Almost every building in the US contains at least one heating, ventilation, or air conditioning unit. Regular HVAC service is important because it can keep your system in good condition for years or even decades, prevent breakdowns, and minimize health and safety risks in your building. But how often should you book an appointment with an experienced HVAC plumbing contractor, and what services can you expect?
It’s almost always a good idea to have your HVAC system serviced at least once a year. You should ask your contractor to inspect the mechanism, clean and lubricate the relevant parts, and check that the system is still safe. Many good plumbing firms offer preventative maintenance contract options, which are usually cheaper and easier to book than one-off appointments.
What Should an HVAC Service Include?
A good contractor who offers an HVAC service will arrive at your house with the relevant tools to analyze, take apart, and re-build your HVAC system. They will inspect it, first on the outside, and then on the inside, to check whether all the components are still functional. Then, they will clean any parts that have been exposed to dirt and debris, lubricate the moving parts, and test the safety of your mechanism.
In the first few years of your HVAC system’s life, the maintenance appointment might not take long because it’s unlikely that the unit will need to be repaired. However, you might need replacement parts at some point in time, either because your system is no longer functional or because your contractors have identified a potential issue. In this case, the technicians will let you know what the problem is and how it can be repaired.
A Thorough Inspection
The most important aspect of an HVAC service or maintenance appointment is the inspection because it allows your contractor to find out whether there is an issue with your HVAC system. No matter how complex your setup is, a professional will be able to analyze the various components and let you know whether there is a problem.
They might have a look at your thermostat, the wiring, the blower shutoff, and the AC or heating mechanism. Getting your system inspected on a regular basis can prevent breakdowns and dangerous situations.
Thorough Cleaning
When you use your AC, heating, or ventilation system, debris and dust can get stuck inside, so the machine needs to be cleaned regularly. During the service appointment, your technician will clean the coils, drains, and other elements of the system.
Depending on your setup, they might have to take apart your HVAC unit and put it back together once all the parts are clean. Highly experienced contractors can do this without damaging the equipment, and they will always use cleaning materials that are safe and won’t corrode your system’s parts.
Testing the Safety of the Mechanism
Although the functionality of the HVAC system is important, safety always has to come first. Every time you book an inspection or a service appointment, your technicians will make sure that all the components are in good condition and that there are no health and safety risks. They will also look at any safety and temperature controls to check that they are still fully functional.
Lubricating Any Moving Parts
Heating, air conditioning, and ventilation units contain moving parts, which need to be kept lubricated. Over time, the fluid might deteriorate or wear off, so it needs to be replaced. Your contractors will examine each moving element of your system and make sure the lubrication is still intact. If not, they will add high-quality fluids to the part, which will keep the mechanism running smoothly until the next service appointment.
Performing Necessary Repairs
Sometimes, the above-mentioned steps will be sufficient. In this case, the maintenance appointment will only take a few minutes or hours, depending on the complexity of the system. However, your plumbing contractors might notice a problem while working on your HVAC unit. If so, they will let you know what the issue is and how it can be fixed. Sometimes, the repairs can be completed immediately, but at other times, the technicians will need to return later on.
If new parts have to be ordered, it could take several days until your HVAC unit is up and running again. This is why it’s always best to book maintenance appointments early or late in the season. By avoiding the time when you need your AC or heating system the most, you can prevent unpleasant conditions in your home, business, or office block.
How Often Is Service Necessary?
Most manufacturers recommend that you have your heating, ventilation, or air conditioning unit serviced once per year. However, the exact frequency of maintenance depends on the kind of unit you have, where you are located, how your building is used, and how old the mechanism is. Generally, we recommend more frequent service to people who have old units.
Similarly, you should consider booking an appointment every six months if your business depends on the unit, for example, because your products have to be kept at a very specific temperature. In such a case, the cost of bi-annual maintenance is much lower than the cost of a malfunction, which could put your business at risk and cause significant disruption. To find out how often you should service your system, you should get in touch with expert technicians.
What Other Services Does a Good HVAC Plumbing Contractor Offer?
Aside from simple HVAC maintenance, a good contractor also offers additional services. They will be able to set up or exchange your heating, ventilation, or air conditioning unit. Additionally, they might offer 24/7 assistance and commercial heating and plumbing services, which are suitable for businesses with complex units. If you need regular maintenance, you should ask your technician whether they offer an annual plan, which is cheaper and more convenient than one-off services.
24/7 Assistance
When you have a problem with your HVAC system, the last thing you want is to look for an emergency plumber. Waiting for the next business day is also not an option, since you might have to endure uncomfortable temperatures in the meantime. Depending on your business, very hot or cold conditions could affect your product and cause you to lose a lot of money.
Therefore, you should always check that your chosen HVAC plumbing contractor offers 24/7 assistance in addition to regular service. That way, you already know whom to call in an emergency, and you won’t struggle to find the help you need.
A Competitively Priced Plan
Having to reach out to your HVAC contractor every time you need a service or maintenance appointment can be annoying. Plus, there is no guarantee that the technician will have any time, especially if you are requesting service during the busy period. To avoid this problem, you should choose someone who offers a preventative maintenance contract. With such a plan, you will automatically get a slot, and you’ll be reminded whenever maintenance is due.
Commercial Services
Servicing an HVAC system in a private residence isn’t that complicated, and most technicians who have gone through basic training are able to do this. However, many businesses have more complex setups that require specialized care. If you’re running a company, you should make sure that your HVAC contractor has the qualifications necessary to work on commercial HVAC systems.
How to Find a Great Contractor
Because you need to have your HVAC system serviced on a regular basis, it’s best to choose a contractor you can work with in the long term. This should be someone who has been operating in your area for a while and therefore understands the local rules and regulations for businesses and individual households. Have a look at the websites of HVAC contractors to find out whether they can help you.
Before you get in touch, check that the firm offers the kind of service you need. For example, if you run a business, you should only work with HVAC technicians who are able to handle more complex mechanisms. It’s also important to choose a firm with a good reputation. We at McIntosh have been serving the Tulsa, OK area for over 50 years.
Getting in Touch
Once you’ve found a firm you like, you can get in touch via the online contact form or the phone. To make sure the contractors can give you accurate information, you should be as specific as possible. Tell them exactly what kind of unit you have, how old it is, and whether it is currently functional. With these details, the contractors should be able to give you an accurate estimate of the cost of your HVAC service.
Every year, you should contact a commercial heating and plumbing contractor, who can come to your home or place of business and inspect your heating, ventilation, or air conditioning unit. During the service appointment, the technician will inspect and test the mechanism, lubricate the moving parts, clean the components, and perform any necessary repairs. Call us now at McIntosh Corporation to find out about our competitively priced maintenance contract options.