MAINTENANCE FAQ

Jenkins Heating & Cooling Maintenance FAQs

Get Answers to Your Important HVAC Questions

Here we have a list of commonly asked questions about how to maintain your HVAC units. Read the questions and see if you find the answer you are looking for. Call us for a FREE estimate on new installations and replacements.
1. Why should I perform preventative maintenance?

Heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions for your household. The constant stopping, starting and continual operation can wear down a machine quickly and unexpectedly if proper care and maintenance are delayed. However, by performing preventative maintenance or servicing your system regularly, you can maximize the life cycle of your heating or cooling unit and guard against many unexpected failures.

2. What equipment requires preventative maintenance?

At least twice a year, heat pumps and air conditioners require a professional tune-up.

Inspection on furnace systems should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, registers, blowers, fuel lines, the gas meters, oil tank and every part of the actual furnace.

Meanwhile, heat pumps and air conditioning unit inspections should also include inspections of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils and refrigerant lines.

3. What type of filter should I use?

Standard furnace filters work well to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they don't really improve indoor air quality. To do that, you need a media filter. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal by seven times that of a standard furnace filter. However, upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from insecticide dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air.

4. What are the preventative maintenance measures for my ducts?

Although modern technology has made significant advances in air filters over the past decade, a fractional amount of dust still finds its way past heating and cooling filters and into your home. As this dust accumulates throughout your home, it creates the perfect environment for the growth of mold, mites and harmful bacteria. To check your ducts for dust build up, pull off several supply and return registers and see how much dust has accumulated in the system. If you choose to clean your system, your best option is to contact us for a professional duct cleaner.

Although duct cleaning has little effect on the air quality, it will eliminate a house-wide breeding ground for harmful bacteria and mold in addition to helping your heating and cooling system operate more efficiently. If you are installing a new system, you should consider cleaning the ducts at the same time. New systems are often more powerful than old systems and can stir up dust that is sitting in the existing ductwork.

5. What is the most efficient way to run my heating and cooling system?
  • Keep your thermostat at a constant temperature; the recommended temperature is 78, even when no one is home
  • Change your filters
  • Check the outside condensing unit regularly for any grass clippings or leaves stuck to the coil
  • Have the unit serviced every spring and fall by a licensed service company
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