STAY COOL THIS SUMMER WITH AN HVAC INSPECTION

Is Your HVAC System Ready for Spring Pollen and Summer Heat?

Here we are, deep into spring, and the pollen is still blowing like a Georgia snow. If you have allergies or asthma, you're feeling it in your sinuses and lungs. And even if you don't, you can see it coating your car, feel it irritating your eyes, maybe notice it dusting up the furniture in your home.

Pollen levels will fall soon, along with the azalea blossoms, right around the time the temperatures climb into the 90s and the humidity turns the whole state into a steam room.

Summer is coming. Are you ready?

Your HVAC System Can Help

A well-maintained HVAC system can do a lot to ease the hard parts of Georgia springs and summers while helping you enjoy the rest. And it's not just about keeping things cooler.

Air filtration and purification systems reduce pollen, pollutants, and other irritants in your indoor air. They may help you breathe easier while keeping your furniture cleaner too.

And a well-calibrated system can balance cooling with dehumidification. It can keep your family comfortable while potentially lowering your energy bills too.

An inspection may also reveal problems before they become critical. It can prevent an untimely breakdown during the brutal days of summer. And it may extend the life of your system.

When was the last time your HVAC system was inspected? When was it last given a good summer HVAC maintenance tune-up? Are you signed up for a regular maintenance plan?

It's More Than Changing the Filters

You probably know it's important to change your air filters regularly, but there's a lot more that goes into thorough HVAC inspection and maintenance.

The details of your summer HVAC inspection will vary a little based on the configuration of your system. For example, maintaining a heat pump is somewhat different from maintaining an air conditioner. A qualified heating and air service provider will follow this general maintenance checklist:

• Thermostat, smart thermostat, or connected home control system. Test all sensors and thermostats. Adjust settings to keep you and your family comfortable while potentially saving you money on your energy bill.
• System controls. Test whether your air conditioner, furnace, heat pump, and other components start, operate, and shut down correctly. Diagnose and repair any problems.
• Electrical connections. Test voltage and current flowing to all motors. Tighten or repair any loose connections. Diagnose any problems. Lower the risk of electrical damage to your system's major components while enhancing the safety of your home.
• Fans, motors, bearings, etc. Lubricate your system's moving parts. Reduce wear and tear on your system, and help it run more efficiently.
• Condensate drain pan and line. Verify that the pan is in good condition and the drain flows freely. If your system has a condensate pump, confirm that it turns on when water collects, and that it pumps out water quickly. Reduce the risk of water damage to your home, and help your system maintain comfortable humidity.
• Evaporatorandcondenser coils. Clean debris from around the condenser unit and clean the coils. Dirty coils have to work harder to cool your home. As little as 1/100th of an inch of dust can reduce their efficiency by 10%. Regular cleaning may save you on your energy bills and lengthen the life of your system.
• Refrigerant level. Low refrigerant levels may prevent your system from cooling effectively, cause frost on the evaporator coils, and risk damage to your compressor motor. High levels may draw too much electricity and shorten the life of your equipment.
• Blower. Clean and adjust for optimal airflow. Keep your home comfortable while potentially increasing efficiency up to 15%.
• Air filter. Inspect and, if needed, replace with high quality HEPA filters to remove pollen and pollutants from your indoor air.
• Furnace. You're probably not going to turn on the heat for quite a few months, but summer HVAC maintenance should include a look at your furnace. Test, clean, and adjust your furnace components. When the cold weather returns, you'll be ready to keep your home warm for your family.

Turn To The Experts

It's a lot to cover, but our service techs here at Ragsdale know how to do it right. We'd much rather keep your HVAC system running smoothly than rush to the rescue when your AC breaks down on some sweltering summer afternoon. We want your HVAC system to keep you and your family comfortable for a good, long time.

Prevention takes a little effort, costs a little bit of money, but we think it's worth it. You may find that a well-maintained HVAC system:

• Cools more effectively.
• Runs more efficiently.
• Is less likely to break down.
• Is more likely to live out its expected lifespan.
• Reduces allergens and pollutants that may contribute to allergy symptoms.
• Reduces some of the triggers that make asthma attacks more likely.

A cool, comfortable, healthier summer that's easier on your energy bills. We think that's a pretty good return on your investment.

Don't get caught sweating indoors this summer. Give us a call at 770-443-1821 or contact us online to learn more about maintenance plans from Ragsdale. We'll help you beat the heat. Ragsdale is your local source for heating, air, and plumbing services to the Dallas, Georgia, and Atlanta metro area. Interested in joining the Ragsdale family? Learn more about career opportunities here.