HVAC Maintenance

HVAC Tune-Ups

Written by: Becky Turgeon

First of all: What does HVAC stand for?

HVAC is an acronym for Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning. It’s a term that is used to describe the complete system that is used to heat or cool your home or business while also ensuring the air you breathe is of high quality.

A typical home in Regina will have several components to the HVAC system. These will most likely include:

Heating Unit: This is typically a furnace but may be a boiler.
Cooling Unit: This is typically an air conditioner but may be a heat pump.
Ventilation Elements:
- Ductwork: Channels that distribute air.
- Air Handler: Houses the blower that drives the air through the ducts.
- Registers and Vents: This is where air flow happens in each room.

4. Thermostat:

The brains of the HVAC system. This is where the temperature is set. Thermostats range from very simple devices to complex smart units that can even learn from your habits or presence.

5. Air Filters:

Filters help keep our indoor air perfect by capturing dust and pollens or other particles like pet hair.

6. Humidifier:

These units act to control our indoor humidity levels. During our dry winters humidity is added. Adjusting humidity in a home can greatly increase the comfort level.

7. HRV Unit:

Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilator These devices, more common in newer homes, make your home healthier and cleaner by continuously replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air.

8. Radiators:

Some homes that use a boiler system for heating will have radiators located along walls in every room. When the radiators heat up they radiate warmth outward to heat the room.

As you can see that’s a pretty big list of equipment keeping your home comfortable and your indoor air perfect. As with any mechanical equipment, your HVAC system does require
Regular Maintenance
to keep it operating smoothly.

Benefits of HVAC Tune-Ups:

Enhanced Efficiency: Cleaning, replacing filters, lubricating moving parts and ensuring proper airflow all add up to a more efficient machine which helps you save money on your energy bills
Extended Lifespan: Your HVAC system is a big investment. Improve the lifespan of that equipment with regular maintenance.
Better Air: Air quality is best when your HVAC system is running properly.
Reduced Repairs: Preventative maintenance goes a long way in catching repairs early and preventing escalating costs.
Improved Comfort: A well maintained system will provide you with the most comfort.
Safety: Checking on electrical connections and gas lines regularly can reduce the risk of hazards like gas leaks, electrical fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Warranty: HVAC maintenance is typically a requirement for warranty. Failure to maintain a system properly can void warranty.
Reducing your environmental impact. A well tuned HVAC system uses less energy.

T&C Air Conditioner Precision Tune-Up

Check operation of thermostat, including calibration
Test for refrigerant shortage
Wash outdoor condensing unit
Balance air flow for air conditioning
Perform temperature drop at indoor coil
Clean condensate lines and test operation
Inspect compressor contacts
Clean or replace standard filters
Lubricate all moving parts
Monitor start capacitor and potential relay operation
Close down humidifier operation
Measure and record amperage draw on compressor

T&C Furnace Precision Tune-Up

Check operation of thermostat including calibration
Perform carbon monoxide test and record readings
Inspect venting for rust and leakage
Test all safety controls
Check combustion and ventilation air
Clean burners and pilot, Adjust for proper combustion
Clean flame sensor and record flame signal
Check all gas fittings on valve train for leaks
Clean and flush condensate lines, including pump
Clean heat exchangers
Remove and clean blower
Perform temperature rise on heat exchanger
Clean or replace standard air filters
Lubricate motors as required

T&C Boiler Precision Tune-Up

Check operation of thermostat including calibration
Test all safety controls
Inspect venting for rust and leakage
Clear burners and pilot, adjust for proper combustion
Clean flame sensors and record reading
Perform carbon monoxide testing on ambient air in the boiler room
Inspect fire bricks and insulation
Check all gas fittings on valve train for leaks
Examine heat exchanger and combustion chamber
Lubricate pump and motors
Check condition and operation of expansion tank

Boiler Maintenance

Hot water heating systems require some maintenance, including draining the boiler and venting the radiators to ensure things are running efficiently.

Lubricate the circulating pump motor on your boiler. Use a lightweight oil, as per your boiler owner’s manual and pour it in the oil cup.
In the fall and throughout the season of use, you need to vent or purge radiators if they do not already have an automatic purge system.
After purging make sure pressure levels are ok. You can find out what pressure level is recommended by the boiler manufacturer in the operating manual. You then let out the air in each convector, if needed, until the pressure is at the recommended operating level.

Hot Water Tank Maintenance

Establish a maintenance program to extend the life of your water heater. Most water heater failures are due to lime/sediment buildup, excessive pressure or corrosion.

To Reduce Lime/Sediment Buildup (Every 6 Months):

Drain the tank through the drain valve until the water is clear.
Inspect the tank for lime or sediment deposit either through the nipples or through the clean-out hole.
Remove lime, scale or sediment using care not to damage the glass lining of the tank.
Inspect the anode rod and replace as needed. Anode rods are designed to attract corrosive elements in the water and thereby diminish corrosion of your tank.

To Assure Relief Valve Operation (Every 12 Months): 
Manually open the relief valve to flush any lime deposits that may have developed.  Caution! Water can be extremely hot. Make certain the seat closes properly. Let it snap shut.