If you live in the Portland area, it’s not too early to schedule HVAC maintenance. Daily temperatures are already getting cooler. Soon, you’ll need to turn on your furnace or switch your heat pump to heating mode for the season.
At Air Stars, we recommend professional HVAC service twice a year. Now that fall has arrived, it’s a good idea to schedule heating maintenance. It can resolve potential issues with your heating system before you start relying on it daily.
Why Schedule HVAC Maintenance Now
You could schedule maintenance services in summer or even in winter. But that’s generally not recommended. HVAC technicians are the busiest during the peak cooling or heating seasons. If you request maintenance later, they may deal with repair and emergency calls. Therefore, limited availability and longer wait times can be problematic.
It should be easier and quicker to schedule a maintenance appointment before most people turn on their furnace. Preventative maintenance now will ensure your furnace will operate smoothly, efficiently, and safely when you turn it on for the first time. Therefore, it’s less likely you’ll need to call an HVAC repair company.
Should I Get a Head Start on HVAC Maintenance?
While a technician has the tools and experience to check refrigerant levels, measure airflow, lubricate moving parts, measure the temperature differential between the supply and return, and inspect/tighten electrical connections, there are things you can do beforehand. These include changing the filter, cleaning debris from the outdoor unit, and changing the thermostat’s batteries.
But the more technical tasks should be left to a professional. A DIY tune-up risks causing damage, missing potential issues, and voiding the system warranty. Technicians also travel with the tools and parts needed to make common repairs. If they find problems during a heater inspection or tune-up, they can often fix them on the spot to avoid breakdowns during the heating season.
Can I Prepare for HVAC Maintenance to Make the Job Easier for a Technician?
Performing a few simple tasks yourself can make your technician’s visit a little easier. This includes cleaning around the outdoor condenser. Also, make sure there’s no clutter around the outdoor or indoor units, and move obstructions that can make access difficult or interfere with the technician’s work.
It’s also a good idea to check on how your HVAC system is running. Is your AC making noise, emitting odors, or not cooling your home? Does the airflow seem weaker than usual? These can indicate larger-scale issues with the system. Look for signs of corrosion in the heater cabinet, ductwork leaks, loose connections, or damaged wiring. You can then point the technician to potential trouble spots when they arrive.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance Now and Your Heater Will Work Smoothly from the Start
It’s never too early to schedule HVAC maintenance. The sooner your heater is serviced, the more you’ll benefit from its reliability and efficiency. A tune-up now will avoid dealing with higher energy bills due to any furnace issues. The system will also work less hard, which reduces wear and tear that can lead to expensive repairs later.
Also, a well-maintained unit with fewer repair issues during its life tends to last longer, so you can avoid early replacement. Safety is another benefit, especially if you have a gas-powered furnace. Maintenance can avoid damage to the heat exchanger and exposure to toxic fumes and carbon monoxide.
Therefore, scheduling HVAC maintenance protects your family’s health and your heating system.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance with Air Stars
Air Stars provides professional routine HVAC maintenance for customers in the Portland area. It includes thorough inspections, tune-ups, and necessary adjustments or fixes. Members of our Star Treatment Maintenance Plan receive two annual service calls and discounts on repairs. To learn more or request service, call (503) 304-1320.