When your HVAC technician arrives for your regular HVAC inspection, it is a good idea to have a list of questions ready so that all your concerns are addressed. This is your opportunity to ask about the state of your air conditioner and to mention any problems you’ve noticed with your system. Preventive maintenance allows you to discover problems before they become a serious and expensive issue. You play a very important role by taking care of simple tasks such as filter changes, and taking note of any changes with your system so that you can inform the technician. Your technicians examine will include:

• Ensuring the thermostat is working properly. If your thermostat no longer reads the temperature correctly or communicates effectively with your air conditioner, you will see higher energy bills and experience a decline in comfort. There could be a problem with the thermostat or it could be that dirt and debris have accumulated within the thermostat and is affecting its ability to operate properly.
• Checking the refrigerant level. The refrigerant must remain adequately charged to supply your home with cool air. If refrigerant levels decline, resulting problems include frost buildup on the coils and damage to internal components. If there is significant loss of refrigerant it will be harder to cool your home, making the AC work harder to reach the desired temperature.
• Cleaning different parts of the system. Your technician will ensure the system is clean, and will remove buildup in areas such as the condensate drain. Debris within the system restricts air flow and free movement of parts, and decreases the system’s efficiency. Dirt within the system will also negatively impact your indoor air quality.

Questions for Your HVAC Tech

Your technician will conduct a complete inspection of your system, but having specific questions is a good way for you to learn more about your system. This will also enable you to use the system more efficiently and be more aware of any developing problems so that you can take timely action.

HVAC System Noises

Some sounds from your system are normal, but if you have noticed anything new or unfamiliar be sure to bring it to the technician’s attention. Noises could indicate that something has come loose or is damaged. Such repairs would need to be made right away to prevent further damage. Be sure to ask your technician what noises are considered normal.

Thermostat Use

How you program your thermostat will have a significant impact on your AC’s energy efficiency, and therefore, your energy bills. Have your technician provide advice regarding proper thermostat use. Programming your thermostat according to the routines or schedules of your household will lead to the most efficient use of the system, and increase comfort.

Thermostat Upgrades

If you have noticed problems with your thermostat, ask for recommendations on purchasing a new one or repairing the existing device. You might want to upgrade to a digital, programmable, or smart thermostat. These models give you more control over the temperature in your home and provide you with valuable information. A Wi-Fi thermostat, for example, allows you to adjust the temperature even when you’re not at home. This can lead to significant energy savings as well as increased comfort.

Overall System Concerns

Many persons don’t think about the air filter or don’t know if it should be cleaned or replaced. Your HVAC technician will be able to provide information regarding cleaning or replacing the filter and how often this task should be done. Changing the filter is a very important part of HVAC maintenance and is key to efficient operation of the system. A dirty filter restricts air flow and can lower the quality of your indoor air.

You want to save money wherever possible and decrease your carbon footprint by improving energy efficiency. Your HVAC technician is a valuable resource for both goals. Your technician can advise you regarding system upgrades, better use of the thermostat, or improvements you can make around your house such as effectively sealing the building envelope from air leaks.

Preventive maintenance keeps your air conditioner running smoothly and reduces the potential for costly and inconvenient problems. If you are ready to schedule seasonal HVAC maintenance for your Columbia-area home, give Cool Care Heating and Air a call at (803) 772-7715. We can provide you with the systems and services you need to increase comfort and energy efficiency in your home.