The warm summers and cold winters of northeast Illinois make heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems work hard to maintain indoor comfort. Preventive maintenance ensures systems are in good working order to deliver year-round comfort. Benefits of a fall furnace tune-up and spring AC tune-up include better energy efficiency, fewer breakdowns and prolonged service life. Maintenance reduces the severity and frequency of repairs, contributes to good indoor air quality and lowers operation costs for homeowners and businesses.
The experienced technicians at Ireland Heating & Air Conditioning Company examine the system to verify it is in good working order and safe to use. Here is what we check:
Inspect Outdoor Components
Outdoor components often accumulate leaves, dust or moisture. We inspect and clean the housing, fans, coils and other parts to ensure adequate airflow and that moisture is not causing corrosion.
Upgrade and Clean Air Filters
Clogged air filters are the most common reason for repair service calls. Cleaning or changing filters regularly improves energy efficiency and performance.
Standard HVAC filters capture large particulates to protect components. Better-quality filters capture small particulates and biological contaminants that can contribute to health problems. Our team can recommend high-quality filters that work with your system.
Clean Condensate System
Over time, the drip pan and condensate tubing may clog or grow algae. Cleaning removes biological contaminants and allows condensation to flow out of the system. Overflowing clogged pans can damage floors, walls and household goods. Clogged tubing allows moisture to flow back into the system, which reduces efficiency, affects comfort and can damage components.
Inspect Refrigerant Lines and Levels
Incorrect refrigerant levels can damage the system and affect comfort. We check refrigerant levels and examine refrigerant lines for damage or wear.
Examine and Clean Combustion System
We inspect and clean the combustion system on gas, propane and oil furnaces and boilers to ensure they function properly and are safe to operate. We check heat exchangers, ignition, piping, burners, plenum and chimneys. We also test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
Examine Ducts
Holes and leaks account for approximately 30% of air loss in ducted systems, which reduces energy efficiency and causes the system to work harder. We inspect the joins of ducts and grilles and evaluate the condition of ductwork.
Inspect Electrical Components
We examine electrical wiring, breakers and switches to ensure they are in good shape. Damaged electrical components can be a fire hazard. We also verify the system gets enough power during startup and runs.
Check and Clean Humidification Components
Maintaining recommended humidity levels contributes to comfort and protects your health and property. High humidity creates an environment for biological contaminants to thrive. Too little humidity may cause health problems. We install and maintain humidification equipment that regulates humidity throughout the year.
Calibrate Thermostat
Thermostats regulate temperature and humidity, factors that affect comfort, health and energy efficiency. We check temperature settings and ensure that the system turns on, reaches the set temperature and shuts down properly.
Other Maintenance Tasks
In addition to HVAC maintenance, homeowners should evaluate the condition and amount of insulation in walls and attics. Insulation improves energy efficiency, reduces fuel consumption and reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system.
Call to speak to one of our NATE-certified technicians about the importance of HVAC maintenance. Our annual maintenance contracts include tune-ups and discounts on parts during service calls.
