Heating and Cooling Maintenance in Arab, Alabama

What HVAC Maintenance Includes

Complete Air Conditioning Maintenance

Our comprehensive AC tune-up prepares your cooling system for Alabama’s demanding summer heat. Proper maintenance before cooling season catches developing problems while they’re still minor and inexpensive to address.

Outdoor Unit Service – We clean the condenser coil thoroughly to ensure proper heat rejection. Dirty coils are one of the most common efficiency killers. We inspect the fan motor and blades for damage or wear, checking for proper operation. Electrical connections are tightened and tested. We measure voltage and amperage to verify proper electrical operation. The compressor and contactor are inspected for signs of wear or damage. Refrigerant levels and pressures are checked to ensure proper charge.

Indoor Unit Service – The evaporator coil is inspected and cleaned if necessary. Dirty indoor coils reduce airflow and cooling capacity. We clean or replace the air filter—a simple task that prevents many problems. The blower assembly is cleaned and inspected, with motors lubricated if needed. We check condensate drain operation, clearing blockages and treating with tablets to prevent algae growth. All safety controls and limit switches are tested for proper operation.

System Performance Testing – We measure temperature split across the evaporator coil to verify proper cooling output. Static pressure measurements ensure adequate airflow. Refrigerant subcooling and superheat are measured and adjusted if necessary. The thermostat is tested and calibrated for accurate temperature control. We verify proper operation in all modes.

After service, you’ll receive a detailed report on your system’s condition, including any recommendations for repairs or improvements. No pressure to accept recommendations—just honest information about what we found.

Complete Heating System Maintenance

Heating system maintenance before winter ensures your furnace or heat pump operates safely and efficiently when temperatures drop. This service is particularly important for fuel-burning equipment where safety is paramount.

Gas Furnace Maintenance – We inspect the heat exchanger carefully for cracks or damage that could allow carbon monoxide leaks. Burners are cleaned and adjusted for proper flame characteristics. We test gas pressure at the furnace to ensure adequate supply. The ignition system (pilot or electronic igniter) is tested and cleaned. All safety controls—limit switches, flame sensors, pressure switches—are tested thoroughly. The blower motor and assembly are inspected and lubricated. Venting is inspected for proper draft and clearances. We test for carbon monoxide in the supply air and around the furnace.

Heat Pump Maintenance – Heat pumps require service for both heating and cooling functions. We inspect the reversing valve operation that switches between modes. The defrost control is tested to ensure proper winter operation. Outdoor coil is cleaned for efficient heat transfer. All refrigerant pressures are checked in heating mode. Auxiliary heat strips are tested for proper operation. Both indoor and outdoor fan motors are inspected.

Electric Furnace Maintenance – We inspect all heating elements for damage or wear. Sequencers and contactors are tested for proper staging. Electrical connections are checked thoroughly—electric furnaces draw significant current. All safety controls are verified.

System Performance Testing – We measure temperature rise across the heat exchanger to verify proper heating output. Gas combustion is analyzed for efficiency and safety. Airflow is verified throughout the system. The thermostat is tested in heating mode. Emergency heat operation is verified on heat pump systems.

Ductwork Inspection

Ductwork problems undermine system efficiency and performance. During maintenance visits, we visually inspect accessible ductwork for disconnections, damage, or excessive air leakage, check duct insulation in unconditioned spaces, verify supply and return duct sizing appears adequate, and look for obvious airflow restrictions or problems.

If we notice significant ductwork issues, we’ll recommend more thorough evaluation and sealing. Duct leakage commonly costs homeowners 20-30% of their heating and cooling energy.

Thermostat Calibration and Testing

Your thermostat controls your entire comfort system. We verify accurate temperature sensing, test all operating modes (heat, cool, auto, fan), check battery condition in battery-powered thermostats, verify proper wiring and secure connections, and test programming if applicable.

Thermostat problems can mimic expensive system failures, so this simple check often prevents unnecessary service calls.

Filter Replacement

We replace or clean your air filter during every maintenance visit. Clean filters are essential for proper airflow, system efficiency, and indoor air quality. We’ll also show you where your filter is located and how to change it yourself between service visits.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

The benefits of professional HVAC maintenance go far beyond avoiding breakdowns.

Prevents Expensive Repairs

Most major HVAC failures don’t happen suddenly—they develop over time. That small refrigerant leak eventually damages the compressor. That loose electrical connection creates arcing that destroys contactors. That slightly dirty coil reduces airflow until the system freezes up.

Maintenance catches these developing problems when fixes are simple and inexpensive. A $20 belt replacement during maintenance beats a $400 blower motor replacement after the worn belt breaks and damages the motor.

Improves Energy Efficiency

HVAC systems lose efficiency gradually through normal operation. Dirty coils, low refrigerant, worn belts, and other common issues increase energy consumption without obvious symptoms. You just notice higher utility bills.

Maintenance restores efficiency, often cutting energy costs by 15-25% compared to neglected systems. For typical Arab homes, that’s $200-400 in annual savings—more than enough to cover maintenance costs.

Extends Equipment Lifespan

Well-maintained HVAC equipment lasts significantly longer than neglected systems. Proper maintenance reduces wear, prevents damage from small problems becoming major failures, and keeps systems running in their design parameters.

The difference between a 10-year system life and a 20-year life is worth thousands of dollars in avoided replacement costs. Maintenance is the best investment in equipment longevity.

Maintains Warranty Coverage

Most HVAC manufacturers require proof of regular professional maintenance to honor warranty claims. If your compressor fails at year 8 of a 10-year warranty but you can’t prove annual maintenance, your warranty claim will likely be denied.

We provide documentation of all maintenance performed, protecting your warranty coverage.

Ensures Safe Operation

For gas furnaces and other fuel-burning equipment, maintenance verifies safe operation. We test for carbon monoxide leaks, verify proper venting, check safety controls, and ensure combustion occurs properly. These safety checks protect your family from potentially deadly hazards.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

Clean filters, clean coils, and properly draining condensate pans all contribute to better indoor air quality. Neglected systems accumulate dust, mold, and biological growth that circulate through your home.

Regular maintenance keeps your system clean and your indoor air healthier.

Common Issues Found During Maintenance

Here’s what we typically discover during maintenance visits to Arab homes.

Dirty Filters – The most common issue is also the easiest to prevent. Dirty filters restrict airflow, reducing efficiency and potentially causing freezing or overheating.

Refrigerant Leaks – Small refrigerant leaks are common, especially on older systems. Caught early during maintenance, we locate and repair the leak before it damages the compressor.

Electrical Problems – Loose connections, worn contactors, weak capacitors—electrical issues develop gradually but cause sudden failures if ignored.

Condensate Drain Blockages – Algae and slime commonly clog condensate drains, causing water damage if not cleared.

Worn Belts – Furnace blower belts wear over time. Caught during maintenance, belt replacement is inexpensive. When they break unexpectedly, you’re without heat until repairs are made.

Dirty Coils – Both indoor and outdoor coils accumulate dirt that reduces efficiency and capacity. Cleaning during maintenance restores performance.

Safety Control Issues – Failed flame sensors, dirty pressure switches, faulty limit switches—safety controls often need attention before they cause shutdown problems.

Commercial HVAC Maintenance

Business HVAC systems require regular maintenance just like residential equipment—arguably more so since comfort directly impacts employee productivity and customer satisfaction.

Our commercial maintenance plans are customized for your business, considering equipment type, operating hours, business seasonal patterns, and budget considerations.

We schedule commercial maintenance during off-hours when possible to avoid disrupting business operations. Regular commercial maintenance prevents expensive emergency repairs during business hours and extends the life of commercial equipment that’s expensive to replace.

Energy Savings From Maintenance

Exact savings vary by system age and condition, but maintained systems typically save 15-25% on energy costs compared to neglected equipment. For an Arab home spending $2,000 annually on heating and cooling, that’s $300-500 in savings.

These savings come from several factors: clean coils transfer heat more efficiently, proper refrigerant charge optimizes performance, adequate airflow reduces run time, clean burners improve combustion efficiency, and lubricated motors draw less current.

Maintenance essentially pays for itself through energy savings while providing all the other benefits of reliable operation and extended equipment life.