After hot, humid summers, Florida residents look forward to fall weather. Lower temperatures and reduced humidity give you and your HVAC system a break. Arranging heating maintenance in the fall offers more flexibility in scheduling and better availability of technicians. Tuning up your system during the fall months with the help of Poulin Cooling keeps equipment in good condition and prepares it for cooler winter weather.
Elements of an HVAC Tune-Up
Inspection and maintenance of your heating system and AC is just as important as tuning up your car. Regular maintenance by qualified technicians ensures that components are in good working order and the system runs properly. Poulin Cooling provides preventive maintenance services for furnaces, heat pumps, and other heating and cooling equipment.
Experts recommend scheduling two tune-ups every year. After running hard during the Florida summers, air conditioner components may need adjustments, maintenance, and calibrations. Fall maintenance includes inspecting and cleaning your air conditioner and preparing the furnace for winter weather. Spring maintenance ensures the air conditioner can perform during the hot summer months.
During each tune-up, technicians examine critical elements of the system. This includes cleaning condensate lines and drip pans, checking electrical connections and wiring, inspecting thermostat function, and checking wattage and amperage. We also inspect fans and other moving parts. It’s important to ensure you have ample airflow through your vents and ducts.
To prepare a standard split HVAC system for winter weather, technicians examine and clean the heating elements and condensate system and adjust dampers.
During a spring maintenance session, technicians check refrigerant levels, adjust dampers, and clean the evaporator and condenser coils and condensate system. Mineral deposits and debris can accumulate in your condensate drain over time, increasing the risk of leaks or water pooling.
Heat pumps work year-round, using energy to move heat from one place to another instead of using energy to heat and cool. Fall heat pump maintenance ensures the system is ready for cool weather. Flipping a switch reverses the flow of refrigerant, which transfers heat inside during the winter. In the spring, reversing the flow of refrigerant routes heat outside to cool the indoors. It’s also important to check specific heat pump components, such as evaporator coils, condenser coils, the compressor, blower motor, and reversing valve.
Signs It’s Time For Maintenance or Repairs
Many calls for emergency HVAC service result from system neglect and poor maintenance, particularly when air filters are dirty or clogged. Dirt on filters impedes airflow and reduces indoor air quality. Your HVAC system may strain or cycle on and off more frequently to compensate. Other signs that your system needs maintenance include a shift in comfort, poor airflow, unusual noises, and higher energy bills.
Benefits of Fall Preventive Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial to the longevity and performance of your system. Efficient systems experience fewer repairs and lower repair costs. You should notice your maintained system uses less energy to run, and there is a reduction in wear and tear on components. Parts that are maintained tend to have a longer service life, allowing you to plan a replacement instead of facing an emergency swap.
Most manufacturers require proof of maintenance to keep warranties valid. Lack of maintenance voids the terms of the warranty. If anything goes wrong, you will be responsible for the costs associated with the repairs.
Advantages of Annual Maintenance Plans
Annual maintenance plans take the worry out of remembering to schedule a tune-up. Poulin Cooling offers a variety of maintenance plans designed to meet your budget and HVAC needs. Included in your maintenance plan are two maintenance sessions per year. We offer plan upgrades that include additional services and a refrigerant charge. We also offer maintenance plans for businesses. Maintenance plans provide peace of mind, reassuring you that your system is ready for cool weather and will work efficiently and reliably throughout the year.
Place Your HVAC System in Experienced Hands
Our family-owned business proudly serves residents and businesses in Clearwater, FL and nearby communities. The combined experience of our technicians exceeds 150 years. We provide a full range of HVAC services, including seasonal maintenance, new installations, and heating and air conditioning repairs. Our technicians complete annual training to remain at the forefront of HVAC technology. We work with major brands, including Lennox, LG, Bryant, Goodman, Daikin, and Trane.
To schedule a fall tune-up for your Clearwater heating system, call Poulin Cooling today.
