What’s the best way to ensure your cooling equipment makes it through to next summer in the Greater Cincinnati area? Preventive maintenance. Maintenance tunes up your equipment after the worst of the summer heat and conditions it to work as efficiently as possible for the duration of the season. It’s the best way to prevent expensive repairs -- or an even more expensive breakdown.

What kind of preventive maintenance could your system benefit from as summer draws to an end?

• Refrigerant check. Ensuring refrigerant is at appropriate levels requires a professional's skill and special certification. This is because refrigerant chemicals are toxic, and the pressure levels could be dangerously high.
• Filter change. You can take care of this essential preventive maintenance chore. Stay on top of it, so your filter doesn’t clog and restrict airflow. Check your filter each month for best results, but don’t forget to turn off the system beforehand -- you don’t want the blower coming on and sending dust through the house.
• Electrical check. A professional should take care of this part. Proper electrical current and voltage are important to efficient and safe operation. Your technician will check all components and tighten any loose connections.
• Thorough cleaning. Cleaning may sound simple, but it has a big impact on efficiency. A dirty system results in lower air circulation, both through your house and through the equipment itself. Some parts are complicated and difficult to clean, such as the coils. The tight spaces between fins on the coils are easily clogged with dust and grime.
• Adding lubrication. Keeping all the moving parts of your equipment well-lubricated prevents wear and tear that could prematurely degrade the parts.
• Thermostat check. Thermostats are sensitive equipment, and should be checked occasionally to ensure proper functioning.

Preventive maintenance is more desirable than emergency service. And along with improving performance, it can add years to your system's life span. Contact Tri-County Heating & Cooling today to schedule preventive maintenance. We’ll be happy to keep you comfortable through this season and on into the next.

Photo courtesy of shutterstock.com.