How often do you think about your heating and cooling system? Probably not until something goes wrong, right? More pressing problems tend to grab our attention.
A seasonal tune-up, however, should be a priority for all homeowners twice every year. This bi-annual review makes sure everything is working safely and efficiently, and tackles small issues before they become big problems.
If you’re not convinced yet, check out six reasons why a seasonal tune-up on your heating system is an absolute must-have for your family’s safety this time of year.
- Carbon Monoxide Check
Carbon monoxide (CO) is extremely difficult to detect. It’s typically only detectable once the effects of poisoning have set in. That means you’ll need to rely on regular checkups and professional help.
But where does excess carbon monoxide come from? With a gas heater, carbon monoxide is naturally present and produced when the heater burns fuel. In most cases, the CO is vented outside through the flue, and there’s nothing to be concerned about.
However, when furnacesaren’t working well, they may burn fuel inefficiently, which leads to an overproduction or escapeof carbon monoxide into the attic or living areas of the home. This is when CO becomes harmful, sometimes fatal, to the occupants.
Not all HVAC contractors have the specialized instruments to detect carbon monoxide. So ask your service provider if they have digital CO detectors and inspection cameras. Remember, you cannot smell or see carbon monoxide. But you can be sure that when Berner AC & Heat performs your winter inspection, the most up-to-date detection tools will be used.
- Cleaning
To keep your heating system running properly, it needs to be kept clean with a seasonal tune-up. You’ll benefit from increased efficiency and performance of your system with cleaner, fresher air circulating throughout your home again.
- Performance Check
Speaking of better performance, is your HVAC equipment performing as well as it should? If you’ve noticed the air isn’t getting as warm as it used to, you need a performance check.
The technician looks for performance issues and safety concerns. It saves you money in the long run and helps to avoid equipment failure when you need your system the most.
- Gas Leak Check
Gas leaks are another safety concern. A gas leak check should be handled by a professional to avoid any damage or physical harm. All gas appliances require regular maintenance and service checks as part of proper care.
Be sure to avoid storing any flammable items near gas appliances and their flue pipes.
- Blow out drains
The drain lines in your AC unit get clogged over time, especially after consistent use. You may even find algae growing in the pipe.
In South Louisiana most homeowners run their air conditioning virtually year-round. And any time it is cooling, it’s producing water. And water can produce algae and slime. So make sure your HVAC professional blows out the drain lines even as part of a winter tune-up to avoid service issues down the line.
- Refrigerant Leak Check
Again, down here in the New Orleans – St. Tammany area, we put a high demand on our air conditioning systems. Heaters – not so much. So even as part of a heater tune-up, we’re inspecting your evaporator coil for refrigerant leaks… just being proactive in looking for potential problems.
At Berner Air Conditioning & Heating we offer a seasonal maintenance program designed to keep our customers’ HVAC equipment running at its very best. To learn more about our services, contact the Service Team at Berner today.
