HVAC and Plumbing Systems – Prevention vs Repair

Everyone is familiar with the old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is especially true when it comes to the maintenance of expensive household systems like heating, cooling, and plumbing. It is easy to take these basic conveniences for granted, until a breakdown occurs and you are left without heat or air conditioning when you need them most. Worse yet is a plumbing failure. Problems that require the dreaded call to the plumber always seem to happen after hours, on a holiday, or with a house full of guests. HVAC and plumbing system failures are not only inconvenient, they can be costly.

It is at times like these when you truly understand the value of preventative maintenance. A periodic schedule of inspection and maintenance will increase operating efficiency, extend the life of these essential components of modern living, and reduce the necessity for costly repairs or replacements.

Effective Preventative HVAC and Plumbing Maintenance

Regular preventative maintenance for your HVAC system should be a top priority. If your system is an HVAC unit that both cools and heats, inspections and maintenance should be performed bi-annually, once in the spring and again in the fall. An effective maintenance program should be specific to the type of unit you have. Below are basic tips for effective HVAC maintenance.

For outdoor units, make sure the refrigerant level is adequate and adjust if necessary. Remove debris from inside the cabinet and be sure the drains of the base pan are clear. Inspect all working parts for wear and/or damage. Clean and, if necessary, lubricate according to owner manual instructions.

For indoor units, inspect all working parts and clean and, if necessary, lubricate according to owner manual specifications. Make sure all lines and drains are clean and free-flowing. If you have a gas unit, check for gas leaks. Inspect the flu system and ductwork for signs of corrosion or displacement of any sections and replace, if necessary. Clean or replace air filters.

While your system is in operation, be aware of any unusual noises or odors or any differences in the way your HVAC unit performs. A little vigilance can stop potential problems before they develop into major catastrophes.

Routine maintenance and an annual plumbing inspection will prevent problems for occurring. Here are a few tips to help keep your plumbing flowing freely and prevent unnecessary water damage to your home.

If you have an electric water heater, check the thermostat. If your water heater is gas, inspect the burner and gas valve. Perform a flue test to be sure that fumes are drawn properly up the chimney. Clean the air intake, if necessary. Check relief valves and water emperature
on both types of water heaters. Check all faucets and interior plumbing for leaks and be sure shut off valves are completely functional. Check around tubs and toilets for leakage. Clean all faucet aerators and shower heads. Check outside spigots for leaks and cover with freeze caps in the winter.

What To Do When Do-It-Yourself HVAC and Plumbing Maintenance Doesn’t Work For You

Regular inspection and maintenance is the best way to avoid HVAC and plumbing problems that can quickly become major and costly. In addition, regular maintenance can result in significant savings on your utility bills.

If a professional, regularly scheduled plan is a better choice for you, Casa Mechanical is here to help. Based in Austin TX, Casa Mechanical maintains convenient local offices throughout central Texas. Our Casa Shield Preventative Maintenance Plan provides you with peace of mind by automatically contacting you when your bi-annual HVAC and plumbing inspections are due. We will schedule an inspection in the spring to get ready for the hot summer months and another in the fall to make sure you’re ready for the cold winter months. This bi-annual preventative maintenance program will ensure that your HVAC and plumbing systems remain in top working order.

Contact us today to discuss a preventative maintenance program designed to meet your specific HVAC and plumbing needs.