Much like owning a car, owning an HVAC system means you should schedule routine maintenance to keep it running in tip-top shape. But if you’ve never experienced an HVAC maintenance appointment before, then it’s not exactly “routine” for you, yet. Perhaps you’re a new homeowner, or maybe you’ve been taking your chances up to now, only calling in the pros when something goes wrong (we don’t recommend that…it tends to get pretty expensive). So, this article tells you exactly what to expect from a routine HVAC maintenance appointment.
The Benefits of Routine Maintenance
It’s helpful to think about maintenance like an investment, because you’re spending a little money today to save a lot of money down the line. Routine maintenance can help you prevent costly breakdowns, prolong the life of your system, and increase efficiency, which saves you money on your energy bill.
The Process
Scheduling
You typically want to schedule routine maintenance appointments about twice per year. You can certainly keep track of this on your own—put reminders on your calendar and make an appointment accordingly. But many HVAC companies will keep track of this for you, especially if you sign up for a maintenance plan. At Appel, we’ll keep track of your maintenance schedule and reach out to you when it’s time. That way, you’ll never miss an appointment, and you’ll keep your HVAC system at its best.
Preparation
The preparation is very light, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- When scheduling, if this is your first appointment, you might want to tell the technician what kind of HVAC system you have (if you don’t have that info, that’s okay—it will just help them ensure they’re as prepared for the appointment as possible).
- Keep a record of any concerns you have or issues you’ve experienced and have it handy for the appointment. Your technician will do a thorough inspection, but any extra info you have will help them pinpoint any problem areas.
- Make sure your pets are secured on the day of the appointment, so they don’t escape or think they’re dealing with an intruder.
The Appointment Itself
The appointment usually lasts about 1-2 hours. The specifics of an appointment will vary a bit, depending on the HVAC company, your equipment, and any concerns or issues you might have. In general, at Appel, we’ll send a certified tech who will do the following:
- Create a Dialogue – At Appel, every appointment starts and ends with a conversation. You’ll have the opportunity to share concerns and ask questions. And your technician will summarize their findings and recommendations in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
- Perform a Test – These appointments usually start with a simple inspection, where we’ll take a look at all of your various HVAC elements and make sure everything is working as it should.
- Do a Safety Check – Your HVAC system is extremely safe, as long as it’s working properly. That being said, your HVAC system interacts with several utilities, like your gas line and electrical grid. And if either of those interactions goes sideways, you could end up in a dangerous situation. So, your technician makes sure all of that is good to go.
- General Upkeep – Your HVAC system, like anything else, is subject to wear-and-tear. So, your technician will need to do a little bit of finessing to optimize your system. That includes cleaning components, tightening screws, and straightening belts. It also includes lubricating parts, making adjustments, and clearing obstructions.
The Appel Standard
We just walked you through a standard maintenance appointment. But at Appel, our goal isn’t to meet the standard. Our goal is to exceed it. That’s why we’re committed to going above and beyond, at every step of the way. You can read more about the way we do business here. But in short, you’ll always get a licensed technician, fair, honest pricing, and the same exceptional service we’ve been delivering since 1948.
The Platinum Maintenance Plan
If you like the idea of keeping up with your HVAC maintenance, but you don’t have time to stay on top of it, we get it. That’s why we offer our highly popular Platinum Maintenance Plan. Not only will it put you on a regular maintenance schedule, it will also get you exclusive discounts and priority service. Give us a call to learn more and to sign up!