What Are The Most Common HVAC Services?
HVAC technicians service air conditioning, ventilation, and heating systems in homes and commercial buildings. They also sell maintenance contracts to keep customers’ systems running well and help them upgrade to more efficient ones.
The best HVAC contractors are honest and credible about their process, pricing, and warranty policy. Hubbard Mechanical also uses estimating & invoicing software to streamline their business processes.
Maintenance
Whether it’s your home or office, you depend on HVAC systems to keep you warm and cozy in the winter and cool and fresh in the summer. HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system includes ductwork, vents, and fans that exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, distribute it throughout your property, and ensure that indoor air temperatures are comfortable year-round.
The secret to keeping a heating or cooling system running at peak efficiency is regularly scheduled maintenance. Regularly changing the filter, recharging the refrigerant, and cleaning evaporator coils can reduce energy use, prevent expensive repairs, and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
In general, routine HVAC maintenance services typically cost $75 to $200 for a basic inspection and upkeep of the equipment, depending on the season. You can save money by scheduling your maintenance in midwinter, as this is an off-season for most HVAC companies and you can expect to pay a lower price.
If you skip maintenance or neglect to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, you may be forced to replace your unit sooner than necessary. Even the best systems are only designed to last 12 to 15 years, and ignoring proper care can shorten their lifespans significantly.
HVAC maintenance involves checking the air ducts for leaks and cleanliness, recharging the refrigerant to within the manufacturer’s recommended range, and ensuring that the thermostat is properly calibrated for your building’s climate conditions. An expert technician will also inspect all electrical connections, safety controls, and exposed wiring to ensure they are in good working condition and that there are no signs of excessive wear or damage.
In addition to extending your unit’s lifespan and reducing repair costs, HVAC maintenance helps improve indoor air quality. Dirty and clogged air filters allow dust, mold, mildew, and other pollutants to circulate in your building, potentially causing health problems for residents or employees. Regularly changing your air filters can significantly reduce the amount of these contaminants in your building and can help you keep a healthy workforce or family. This is especially important in Florida’s humid and polluted climate.
Repair
Whether it’s a hot summer day or a freezing winter day, one of the most inconvenient things that can happen to homeowners and businesses is an HVAC failure. If not properly serviced, the system can fail in a matter of days or even hours. Luckily, regular tune-ups can help prevent these major failures by making small tweaks that can make the entire system work more efficiently and extend its lifespan.
Regular maintenance of HVAC systems includes many tasks such as cleaning or replacing air filters, lubricating moving parts, and checking refrigerant levels. This ensures that the system is working as it should and reduces energy consumption and utility bills. It can also improve indoor air quality and odor control by eliminating lingering odors caused by mold, stagnant water, or accumulated debris.
Keeping your HVAC system in top condition is also an important part of protecting the environment, as it helps to reduce emissions such as carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are toxic chemicals that can irritate the nose, eyes, and lungs.
HVAC maintenance also helps to keep your warranty active. Most manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance to honor the warranty on the unit. In addition, many home warranties include HVAC coverage that can pay for some or all of the cost of a repair or replacement.
While some issues are inevitable, catching them early with regular HVAC maintenance can help you save money and avoid costly repairs in the future. If you suspect that something is wrong with your system, you should contact a technician right away.
A reputable contractor will be able to tell you exactly what needs to be done, how long it will take, and the cost associated with the job. You can also ask for references and check if the company is licensed, insured, and bonded.
Having your HVAC system repaired or replaced in an emergency can be expensive, especially when the weather is extreme. You can also end up without heat or cool air for a while while the repair or replacement is underway. Getting regular maintenance services can help to prevent these problems and give you peace of mind knowing that your system is in good hands.
Replacement
Whether your commercial HVAC system needs an emergency repair in the summer or you’re concerned about your home’s energy efficiency, a skilled technician can provide you with a fast, cost-effective solution. If you don’t regularly get your system serviced, it will eventually become clogged with debris and lose its ability to heat or cool properly. This can lead to costly repairs and a disruption of your business operations.
HVAC maintenance can extend the life of your equipment and prevent expensive replacements. However, it may not be possible to keep up with all the repairs your system requires. When you do need to replace it, a qualified HVAC contractor will install the new unit according to manufacturer specifications. They will also repair or modify the ductwork, add a new thermostat, and connect the refrigerant supply lines. They will also test the pressure and vacuum in the system before charging it with refrigerant and activating it.
Over time, a home’s ductwork can become clogged with pet hair, dust, and debris. This causes the HVAC system to work harder to move air throughout the house, which increases energy costs and reduces efficiency. It is a good idea to clean and vacuum around the vents and registers at least once a year.
You should consider replacing your old HVAC system if it is more than 20 years old or requires frequent repairs. A new system will be more efficient and can save you money on both initial expenses and future energy bills. It can also increase the resale value of your home, which is a major selling point to potential buyers.
It is usually more economical to replace an HVAC system than it is to perform frequent repairs. However, you should always weigh the cost of repairs against the cost of a new system to determine which option is best for you. Using the “5,000 rule” as a general guideline, many HVAC experts recommend replacing your system if the cost of repairs is more than 5,000 dollars. This will ensure that you are getting the most value from your investment and prevent more costly problems in the future.
Installation
If your HVAC system breaks down or is beyond repair, you need a professional to install a new one. HVAC installation tasks include surveying/inspecting the current system and set up, taking measurements to ensure a new unit is the proper size and capacity for the home; carefully de-installing the old unit, being careful not to disturb the comfort for the home’s occupants; connecting the new units, which can involve installing ductwork, wiring, tubing, pipes, or electrical supply lines; and testing/commissioning the new system.
Proper installation of an HVAC system is vital for correct performance, energy efficiency, and safety. When installed incorrectly, systems have to work harder to produce the same amount of heat or cool air, which can shorten their lifespan and lead to costly repairs. Incorrect installation also voids the warranty on the new equipment, leaving the homeowner responsible for any problems that arise.
Licensed HVAC contractors know the local building codes and regulations that they must adhere to when performing HVAC work in residential and commercial buildings. Handymen, on the other hand, may not be familiar with these requirements, putting them at risk of non-compliance citations and unsafe conditions for the occupants of the building.
When selecting a contractor for HVAC services, ask for references from past clients. This can help you choose a company with experience in your type of system and a good reputation for customer service. Also, look for a certified technician, which indicates that the technician has passed a rigorous test and has been certified as an expert in the field.
Commercial HVAC services are vital for businesses of all types and sizes. From large warehouses and manufacturing facilities to offices, shops, and restaurants, businesses need a properly functioning HVAC system that can regulate temperature and airflow to keep their employees and customers comfortable. It’s important to schedule regular maintenance for your commercial HVAC equipment to avoid downtime and to prolong the life of the system. If you have a service plan, these routine checks can be taken care of for you at a convenient time and a low cost.
