Use and Care

Depending on which part of the country you live in, your home comfort system could be operating as many as 2,000 hours per year. (See map) According to the Air Conditioning Research Institute, the average life of an air conditioning or heat pump system is 15 years. That means, if your system operates 2,000 hours a year, at the end of 15 years, that is 30,000 hours of operation.

During its lifetime, it is only logical to assume your comfort system is going to need an occasional TUNE UP along the way. You wouldn�t think of driving your car 30,000 hours, much less 2,000 hours, without an oil change and some kind of maintenance. The same holds true for your home comfort system. Regular preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure trouble-free operation and peek performance. It also keeps your system running at its optimal efficiency levels, which keeps energy usage and your utility bills in check.

There is something else that preventive system maintenance gives you, and that is peace of mind. Pre-season maintenance can help you avoid a system failure on the hottest or coldest day of the year. It can also help you avoid a frantic search for an air conditioning or heating dealer that can repair or replace your broken system. We provide priority service for our customers who have an annual maintance or service agreement. A relationship with us is worth its weight in gold when it�s a 95 degree July day and your air conditioning system has stopped working.

If you are thinking about replacing an aging home comfort system, give us a call at 1(812) 422-0101 or Toll Free at 1(800) 207-5931. We can offer guidance on proper preventive maintenance as well as annual maintenance and service agreements. With oue service contract you will never have to pay for overtime again, give us a call for details. At this time, you�ll also want to inquire about Trane Corporations Optional Extended Warranties.

If your air conditioning system both heats and cools your home, you should have maintenance performed in the spring and fall. If you have a cooling-only or heating-only system, maintenance should be performed at least once a year prior to the heating or cooling season. For a list of what you should expect during a preventive maintenance service check-up, check out our suggested pre-season preventive maintenance list.

We will do a complete system operation check in both cooling and heating modes, (depending on the season). If you have a heat pump, we will check the defrost operation, as well. All other major components and safety devices will be checked. The air conditioners condenser coils outside will be cleaned. Most modern residential air conditioning and heating motors don�t require lubrication because they are permanently lubricated. But if they do, we will be sure to properly oil, and lubricate your equipment.

Most air conditioning systems produced after 1993 have a direct drive blower, which means there are no fan belts to inspect. However, if you have an older system, we will be sure to check the fan belts and replace if needed. Your duct system should also be checked. Inefficient operation can be caused by return air leaks located in non-air conditioned attics or crawl areas. Hot or cold air is drawn in through the leak, which is then heated or cooled by your system. This decreases your system�s ability to heat or cool your home and increases your energy bill, as well.

Clean dirt, leaves and debris from inside cabinet
Inspect coil and cabinet and clean as needed
Inspect fan motor and fan blades for wear and damage and on older models lubricate as needed
Inspect control box, associated controls/accessories, wiring and connections. Controls may include contactors, relays, circuit boards, capacitors, sump heat and other accessories. All control box and electrical parts should be checked for wear or damage.
Inspect compressor and associate tubing for damage
Wash outside of cabinet when and where possible

Inspect and clean blower assembly if needed (includes blower housing, blower wheel and motor)
On older models lubricate motor and inspect and replace fan belt if needed
Inspect evaporator coil, drain pan and condensate drain lines. Clean as needed
Inspect for gas leaks in gas furnaces
Inspect burner assembly - clean and adjust as needed
Inspect ignition system and safety controls - clean and adjust as needed
Inspect heat exchanger or heating elements
Inspect flue system - remember carbon monoxide (CO) leaks are very dangerous
Inspect control box, associated controls, wiring and connections
Clean or replace air filters
Inspect conditioned air flow system - check for leaks

Monitor system starting characteristics and capabilities
Listen for abnormal noise
Search for source of unusual odors
Monitor air conditioning and heat pump systems for correct refrigerant charge
Measure outdoor dry bulb temperature
Measure indoor dry and wet bulb temperature
Measure high and low side system pressures
Monitor gas furnace for correct line and manifold gas pressure - make adjustments as needed
Monitor system for correct line and load volts/amps
Monitor system operation per manufacturers specifications
Provide system operation report and recommend repairs or replacement as necessary