Is HVAC Maintenance Worth It? These Photos Tell All
Some of our Clearwater and Tampa Bay area AC customers may be thinking, “HVAC maintenance is a preventative service—if I skip it, what could go wrong? My AC system will be okay, right?”
During these extraordinary times, it can be tempting to cut the costs of preventative services or question the value of HVAC maintenance, especially when your heating and cooling system seems to be running fine. After all, your unit is likely tucked out of sight, out of mind, and it seems to be doing its job to keep your space comfortable this Florida winter.
However, we like to think of HVAC maintenance this way: skipping the small cost of a biannual tune-up could actually cost you more in the long run if you consider the high energy costs and potential emergency repairs—or even a total AC system replacement—caused by lack of care and maintenance on your system.
Today, we’ll help you see the importance of HVAC maintenance with before and after photos so you can discover the difference yourself.
HVAC Maintenance Before and After Photos
AC Filter Cleaning or Replacement
What do air filters do?
HVAC filters prevent dirt, dust and debris from entering the air handler. Filters also keep your air clean and AC equipment free from harmful airborne particles.
What happens when the filter is clogged?
When an air filter is too dirty, the airflow to your unit is restricted, and your home will not be properly ventilated.
How does HVAC maintenance help?
During your scheduled AC service appointment, our Air Care technicians will inspect your air filter and clean or replace, if needed.
In between maintenance visits, be sure to check your air filter at least one a month, especially in the Florida winter and summer months when your HVAC system is used more frequently. Depending on the size of your home—and if you have pets, allergens or a health condition—you may have to change your air filter more frequently to protect yourself and your family.
Call Air Care to schedule a tune-up today.
AC Coil Cleaning
What do AC coils do?
Evaporator and condenser coils work together to keep your Clearwater home comfortable, turning hot air into cold during the summer. With a heat pump, the process is reversed in the winter, and the evaporator coil expels heat from the refrigerant into your home, instead of absorbing it and taking it outdoors1.
What happens when your coils need cleaning?
If the evaporator or condenser coils are covered with dust, dirt, frost or mold, your HVAC system will work harder to properly cool your home, putting more pressure on your system—which, in the warmer months in Clearwater, can seriously drive up your energy bills.
How does HVAC maintenance help?
Our Air Care technicians check your entire condenser unit, refrigerant and carbon monoxide levels during a tune-up appointment. If the coils are dirty, they will use the proper HVAC chemicals and materials to remove dust and debris. This helps your AC system run efficiently and prevents long-term AC repairs or replacement.
Contact Air Care to set up an appointment.
Cleaning Condensate Pumps, Drain Lines and Tray
Watch a before and after video of a clogged drain cleaning below:
What do the condensate components do?
Once the evaporator in your AC unit converts refrigerant from a liquid to a gas, water is released into the condensate pump, drain line and tray. If the pump or drain gets clogged with dirt, debris, algae or mold, your AC will have trouble cooling your home.
What happens if your AC drain line is clogged?
As indoor air circulates through your evaporator coil, airborne particles can become trapped in your condensate drain line, causing blockage over time. If the drain becomes clogged with these airborne particles, your HVAC system can malfunction2.
An easy way to tell if your drain line is clogged is if your tray is full of standing water, so make it a habit to check yours every time you change your AC filter.
How does HVAC maintenance help?
Our Air Care technicians will first remove any standing water from your drain pan using a wet vac or towels to prevent mold. Then, they will clean any debris from your drain line. Moderate clogs can be cleaned with a hose, vacuum or chemicals, while tougher clogs may require HVAC tools designed for drain line cleaning.
If you think your drain line may be clogged, call Air Care today.
What’s Included in Our HVAC Maintenance Package
When you use Air Care for a bi-annual AC system tune-up, our certified HVAC professionals will:
- Check and clean burners
- Inspect air filters (clean or replace if needed)
- Check carbon monoxide levels
- Adjust refrigerant levels
- Check contactors and relays for wear
- Inspect pressure and temperature
- Inspect safety devices and controls
- Test emergency shut offs
- Inspect ductwork
- Flush and clean drain line and trap
- Inspect heat exchanger for leaks and cracks
- Tighten electrical connections
Contact us to learn more about preventative maintenance services and special tune-up offers, available to customers in Pinellas, southern Pasco and Western Hillsborough counties.
HVAC Repairs and System Replacement
Bi-annual maintenance is another great way to keep tabs on the health of your HVAC system. Sometimes during a service appointment, our Air Care technicians will discover repair or replacement needs on your HVAC equipment that, if left unattended, could lead to larger AC issues in the long run.
Our AC technicians are certified to install, repair and maintain all HVAC brands—including our recommended AC system, Rheem—with the highest of standards.
Your Clearwater Heating and Air Professionals
Give us a call today to request HVAC maintenance and repairs for your Clearwater home, or get a quote on a new HVAC system installation.
“I have used a few different companies over the years to take care of my air conditioning system. I found Air Care a few years ago, and they are by far the best company. They are always on time and know what they are doing.” – Steve (Google Review)
Want to learn more? Contact Air Care for all your HVAC needs.
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APPENDIX
[1] Lennox HVAC Glossary: Evaporator Coils
[2] Carrier: How to Fix a Clogged AC Drain Line
