 | Ken Vonfeldt is the HVAC Sales Manager for Ferguson Wholesale Plumbing-Industrial-PVC-HVAC in Wichita. Ken has been in the heating and air conditioning industry for 27 years. Following the footsteps of his father as a "2nd generation HVAC guy, Ken started his career as a contractor and then moved to the distribution area. In addition to working with the RUUD Heating and Air Conditioning Dealers in the Greater Wichita Area, Hutchinson, Newton, Salina and Ellsworth, Ken also enjoys woodworking, golf and the ongoing project of remodeling his home. You can reach Ken at Ferguson Wholesale, (316) 262-0681, toll free at
(800) 657-2559 or visit their web site at www.ferguson.com |
Heating & Air Conditioning
2005-04-01 09:21:00
How often for heat/air service?
ANSWER: Heating and Air Conditioning equipment should be serviced at least twice a year. To get the most performance and longest life from your system, allow a professional to perform routine checks on your heating system in the Fall and the air conditioning system in the Spring. Annual servicing includes cleaning the system, checking for any problems or potential problems to ensure peak efficiency which lowers energy costs and prolongs the life-span of the equipment. Your technician will typically inspect: • operating pressures • refrigerant charge• filter condition • compressor • fan motor• capacitors • belts • crankcase heaters• coils • lubrication of moving partsSemi-annual inspections increase the overall dependability of your system while drastically reducing the chance of a breakdown, which almost always seems to occur at the most inopportune times (like at night or on the weekend)! It also helps in maintaining a safe and healthy operation and protects the environment. Most heating and air conditioning contractors and dealers offer annual maintenance agreements, which can also provide discounted parts and labor rates in the event of a breakdown.There are routine maintenance steps that you can perform yourself throughout the year:• Check the air filter in your furnace or fan coil at least once a month if not more frequently. A dirty filter will cause excessive strain on your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump. Replace your filter when necessary, or clean it if you have the reusable type. • Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of dirt and debris; grass clippings, leaves, and shrubbery. Check the base pan (under the unit) occasionally and remove debris to help the unit drain correctly. Make sure your condensing unit and base pan remain level.
