HVAC Maintenance Tips

Keeping your heating and cooling systems in good working order means lower utility bills, a more comfortable environment, and fewer repairs. We offer helpful tips on maintaining your heating and air-conditioning systems.

Maintenance Scheduling

Schedule a maintenance service before the heating season starts to prevent any problems with your system. It's better to find out before it's freezing outside! Do the same for your cooling system before the sweltering season begins.

When you sign up for a maintenance agreement with All State Air Control, maintenance work will be automatically scheduled and billed by us, ensuring lower energy bills and reducing the need for future repairs. Contact us today to sign up.

For the "Do It Yourselfers"

Filters

Check your heating and cooling air filters every month while they are in use. Operating your system with old, dirty filters means energy is wasted. It may even damage your system. Remember to check and clean the filters in your home's air cleaners and humidifiers too.

System Checks

To make sure you're getting the most out of your heating system, keep the heating registers and vents throughout the house free of dust, dirt, and pet hair by vacuuming them at least once a year. Listen for odd sounds when your heating or cooling system kicks in. If you hear anything unusual, get in touch with your service professional so you can head off problems before they become serious. Don't keep clutter near your furnace. It's a fire hazard, and may keep your system from operating efficiently. Bleeding your hot water system radiators at least once a year will also increase efficiency and prevent problems down the road.

Heating System Checklist:

Clean & Inspect Heat Exchanger(s), Burners & Pilot Assemblies
Clean or Replace Filters
Lubricate Necessary Moving Parts

Test All Safety Controls & Devices
Test Voltage of Motors
Test Amp Draw on Motors

Calibrate Thermostats
Measure Temperature Difference
Check Gas Pressure
Test in Heat Cycle

A/C System Checklist:

Check Thermostat Operation
Clean & Adjust Automatic Controls
Check for Refrigerant Leak (Locating Leak Additional)
Lubricate All Parts as Necessary

Check Blower Belt, Tension & Alignment
Replace Air Filter with High Efficient Media

Check Coil Temperatures
Inspect & Clean Condensate Pump
Check Evaporator
Clean Condenser Coil

Clean Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils will raise refrigerant pressure higher than needed, increasing your electric bill. Cleaning condenser coils will keep your equipment at maximum efficiency and save you money.

Check Refrigerant Charge

Refrigerant charge is checked by measuring temperature differential and reading the pressure gauges. An improper charge can easily go unnoticed and may cause the compressor to shut down. Periodic checks can lower energy bills and prevent future repairs.

Inspect and Clean the Condensate Drain

Clogged drains can increase the humidity inside homes, and can result in extensive water damage. Proper maintenance of the condensate drain can prevent future repairs.

Inspect Blower Wheels

Dirty blower wheels reduce air flow, causing longer operating time and increased energy costs. Avoid discomfort and wasted energy by ensuring that your maintenance includes a thorough check and cleaning of your blower system.

Helpful Links

Professional Organizations:

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers — ASHRAE advances the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and related human factors to serve the evolving needs of the public and ASHRAE members.
Air Conditioning Contractors of America — ACCA is the largest association of HVACR contractors and the preferred service provider for members in all 50 states and worldwide.

North American Technician Excellence
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) — A leading provider of educational meetings, seminars, and workshops, RSES also provides technical examination programs and training courses for service professionals working on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems across the nation.

New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) — NYSERDA, a New York State public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.

Consumer Information:

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home

Rebate Information:

Con Edison Residential Customers — Electric

Con Edison Residential Customers — Natural Gas

Manufacturers:

Luxaire

Mitsubishi