Pre-Season Maintenance Tips

Servicing Air Conditioning System Properly Does Equipment and Homeowner a Favor

For Immediate Release: April 2, 2003

(Williamsburg, VA) - In our hurry-up world, its always a great temptation to rush the season" in our impatience to get going from spring activities into summer fun, for example, and overlook the service needs of a new season.

Getting the air conditioning system serviced is rarely the first thought on a homeowners mind, according to Matt & Torie Seats, owners of K & K Service Company, even though everyone tends to expect trouble-free cooling when the system is turned on the first unbearably hot day.

Its human nature to want to jump in a car and head for the beach or the lake," Seats said. But if we never changed the oil or had other preventive maintenance done, one day that cars performance would start to suffer. An air conditioning system also performs more reliably with regular attention to service."

First of all, a homeowner should follow the air conditioning equipment manufacturers routine maintenance directions, Seats noted.

These instructions might include keeping the outside condenser free of such debris as loose leaves and branches, or invasive shrubs and ivy. But the entire system also should be checked once a year by a qualified service person.

An annual service visit includes a check of refrigerant level and pressure, as well as cleaning or replacing the filter, they added. A service professional may also notice other system needs. Inspecting ductwork inside the home is a good idea; if leaks are detected, these can be corrected with duct tape or by installing batt insulation with a foil barrier facing out.

As with other preventive maintenance, the investment in pre-season service can save homeowners money over the course of the cooling season, by paying off in greater efficiency, Seats said.

###

Editorial Contact:
Matt Seats
757-253-0647