HVAC Preventative Maintenance
Preventive maintenance agreements (PMAs) are agreements for scheduled inspections and maintenance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. PMAs are generally scheduled semi-annually to maintain peak efficiency, prevent utility overpayment, and avert system failures through preventive maintenance that can help extend the life of your HVAC system!!!!
PMAs usually consist of fall and spring scheduled sessions in which service technician will go through your entire HVAC system, preparing it for the upcoming season in a proactive approach before system failure and prior to overpaying your utility company! The HVAC system is most likely the single biggest use of energy in your home. According to the Consortium of Energy Efficiency (CEE) up to 50% more energy can be saved with proper installation, sizing, and maintenance of commercial central air conditioning and heat pumps, residential units as well. According to many equipment manufacturers, a 10% refrigerant loss will result in a 20% decrease in system efficiency.
Out of Sight, NOT Out of Mind
The old but true saying, “out of sight, out of mind” is often the reason for neglected maintenance for your HVAC system. HVAC systems are usually installed where they aren’t seen, such as in a section of the basement, a closet, on rooftops, or in mechanical rooms, making them easy to ignore. The systems are simply taken for granted, until they fail. Decreased efficiency, utility over-payment, discomfort, loss of productivity, eventual premature replacement, and higher repair costs are the result. Just because your HVAC system is out of sight, does not mean it can be neglected! Getting your HVAC system checked twice annually is just as important as changing the oil in your car every 3,000 miles!
21 Point Checklist
1. Check the refrigerant charge (According to many equipment manufacturers, a 10% refrigerant loss will result in a 20% decrease in system efficiency!)
2. Test compressor amp draw
3. Check condenser fan motor amp draw
4. Examine condenser coil and clean coil
5. Examine electrical connections and repair if needed
6. Examine contactor
7. Examine evaporator coil and clean coil
8. Examine Blower motor and clean blower wheel
9. Check blower amp draw
10. Thoroughly wash air filter or replace with customer supplied filter (Filters are available for an additional fee)
11. Test all controls for heating and cooling
12. Check capacitors and replace as needed
13. Check heat strip amps and circuit components
14. Check for proper operation of the reversing valve
15. Look for signs of a future refrigerant leak
16. Check float switch operation
17. Test the defrost cycle
18. Check all caps and valves for seals and/or proper snug fit
19. Check temperature differential
20. Lubricate all moving parts where applicable
21. Check final performance and report necessary improvements
21 Point Plus Checklist
Includes all of the above plus these additional services:
1. Clean/dust return air grills
2. Clean equipment exterior
3. Clean vegetation, etc. from outdoor unit
4. Check thermostat operation and mounting
5. Flush and vacuum drain line/pan and evaluate drainage
6. Check for excessive vibration
7. Check for air leaks at plenum
8. Remove leaves and debris
9. Visual inspection of water heater (if applicable)
10. Visual inspection of clothes washer hoses (if applicable)
11. Check condensate pan and drain and clean if needed. To prevent future sludge buildup, put anti-sludge tablets in the pan once a month*
12. Properly seal supply and return duct leaks
13. Brush out electrical cabinet
14. Straighten any bent heat exchanger fins on condenser coil
15. Inspect the duct system
16. Inspect insulation on line-set replace if deteriorated.
17. Check crankcase heater
18. Check belts, if any, for wear and proper tension.
19. Vacuum drain line
20. Examine electrical disconnect box connections
Basic Package
Basic Package Plus
Bronze Package
Silver Package
Gold Package
What’s your bottom line?
Savings: PMAs typically more than pay for themselves through higher efficiency, less utility overpayment, and contractor discounts. PMA customers receive a discount on all parts and services performed during the entire year.
Peace of Mind: Preventative maintenance will mean fewer system failures and a longer life for your HVAC equipment.
Priority Service: Should a system failure occur during the heat of the summer or the cold of the winter, customers with PMAs generally receive priority service.
Continuity: We are often able to assign technicians to the specific customers. That way, you get to see and know the same service technician, and he or she becomes more familiar with you and your equipment.
PMAs usually consist of fall and spring scheduled sessions in which service technician will go through your entire HVAC system, preparing it for the upcoming season in a proactive approach before system failure and prior to overpaying your utility company! The HVAC system is most likely the single biggest use of energy in your home. According to the Consortium of Energy Efficiency (CEE) up to 50% more energy can be saved with proper installation, sizing, and maintenance of commercial central air conditioning and heat pumps, residential units as well. According to many equipment manufacturers, a 10% refrigerant loss will result in a 20% decrease in system efficiency.
Out of Sight, NOT Out of Mind
The old but true saying, “out of sight, out of mind” is often the reason for neglected maintenance for your HVAC system. HVAC systems are usually installed where they aren’t seen, such as in a section of the basement, a closet, on rooftops, or in mechanical rooms, making them easy to ignore. The systems are simply taken for granted, until they fail. Decreased efficiency, utility over-payment, discomfort, loss of productivity, eventual premature replacement, and higher repair costs are the result. Just because your HVAC system is out of sight, does not mean it can be neglected! Getting your HVAC system checked twice annually is just as important as changing the oil in your car every 3,000 miles!
21 Point Checklist
1. Check the refrigerant charge (According to many equipment manufacturers, a 10% refrigerant loss will result in a 20% decrease in system efficiency!)
2. Test compressor amp draw
3. Check condenser fan motor amp draw
4. Examine condenser coil and clean coil
5. Examine electrical connections and repair if needed
6. Examine contactor
7. Examine evaporator coil and clean coil
8. Examine Blower motor and clean blower wheel
9. Check blower amp draw
10. Thoroughly wash air filter or replace with customer supplied filter (Filters are available for an additional fee)
11. Test all controls for heating and cooling
12. Check capacitors and replace as needed
13. Check heat strip amps and circuit components
14. Check for proper operation of the reversing valve
15. Look for signs of a future refrigerant leak
16. Check float switch operation
17. Test the defrost cycle
18. Check all caps and valves for seals and/or proper snug fit
19. Check temperature differential
20. Lubricate all moving parts where applicable
21. Check final performance and report necessary improvements
21 Point Plus Checklist
Includes all of the above plus these additional services:
1. Clean/dust return air grills
2. Clean equipment exterior
3. Clean vegetation, etc. from outdoor unit
4. Check thermostat operation and mounting
5. Flush and vacuum drain line/pan and evaluate drainage
6. Check for excessive vibration
7. Check for air leaks at plenum
8. Remove leaves and debris
9. Visual inspection of water heater (if applicable)
10. Visual inspection of clothes washer hoses (if applicable)
11. Check condensate pan and drain and clean if needed. To prevent future sludge buildup, put anti-sludge tablets in the pan once a month*
12. Properly seal supply and return duct leaks
13. Brush out electrical cabinet
14. Straighten any bent heat exchanger fins on condenser coil
15. Inspect the duct system
16. Inspect insulation on line-set replace if deteriorated.
17. Check crankcase heater
18. Check belts, if any, for wear and proper tension.
19. Vacuum drain line
20. Examine electrical disconnect box connections
Basic Package
- 20 point check 1 time
- 10% discount on any repair
- Priority service scheduling
Basic Package Plus
- 20 point plus check
- 10% discount on any repair
- Priority service scheduling
Bronze Package
- 20 point check, 2 times a year.
- 10% discount on any repair
- Priority service scheduling
Silver Package
- One 20 point check
- One 20 point plus check.
- 10% discount on any repair
- Priority service scheduling
Gold Package
- 2 (20) point plus check.
- 10% discount on any repair
- Priority service scheduling
What’s your bottom line?
Savings: PMAs typically more than pay for themselves through higher efficiency, less utility overpayment, and contractor discounts. PMA customers receive a discount on all parts and services performed during the entire year.
Peace of Mind: Preventative maintenance will mean fewer system failures and a longer life for your HVAC equipment.
Priority Service: Should a system failure occur during the heat of the summer or the cold of the winter, customers with PMAs generally receive priority service.
Continuity: We are often able to assign technicians to the specific customers. That way, you get to see and know the same service technician, and he or she becomes more familiar with you and your equipment.