A Pre-Season HVAC Checkup Should Include the Following:

1. Test the thermostat - Ensure your system is heating or cooling at the temperature it's set at. A programable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature during hours you're typically away from home or at night is an excellent investment. According to Energy Saver, "You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting."
    
2. Check electrical connections – This can help find hidden problems before they become a hazard or an expensive repair. Electrical connections should be tightened to avoid faulty connections that can cause a short. The voltage and current on the motors should also be measured. Checking electrical connections is a good safety practice and can reveal a lot about the system's performance.
    
3. Lubricate moving parts – Lubricant reduces friction. A lack of lubricant can cause friction, increasing the energy needed to operate and creating wear and tear on parts. 
    
4. Test controls – Ensure the system starts, operates, and shuts off correctly.
    
5. Inspect the heat exchanger - A heat exchanger is "a device that transfers thermal energy from one medium to another. Heat exchangers not only assist in the cooling and heating of homes and buildings but also help machines and engines work more efficiently." Unfortunately, a cracked heat exchanger can allow harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, to leak into your home.

1. Inspect the condensate drain line – A condensate drain line takes moisture and humidity created by your air conditioner outside to prevent moisture from building up inside. Algae, mold, and mildew can accumulate inside the line creating a clog, which can cause water damage in your home. Inspecting and cleaning the line when needed will eliminate the risk of damage.  
    
2. Clean air conditioning coils – Coils absorb the heat inside your home. Dirty coils reduce how well your air conditioner can work and force it to run longer, thereby increasing energy costs and reducing how long the equipment will last.  
    
3. Check the refrigerant level – Refrigerant is a chemical that changes from liquid to gas and back to liquid as it cycles through your air conditioner, absorbing and releasing heat. It removes heat from the inside and releases it outside to help cool your home. Too much refrigerant can collect inside the compressor and cause damage. Too little refrigerant reduces your system's ability to transfer heat from inside to outside your home and can cause damage to your air conditioner. 
    
4. Clean and adjust blower wheel – A blower wheel keeps air moving in and out of your HVAC system. Over time, dirt can build up on the blades, which can cause several problems, such as freezing coils and heat exchanger overheating. Plus, it reduces the efficiency of your entire HVAC system.

Don't wait until you have a problem to schedule an HVAC service. Instead, keep your HVAC system running safely and efficiently by scheduling a Precision Tune-Up with Ultimate Comfort Heating & Cooling today.

Give us a call at 610-750-8314 or connect with us online. Ask about our heating and cooling service plans in Berks County, PA. We have a variety of plans to meet your needs!