Routine Maintenance
What is included in a routine maintenance call?
We are often asked “What is included in a proper routine maintenance or service call?” It’s hard to convey over the phone, but like any experienced trade, we rely on years of experience to know the sights, sounds, feel and even the smell of your equipment. But to ensure we cover everything, there are a number of items we check, adjust, or clean to ensure your system is operating efficiently and safely.
The BC Safety Authority regulates the installation of gas equipment in the Province, and they recommend homeowners have all gas fired appliances regularly maintained to operate efficiently and safely.
“Annual servicing recommended – Have your home heating devices serviced annually to prevent tragic fires and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning which can cause death. Natural gas, propane, oil and wood burning appliances that are not operating correctly produce carbon monoxide an odorless, tasteless toxic gas. Basic symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are: headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and confusion. You may also decide to have a CSA-certified carbon monoxide detector installed in your home for added protection.” – BC Safety Authority
This is what they recommend a qualified service company should be doing on each regular maintenance call, and as a result it is what we do:
Gas Furnace Service Checklist
We check the connection and operation of all mechanical, gas, electrical, water, ventilation, and exhaust systems.
This may include but not limited to (depends on the system and age of technology):
- Check operation of safety limit controls
- Check temperature set points
- Check operation of thermostat
- Check all connections – gas, exhaust, ventilation, electrical, water
- Lubricate blower and motor bearings as required (not all motors require lubrication)
- Clean and inspect blower assembly (substantial cleaning may require higher level of service)
- Check blower speed and operation
- Check pressure switches and vent blower (if applicable)
- Inspect burners and clean if required (substantial cleaning may require higher level of service)
- Examine vent connector and inspect entire venting system and termination
- Check and adjust pilot light (if applicable)
- Check and measure flame sensor and ignitor (if applicable)
- Check flame rectification
- Check gas piping to furnace
- Check and adjust manifold gas pressure
- Clock appliance to verify correct input
- Check Combustion / ventilation air adequate
- Check for elevated carbon monoxide levels
- Inspect heat exchanger
- Check and clear condensate drain tubing on high-efficient systems
- Replace/clean air filter at your discretion (new filter replacement if we supply is additional cost)
- Check temperature difference between supply and return plenums
- Clean equipment interior/exterior
- Leave completed invoice with reported findings
AC or Heat Pump Service Checklist
We check the connection and operation of all mechanical, refrigerant, electrical, water, ventilation, and connections.
This may include but not limited to (depends on the system and age of technology):
- Check and clean outdoor condenser coil
- Check indoor coil if accessible - cleaning may require additional charges
- Check refrigerant charge via temperature drop/rise (connect gauges only if we suspect a problem to avoid refrigerant losses)
- Inspect and test all controls
- Check and calibrate thermostat
- Inspect and clean contacts and relays
- Inspect unit wiring and tighten loose connections if necessary
- Test capacitors and disconnect/reconnect
- Lubricate any moving parts including motors and bearings if necessary
- Inspect and adjust all belts and pulleys in the system if applicable
- Check and unclog condensate drain tube
- Check penetrations of building envelope
- Check piping insulation
- Replace/clean air filter at your discretion (new filter replacement if we supply is additional cost)
- Check the voltage and amperage of blower motor, compressor and fan motors
- Give all motors an inspection and cleaning
- Clean equipment interior/exterior
- Make recommendations for repairs or part replacement
- Leave completed invoice with reported findings
Gas Boiler Service Checklist
We check the connection and operation of all mechanical, gas, electrical, water, ventilation, and exhaust systems.
This may include but not limited to (depends on the system and age of technology):
- Check operation of safety limit controls
- Check pressure relief valve
- Check water pressure and temperature set points
- Check expansion tank
- Check operation of thermostat
- Lubricate circulating pump as required
- Check Radiant Floor Temperature control device (Mixing Valve or Equivalent)
- Check pressure switches and vent blower (if applicable)
- Inspect burners and clean if required
- Examine vent connector and inspect venting system
- Check vent damper operation (if applicable)
- Check and adjust pilot light (if applicable)
- Check flame rectification
- Check gas piping to boiler
- Check and adjust manifold gas pressure
- Clock appliance to verify correct input
- Combustion / ventilation air adequate
- Check for elevated carbon monoxide levels
- Inspect heat exchanger
- Check temperature difference between supply and return piping.
- Clean equipment interior/exterior
- Make recommendations for repairs or part replacement
- Leave completed invoice with reported findings
Hot Water Heater Service Checklist
We check the connection and operation of all mechanical, gas, electrical, water, ventilation, and exhaust systems.
This may include but not limited to (depends on the system and age of technology):
- Check operation of safety limit controls
- Check water pressure and temperature relief valve
- Check expansion tank (if applicable)
- Check operation of thermostat
- Check pressure switches and vent blower (if applicable)
- Inspect burners and clean if required
- Examine vent connector and inspect venting system
- Check vent damper operation (if applicable)
- Check and adjust pilot light (if applicable)
- Check flame rectification
- Check gas piping
- Check and adjust manifold gas pressure
- Clock appliance to verify correct input
- Combustion / ventilation air adequate
- Inspect heat exchanger
- Clean equipment interior/exterior
- Leave completed invoice with reported findings
Note: Tankless or "On-Demand" systems will require a system flush to descale any internal buildup.
Intermediate or major service levels
Sometimes, as a result of the condition of the equipment, we are required to do more extensive service and that may result in more time and more cost to you. If we determine the level of service is anything other than routine, we will identify the reason and discuss this with you prior to proceeding. At all times, we are required to ensure the safe operation of your equipment and we can not allow the continued operation of unsafe equipment or in unsafe conditions.
Some other tips on Furnace issues from FortisBC
The services we provide at Airco include service, repair, and replacements of all makes and models of the following:
We are a licensed, bonded, and insured service and repair business. At Airco Heating and Cooling Ltd., we take our work seriously and strive to contribute to our business with honesty, integrity, and quality work. We are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau, TECA, and HRAI, and recognized by the BC Safety Authority.
You can trust that Airco Heating and Cooling Ltd. provides the best in detailed and well-thought out service and repair work to all members of our communities. Our technicians are trained professionals who will diagnose and recommend a solution to any issue.
Contact us today for any of your residential air, water, heating, and cooling needs. We’re happy to help!