So, What Do HVAC Contractors Do Exactly?
While there are some home maintenance tasks you can handle on your own, caring for your HVAC system isn’t one of them.
A skilled and certified HVAC technician is better able to diagnose problems, perform preventative maintenance, and conduct repairs. They will also be able to tell you when it’s time to consider replacing the existing HVAC unit in your Portsmouth, VA, home.
Helps With Essential Seasonal Inspections
Scheduling an inspection and tune-up of your HVAC system every fall and spring is recommended to ensure your system operates efficiently all year long. The preventative maintenance that a nearby contractor will provide will keep your system operating well throughout the harsher weather of winter and summer.
The inspection will also recognize problems before they cause a breakdown of your system. An experienced technician will be able to identify components that aren’t operating as well as they should. They might recommend immediate repairs or give you advanced notice of an issue you will need to address soon.
During the inspection and tune-up, the technician will check to make sure the air filter is clean, the refrigerant level is adequate, and the blower motor is properly lubricated. They will also clean the refrigerant coils in your compressor to ensure the unit is cooling air properly.
When the technician is performing a fall tune-up in your Portsmouth, VA, home, they will check the furnace’s operation. This includes checking the heat exchanger for cracks. Damage to the heat exchanger can cause carbon monoxide to leak into the home, so this is something that should be done each fall.
As the technician inspects the heat exchanger, they will also clean the burners. If the burners aren’t cleaned once a year, they will become clogged with carbon and debris. This causes a buildup of gas in the heat exchanger, which leads to cracking that can cause carbon monoxide exposure.
Another part of the inspection includes evaluating the condition of your ductwork. A nearby contractor in Portsmouth, VA, will clean your ducts for you and look for signs of damage. A crack in your ducts or a buildup of debris can inhibit airflow. As a result, your HVAC system will no longer operate as efficiently as it should.
An HVAC Technician Will Repair Your System
What does an HVAC contractor do to help you maintain the good operating condition of your heating and cooling system? In addition to providing preventative care, they will also conduct repairs to keep the HVAC system in your Portsmouth, VA, home operating efficiently. They can diagnose and fix problems with any type of system, so don’t hesitate to call for help.
You will need to know when your system is experiencing a problem that’s affecting its operation. If you observe any of the following signs, you should contact a nearby contractor as soon as possible.
- HVAC system cycles frequently or never stops cycling
- Cooling system is pushing out warm air
- Airflow is reduced
- HVAC system can’t maintain a consistent temperature
- Energy bills are rising
There may be many underlying causes for these complaints, but your technician can properly diagnose the issue. They can repair the problem before it worsens or causes other mechanical issues with your HVAC system. Once the system has been repaired, you will notice that your energy bills are lower and your HVAC system operates more efficiently.
Help You With a New System Installation (When Actually Needed)
There will come a time when your HVAC system is no longer meeting the needs of your Portsmouth, VA, home. You should expect your system to start failing after 15 to 20 years of service.
Another sign of a failing system is the need for frequent repairs. If repairs are totaling more in a year than it would cost to replace the system, a new model may save you money.
During your seasonal inspection, a heating and cooling contractor may advise you that you should start planning to replace the system. In that situation, the technician can discuss your options with you. They can help you plan for a replacement model that will fit your budget and meet your household’s heating and cooling needs.
Need HVAC Services?
When you need service for your HVAC system, contact Energy Pro Heating & Cooling. Our certified and experienced technicians can keep your system running efficiently for longer. When it’s time for a replacement system, trust us to handle the installation. Call us today to schedule an evaluation of your heating and cooling system.