Preventive HVAC maintenance is always a good idea. You can offer it as a plus service to your customers, giving them the chance to take action and address possible issues before they become a serious problem. Performing a regular HVAC revision not only allows you to fix potentially hard situations before they ever happen, but can also be a good, solid source of income for your HVAC company.
It’s precisely this time of the year, in transition between seasons, when a fully thorough HVAC revision becomes more than necessary. Weather is increasingly becoming colder and you need you make sure those heating systems installed in your customers’ homes are ready for the winter.
For best results, you should prepare a comprehensive HVAC revision checklist with all the key points your technicians have to review. This will help them avoid missing any important parts while checking that everything is in order. This list has to be as detailed as possible, and it should include at least the following:
Homeowner maintenance revision
First things first: make sure the homeowners have done their part in the HVAC revision. For example, they should have replaced the furnace filters following your schedule – say, once a month or every three months. Even if they have complied, there may be some tasks left undone.
Check the thermostat
The thermostat is another must in an HVAC revision, especially if it’s programmable or is a smart device with phone connectivity or similar. When seasons change, customers also prefer different temperatures at home – but they often forget to check the thermostat to adjust them. If they complain about the house being too cold or too warm, check it out!
Air flow revision
The next point in your HVAC revision is the general air flow in the house. Go around rooms, inspect the grates and make sure the air flows freely in and out of them, without blocking elements such as furniture, toys or a rug. A good air flow is imperative if you want your HVAC system to work properly. Take your time to inspect every vent and make sure they’re open all the way – it’ll help you with your revision.
Cleaning the condenser
Besides the furnace filters, another element you should include in your HVAC revision is condensers. After reviewing air flow inside the house, go outside and check for any debris that may be clogging up condensers: plants growing too much, leaves, papers, lawn clippings…
Test all the elements
After revising all the installation elements both inside and outside the house, it’s time to inspect the HVAC unit itself. Check the refrigerant, the evaporator coils, the blower… and of course, the motor and the blades. Inspect other elements in the unit as needed. Every system is different, but checking all the main parts and also the most common failure points will help you easily prevent future issues.
Some fine-tuning
Finally, wrap up the HVAC revision by checking all those small details: is everything connected properly? In gas furnaces, are there any leaks? Did you check for loose fittings? In electrical installations, is everything plugged in? Any possible obstructions, clogging elements you may have left behind? Oh, and don’t forget lubrication if necessary.
Ready for the winter!
An HVAC revision done with a checklist like this one may help you find potential problems before they become a real issue, so it’s a win-win practice for both your company and your customers. Also, you can use your field service software like Synchroteam to schedule these operations really easily. Download the free demo now and see for yourself!
(Image by Brad Hicks)
