Lack of Annual Maintenance?
Just like cars, HVAC systems require regular maintenance. Most warranties require that you have annual maintenance performed on your system by a licensed technician to keep it running properly. Performing annual maintenance helps keep you from voiding an HVAC warranty on your equipment.
No Proof of Regular Maintenance?
Without proof of regular professional maintenance, a manufacturer could decide to void the warranty. While you should be replacing air filters when necessary, yearly professional maintenance is required as well, and you'll want to keep all invoices to prove maintenance or repairs took place. The bonus is that regularly replacing the air filter and having a qualified HVAC technician perform routine maintenance on you HVAC system will help extend the life of the system. Additionally, not using a certified HVAC technician may have the negative side effect of voiding an HVAC warranty.
For more expect information about maintaining your HVAC system and its warranty, or other home comfort related questions about your Central Florida area home, please contact us by phone or email.
Not Registering Your Warranty?
Some manufacturers require that you register your warranty. If the warranty is not registered, it could reduce the length of time that your warranty is valid for, or void the warranty all together.
What is a SEER rating?
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is how the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is measured. The SEER is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity, as compared to other systems. For example, a 3 ton unit may have a SEER efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system will be. The SEER rating of any given unit can range anywhere from 13 to 21. Systems today are about 60% more efficient than systems made 10 years ago.
Should you clean your ducts?
Duct cleaning can be helpful in situations where construction or renovations have been performed, after water damage or flooding, after moving into a home that was poorly kept in the past, if there is excessive pet hair in the home, or if you have a family member that is extremely allergy sensitive. Duct cleaning does not eliminate 100% of dust in homes, remove cigarette smoke or odors, or completely cure allergies.
How often do I need to change my filters?
Filters should be changed every 30 days. Some filters claim to be efficient up to 90 days, but should still be checked every 30 days. A good rule to follow is to change or check your filters when you pay your monthly utility bill, since you are already thinking of heating and cooling costs at that time.
What regular maintenance can I perform?
You should always keep your outside condensing unit clean and unobstructed. Any debris around the condenser can quickly cause your system to work poorly, waste energy, and reduce the life of the system. Always keep at least 18 inches around the unit clear, which ensures proper air flow to the unit. In addition, always keep filters clean and schedule your maintenance visits prior to peak seasons to ensure you are running efficiently before it gets too warm or cold outside.
How do I reduce energy costs?
Upgrading to a higher efficiency system can cut electric bills by up to 33%. Adjust the temperature of your home by 5 degrees when you will not be home for an extended amount of time. Using ceiling fan helps the hot and cold air circulate properly. Never block vents or returns. Blocking these reduces the air flow, and your system cannot run properly.
How long will my system last?
Always keep in mind that maintenance plays a key role in the life-cycle of your system. If all recommended maintenance and service repairs are performed on schedule, your air conditioning system may last 12 to 15 years.
Just like cars, HVAC systems require regular maintenance. Most warranties require that you have annual maintenance performed on your system by a licensed technician to keep it running properly. Performing annual maintenance helps keep you from voiding an HVAC warranty on your equipment.
No Proof of Regular Maintenance?
Without proof of regular professional maintenance, a manufacturer could decide to void the warranty. While you should be replacing air filters when necessary, yearly professional maintenance is required as well, and you'll want to keep all invoices to prove maintenance or repairs took place. The bonus is that regularly replacing the air filter and having a qualified HVAC technician perform routine maintenance on you HVAC system will help extend the life of the system. Additionally, not using a certified HVAC technician may have the negative side effect of voiding an HVAC warranty.
For more expect information about maintaining your HVAC system and its warranty, or other home comfort related questions about your Central Florida area home, please contact us by phone or email.
Not Registering Your Warranty?
Some manufacturers require that you register your warranty. If the warranty is not registered, it could reduce the length of time that your warranty is valid for, or void the warranty all together.
What is a SEER rating?
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is how the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is measured. The SEER is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity, as compared to other systems. For example, a 3 ton unit may have a SEER efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system will be. The SEER rating of any given unit can range anywhere from 13 to 21. Systems today are about 60% more efficient than systems made 10 years ago.
Should you clean your ducts?
Duct cleaning can be helpful in situations where construction or renovations have been performed, after water damage or flooding, after moving into a home that was poorly kept in the past, if there is excessive pet hair in the home, or if you have a family member that is extremely allergy sensitive. Duct cleaning does not eliminate 100% of dust in homes, remove cigarette smoke or odors, or completely cure allergies.
How often do I need to change my filters?
Filters should be changed every 30 days. Some filters claim to be efficient up to 90 days, but should still be checked every 30 days. A good rule to follow is to change or check your filters when you pay your monthly utility bill, since you are already thinking of heating and cooling costs at that time.
What regular maintenance can I perform?
You should always keep your outside condensing unit clean and unobstructed. Any debris around the condenser can quickly cause your system to work poorly, waste energy, and reduce the life of the system. Always keep at least 18 inches around the unit clear, which ensures proper air flow to the unit. In addition, always keep filters clean and schedule your maintenance visits prior to peak seasons to ensure you are running efficiently before it gets too warm or cold outside.
How do I reduce energy costs?
Upgrading to a higher efficiency system can cut electric bills by up to 33%. Adjust the temperature of your home by 5 degrees when you will not be home for an extended amount of time. Using ceiling fan helps the hot and cold air circulate properly. Never block vents or returns. Blocking these reduces the air flow, and your system cannot run properly.
How long will my system last?
Always keep in mind that maintenance plays a key role in the life-cycle of your system. If all recommended maintenance and service repairs are performed on schedule, your air conditioning system may last 12 to 15 years.