Maintenance

 

Heating and air conditioning systems are critical components of modern residential and commercial environments. Proper maintenance of these systems is essential to ensure their efficiency, longevity, and reliability. Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and enhance indoor air quality, contributing to a healthier living and working environment.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, regular maintenance can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems by up to 30%. This efficiency not only reduces energy consumption but also lowers utility bills. The following practices are recommended for effective heating and air maintenance:

1. Regular Filter Replacement: Air filters should be checked and replaced every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage and the type of filter. Clogged filters can restrict airflow, leading to increased energy consumption and potential system failure. A clean filter can improve system efficiency by as much as 15%.

2. Annual Professional Inspections: Engaging a qualified technician for annual inspections is crucial. These inspections typically include checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, and cleaning coils. According to industry standards, systems that receive regular professional maintenance can last up to 50% longer than those that do not.

3. Duct Cleaning: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in ductwork, affecting air quality and system efficiency. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning ducts every 3 to 5 years, or more frequently if there are pets or allergies in the home. Proper duct maintenance can improve airflow and reduce energy costs by up to 20%.

4. Thermostat Calibration: Ensuring that thermostats are accurately calibrated is essential for maintaining desired temperatures efficiently. An improperly calibrated thermostat can lead to unnecessary heating or cooling, increasing energy consumption. Regular checks can ensure that the thermostat is functioning correctly, potentially saving up to 10% on energy bills.

5. Insulation and Sealing: Proper insulation and sealing of windows and doors can significantly impact heating and cooling efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, adequate insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10% to 50%. Homeowners should regularly inspect insulation levels and seal any gaps to prevent energy loss.

In conclusion, effective heating and air maintenance is a multifaceted approach that requires regular attention and professional assistance. By implementing these practices, individuals can enhance the efficiency and lifespan of their heating and cooling systems, ultimately leading to significant energy savings and improved indoor air quality.

 

KSM Maintenance Recommendations

It’s really all about being prepared. Per Benjamin Franklin, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Maintaining your home’s systems and appliances wards off emergency situations and costly repairs while extending your equipment’s life.

Take the time and money to perform general maintenance on a regular basis. Many of the maintenance services require the knowledge, skills, and tools of a professional. During the maintenance or service call, our technician will make any necessary repairs and/or alert you of a possible situation. Call us to assist you in maintaining any of the following or to answer any questions you may have:

Furnace Maintenance

We highly recommend bi-annual service tune-up and cleaning for your furnace. Typically the optimum time of year to perform the maintenance is the fall, before you fire up your furnace for the cold weather. Then you will want a second tune-up right after the cold season is over. The purpose of the service tune-up is to keep your system running at top efficiency throughout the season, so you have heat whenever you need it.

Our experienced technicians will clean and check all the connections, controls, sensors, drains, motors, ducts, valves, and blowers, as well as your ignition assembly, thermostat(s), and smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. Following your tune-up, our technicians will instruct you on anything you could do yourself as maintenance between our service visits. One absolute action you can take is to change your furnace filter with the correct replacement every three months, or as needed. This goes a long way in extending the life of your furnace, as well as keeping your furnace repairs to a minimum and your indoor air quality high.

Boiler Maintenance

When you invest in a boiler system, you want to ensure it warms your home on a continued basis as efficiently as the day it was installed. You also want to do all you can to support the longevity of your system. Proper, regular maintenance accomplishes both of these.

A boiler is complex and requires a professional hand on an annual basis to clean and check it. During your maintenance service, our professional technicians will clean and check your boiler’s burners, combustion chamber, heat exchanger, controls, vents, tank, pipes, belts, anode rods, connections, drains, linings, and all connected components, as well as your thermostat(s) and smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. Following your tune-up, our technician will instruct you on anything you could do yourself as maintenance between our service visits.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

For air conditioners, an annual service tune-up and cleaning is recommended, usually performed in the spring. Our professional technicians will check and clean the connections, coils, blower components, lines, refrigerant, drain, fuses, and thermostat(s), as well as lubricate all working parts. Maintenance you can do yourself between service visits is to remove any yard debris or vegetation from the top and sides of your outdoor air conditioner unit, as well as to keep it covered with an air conditioner cover or tarp in the winter.

Heat Pump Maintenance

For heat pumps, an annual service tune-up and cleaning is recommended, usually performed in the fall, same as furnaces and boilers. Our professional technicians will check and clean ducts, filters, blower, indoor coil, ducts, refrigerant, electric terminals, connections, motors, and belts, as well as lubricate all working parts. Be sure to change or clean the filter every three months or as needed. You can also clean the outdoor coils whenever they seem dirty, and keep yard debris and vegetation away from the unit.

Whole-House Humidifier Maintenance

For whole-house humidifiers, an annual service tune-up and cleaning is recommended, usually performed at the same time as your furnace tune-up and cleaning. Our professionals include this maintenance along with the furnace appointment. Typically there isn’t much in the way of maintenance; however, our technician will change your humidifier pad and clean any mineral buildup you may have (in the case of hard water). Ask our technician to show you how to dissolve the buildup on your own every few months to keep your humidifier working at top efficiency.

Air-Filtration System Maintenance

For air-filtration systems, regular maintenance is something you can perform on your own. Maintenance on an air-filtration system usually just means changing or cleaning the filter every three to nine months. But you should check with the manufacturer’s specific recommendations. Changing or cleaning your filter on a regular basis will ensure the best filtration for your home as well as extend the life of the system. If you need any assistance or would like to install an air-filtration system, feel free to talk with one of our professionals at Dormann's Heating & Cooling.

Water Heater Maintenance

For water heaters, an annual inspection and service is recommended. Either have one of our experienced technicians perform the required maintenance, especially if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, or do it yourself. To keep your water heater running efficiently, you want to check the pressure valve, check the anode rod, flush the tank (due to sediment buildup), adjust the temperature (if needed), and insulate the pipes and tank (if needed). Once again, one of our professional technicians can easily do this service for you to help in extending the life of your water heater.