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This is long, but I think well worth it. If you would like an .doc file e-mailed to you, just drop me an e-mail and request Clean and Check.doc
There are many names for the same inspections. Some call Spring or Fall Clean and Check, or Tune Up or 30 something point inspection. What ever the name, this is what they should include. Some companies list as many as 36 points that they check. I have listed the most important ones here and may not have them all listed.
During this inspection, the service person should be using their Trained Eye and Ear to note anything out of the ordinary.
Only trained service personnel should perform these checks.
The first items are common for both Spring and Fall. Anything in " " are my comments.
1) Clean or change the air filter. "If you have electronic air cleaner, they should clean it for you. If it has a an High Efficient Media there may be an extra charge.
2) Check ALL wiring and controls on the furnace.
3) Check and clean the blower motor, oil if possible. "Some motors are permanently lubricated. I have never seen this but can happen."
4) Check blower wheel. Clean if needed. Check for balance.
5) Visibly check all ductwork where visible. Be sure all joints are tight and quiet.
6) Check and clean Thermostat. "Dust collects there on most mechanical T/S happering it’s operation."
7) Check all safeties for proper operation.
"Now for the winter you would do the following. If you have a heat pump, then you would do most of the same items listed in the Spring C & C plus HEAT PUMP. One must remember that a heat pump is nothing more then a air conditioner in reverse."
8) Clean and check the heat exchange. "This is where the unscrupulous service person can take YOU to the cleaners. If you have a 5+ year old furnace, he may tell you that you need a new heat exchanger or furnace. He may show you small, hairline cracks in the heat exchange. Most newer furnaces have 10 to 20 warrantee on the heat exchanger. All I am going to tell you is get a second opinion."
9) Remove, clean and check the burner assembly. "This should include cleaning the pilot if you have one."
10) Check and adjust the ignition system. "On pilotless ignition, there is either a hot surface or spark igniter."
11) Check Inducer motor if your unit has one. Oil if needed. "This is a little blower motor that either supplies air to the burners or helps get the exhaust gases out. Modern furnaces have these as the combustion gases are so cool that they can not provide enough draft going up the chimney."
12) Clean and check the humidifier and humidistat if unit has one. "If the "Media" needs replacing, it might be an extra charge."
13) Check the fuel-air mix, including gas pressure to the burners.
14) Check chimney and liner.
The higher the efficiency of your furnace, the more there is to check and go wrong.
"Now for the Spring, you would need the following."
8) Check and clean the evaporator coil, condensate pan and piping. "This should include the condensate pump should you have one. Chemical cleaning would be an extra charge."
9) Check insulation on the Suction Line between the evap. and the Condensing unit. "Any breaks in this will cause the pipe to sweat and cause water damage."
10) Check all refrigerant pipe joints for signs of a leak. "Look for oil. An oil drop hanging from a joint is a sure sign that this joint MAY have a small leak."
11) Open the condensing unit and clean debris from the inside. Advise homeowner if plants and mulch are to close to the unit.
12) Brush surface or back flush with water the condensing coil. "If chemical cleaning is necessary, there may be an extra charge."
13) Check and tighten all electrical connections including on the compressor. " One of the biggest problems I have seen is these terminals get damp and rust or corrode."
14) Check and oil, if possible, the condenser fan motor.
15) Check the condenser fan blade for balance and cracks. "The constant flexing causes cracks to develop and blade breakage. This could cause damage to the coil and put you out on business."
16) Visibly check the condensing unit for refrigerant leaks. "Like above, where there’s oil there may be a leak."
The following to be done with the system under load.
17) Check compressors Voltage and Amps. "Both should be with in normal, operating range."
18) Check the Suction and Head pressures. "Again, both should be normal for the load. Using these pressure and knowing temperatures, a qualified service person should be able to tell if the unit is properly charged."
19) Check the temperature drop across the evap. Coil. "This shows the service tech the efficiency of the unit."
20) Check all safeties for proper operation.
Just a note here, it is hard to check the A/C operation in the Spring when it may be cool to cold when the Tech is trying to check these items. The more experience they have, the better they are able to do the load checks. I have been known to turn the heat on for a while to heat up the house then cool it down with the A/C.
For HEAT PUMPS add the following.
21) Check reversing valve operation.
22) Check defrost timer and terminator if so equipped.
23) Check EMERGENCY HEAT and controls if so equipped.
This is by no means 100% complete but will include most major items to be checked.
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