We often take our air conditioning, heating, and ventilation for granted until they stop comforting us. What’s worse is that this usually happens when you need them most. Imagine you have guests coming in, or peak summers, and your air conditioning system isn’t making a difference in temperature.
Just like any other system, your HVAC system has various parts that become less efficient due to wear and tear. So, when it comes to HVAC systems, the right timing can save you a lot of money and the hassle of replacing the entire system. But before we find the right time schedule for regular HVAC service appointments, let’s first understand what they actually are.
What are Regular HVAC Services?
Simply put, these are routine inspections of your HVAC systems. A team of technicians will thoroughly check your ventilation, cooling, and heating system. They’ll look for any kind of damage or faulty components that might be affecting the system’s efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in these services:
- Air Filter Inspection: Experts take a look at your air filters. They clean the filters thoroughly and replace them if required.
- Components Check: HVAC professionals examine your evaporator and condenser coils. Then, they clean these coils so your system’s efficiency is restored. Refrigerant levels are also checked to improve the cooling. This is important because these levels often need adjustments to work optimally.
- Examining Condensate Assessment: Condensate drains often have clog buildup which is the culprit behind mold growth and water damage. With HVAC services Staten Island, you get these drains checked and cleaned to keep your AC in good condition.
- Electrical Evaluation: Electrical components like capacitors and contacts go through rough wear and tear. Therefore, they are inspected to see if there is any replacement or repair to be done.
- Thermostat Calibration: HVAC professionals also perform thermostat calibration to make sure you’re getting precise temperature control.
Also Read: How to Find the Best Plumber in Staten Island
The Right Time to Schedule Regular HVAC Services
While the right time depends on your usage and the last time you performed HVAC care, below we’ve listed some ideal times to get them checked.
Fall – Preparing for Chilly Days
When those chilly days approach, we start worrying about keeping our loved ones warm and comfortable. So, it’s best to get all your heating systems checked and ensure they perform with maximum efficiency throughout the winter. Things you can expect in your fall maintenance are:
- Cleaning of burners to improve fuel efficiency.
- Inspection of heat exchangers to check for any damage or wear.
- Safety controls testing to minimize the risk of monoxide leakage.
Spring – Preparing for Heat
Every year, heat challenges your cooling systems. If they survived a few heated seasons, then the risk of failing is higher. This makes spring the best time to schedule your HVAC maintenance to combat the heat when it becomes unbearable. Here’s what you can expect in your spring HVAC service:
- Cleaning coils to ensure proper heat transfer.
- Assessing refrigerant levels for proper cooling during the season.
- Re-calibrating the system controls to minimize the risk of breakdowns.
- Looking for any inefficiencies or leaks in the system.
After Excessive Usage
Sometimes we use these systems way more than usual. This speeds up the wear and tear, and the chances of a component failure drastically increase. We recommend scheduling HVAC services after such periods to prevent any major breakdown in the system that leads to costly repairs.
Before Renovations and Occupancy Changes
Planning to renovate your property? Or expecting changes in the building occupancy? If yes, then it would be wise to schedule HVAC services. After such major changes, these systems may have increased demand, different airflow patterns, and handle new layouts. Therefore, it’s best to ensure they’re ready for the change.
Signs for Unscheduled HVAC Services
Any type of machinery or electrical component is prone to failure or unexpected problems. When these problems occur, there is no ideal time. You need to call for HVAC services immediately because delaying can mean exposing yourself to a bigger risk. Here are some signs that indicate this need.
Frequent Repairs
You just repaired your air conditioning unit last month, and now you’re facing a different problem. If you’re continuously spending money on repairs, then it may be time for HVAC services. They’ll let you know if the whole system needs to be replaced or just a major component.
Odors or Unusual Noises
Is your cooling system throwing out bad odors instead of that chilly air? Or you’ve been hearing grinding or banging noises lately? These could be the signals for gas or burning components, issues that can escalate. HVAC professionals can find out the real cause and save you from bigger trouble.
Increasing Bills
Using HVAC systems already comes with a high cost of utility bills, and the last thing you’d want is these bills increasing. An HVAC system running on low maintenance is the reason why your electricity bill is a little higher. Call for experts immediately to fix the inefficiencies and bring the costs down.
Inconsistent Temperatures
Ever felt that some areas of your building are too warm and some are just way too cold? This usually means your HVAC system is having thermostat or airflow problems that need attention. Field experts can diagnose all the problems and ensure consistent and accurate temperature throughout your home or building.
Tips to Choose the Right Partner for HVAC Services
There are many options available when you search for “HVAC maintenance” on Google. But you can’t just proceed with anyone if you want value for your money. Here are some factors to consider when looking for such services.
Seek References, Not Just Reviews
Reviews can be bought to attract customers, but you need to take a step further, ask for references and referrals. You can also head over to Facebook groups where people make posts like “Best HVAC Service Staten Island”. Through this, you can find professionals worth your money.
Ensure They Have Licensing and Certifications
You can’t just call anyone for the job; anyone who claims to be a professional must show you solid proof. Make sure they have a license for your state. Along with this, they should have the necessary certifications for HVAC installations and repairs.
Don’t Ignore Experience and Expertise
There are countless options, but you should give preference to those who have at least 5 years of experience in the industry. You should find this in the About Us section of their website. Hiring someone with extensive experience ensures everything goes smoothly and flawlessly.
Assess Bidding Process
No one wants to pay more than the quoted price, and that’s what you need to make sure. Most companies will tell you that there will be a fee only if the technician walks in the door. And some won’t give you the quote for the repair over the phone. So, make sure to assess how transparent they are about the pricing.
Read More: When to Call a Plumber vs an HVAC Technician in Staten Island
Restore Your HVAC System’s Efficiency with Reliable HVAC Service Staten Island
Whether it’s the comfort of your employees in the workplace or your home, where you come to relax, efficiently working HVAC systems are important. A reliable partner like RK Plumbing & HVAC Services LLC can thoroughly check all your heating and cooling systems to ensure you stay comfortable in every season. Give us a call at (646) 361-5867 for a visit or get your quote online.
