| By :
Nick Messe
The owner of a modern air conditioning system has a significant investment in a complex piece of machinery. In many areas of the country air conditioning is a necessity, and the reliability of the equipment is important for the health and safety of the residents. Air conditioners contain numerous components including motors, blowers and circuit boards that undergo substantial stress as the temperature rises. The majority of equipment failures occur during extreme heat and result in a significant increase in the scheduling backlog at most service related HVAC companies. This can lead to frustration for both the customer and the air conditioning contractor. Diagnostic services are used to measure the current operating capacity of the equipment relative to the manufacturer's specifications. Using a variety of analytic tools, licensed plumbing contractors will address any potential problems to help avoid possible malfunctions in the future. This type of service also ensures that the equipment will be operating at peak efficiency to keep utility bills as low as possible. Most air conditioning and plumbing contractors offer annual or semi annual maintenance agreements that include a host of diagnostic services performed in the spring and fall. These contracts typically include a provision for priority emergency service in the event of an equipment failure. It is important to remember that all equipment manufacturers require regular maintenance by a licensed HVAC contractor to retain warranties in good standing. Regular service is also recommended by Energy Star as well. Within the context of a maintenance agreement or as a single diagnostic service call, certified technicians will conduct a number of tests and inspections to evaluate the operational condition of the system. Using manifold gauges and leak detectors, the certified plumber or HVAC professional will check refrigerant pressures to determine how efficiently the equipment is functioning. Many common problems stem from systems that have been improperly charged or have a refrigerant leak. Vital equipment diagnostic services also include calibration and adjustment of the blower, analysis of the temperature drop across the evaporator coil, and testing of all unit safety controls. Techs will also reseal the ductwork at the air handling connection, test and recalibrate the thermostat, and measure the volts and amps on the motors for unacceptable fluctuations. Additional evaluations include inspecting the furnace's heat exchanger, and adjusting the burner assembly to maximize the burn potential of the unit. This also includes monitoring and testing the flue draft to verify the proper elimination of exhaust gases, and also measuring carbon monoxide emissions. Other standard services usually performed during a diagnostic tune-up include cleaning or replacing standard filters, unplugging blocked condensate drains, cleaning both the evaporator and condensing coils and lubricating the motors and bearings. Each job is completed with a thorough cleaning of the equipment housings and surrounding areas.
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