can turn a small problem, like a worn-out capacitor, into a big one.
Due Diligence
You wouldn’t buy a car and never take it to the mechanic, check the tire tread or change the oil. Some HVAC systems cost more than economy cars, and they’re charged with keeping you and your family safe around the clock (not just on morning commutes). Gas valves might only be used when you use the heater, but they can still corrode. These are in charge of making sure the gas flow extends from gas lines to your home.
Don’t forget about changing filters, which is one of the few aspects of HVAC maintenance you can do yourself. Filters should be changed, on average, once per month (more or less depending on usage, pets, and other factors). Do the light test to see if it needs changing — hold your filter to a light source and if you can’t see light coming through it, it needs changing.
Other common calls include thermostat issues, clogged drain lines, refrigerant leaks or compressor complaints. No technician can tell you without seeing your HVAC system exactly what the problem may be. Call Roberts Mechanical today for all your HVAC needs, whether you suspect something’s gone awry or you want to stay on top of preventive maintenance checks.