Spring is not quite here yet in the West Texas plains, but we can see it coming on the horizon. This means that it won’t be too long before our HVAC systems will begin switching from heating to cooling mode. To prepare for the changing of the seasons, homeowners need to make sure their furnace is still operating correctly as well as getting the air conditioner ready for duty. Here at Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric we are getting ready to switch gears as well, but we want to make sure your furnace receives the attention it needs to finish the heating season strong.
HEATING MAINTENANCE
Even though it is not needed as much as the weather warms, there are a few things you can do to help your furnace rest easy during its off-season:
- Change air filters. The easiest way you can help your system operate efficiently. As most systems use the same filters year-round, it can also help the cooling process.
- Inspect thermostat. Change the batteries and inspect the inner compartment for dust.
- Check duct work. Dirty ducts inhibit optimum air flow and can also contribute to poor indoor air quality.
All of that and more is included when you call one of our professionally licensed service technicians for a furnace tune-up. If you want to make sure this is on the annual maintenance schedule, ask us about the Armstrong Service Agreement Plan, which includes annual furnace inspections.
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
So, once you make sure your furnace is taken care of, preparing your cooling system for the upcoming summer should be next on the list. Here are a few DIY items you can take care of:
- Change air filters. Yes, we listed this under furnace maintenance… see the importance of this easy task?
- Clean out the condensation line. The pipe that carries condensation (water) away from the system has an important function. If it gets clogged, it could back up into your home and cause nasty water damage.
- Clean coils/fins on outside units. First, shut off the power to the unit at the breaker box. Then, remove the cover and gently spray the coils with a garden hose and scrub the fins with a small brush.
AC REPLACEMENT
Those were some simple tasks that most homeowners can perform without too much trouble. But it’s a good idea to call the professionals for a complete AC system checkup or if you suspect operational issues. Our crews can quickly assess any issue and can also help answer this question: do I need an AC replacement? If so, here are some considerations to take into account when choosing the right one for your home:
- Size & Power. Make sure your new air conditioner is the right size (not too big or too small) for your home and has enough cooling capacity.
- Efficiency. Check the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of any system. The SEER rating measures how efficient your system is at turning energy into cooled air; the minimum standard is 13 and the highest SEER rating is 21 – the higher the better.
- Budget. Cheaper is not always better; likewise, just buying the most expensive system doesn’t mean it’s the right one for your home either.
LUBBOCK AC PROS
Call your friends at Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric today for more information on air conditioner maintenance and replacement and our full line of Lennox and American Standard equipment.
