FAQ

What routine maintenance do I need help with?

Think about how you take care of your car. Sure, most people can handle the little stuff—checking and topping off fluids, keeping tires inflated to the correct pressure, changing the wiper blades. But, to keep your car operating at it’s best, you need an occasional tune-up from a trained professional.

Your heating and cooling system is no different. To get the most performance and longest life from your system, it’s a good idea to have a professional perform routine checks in the spring and in the fall.

Here is what our technicians will check:

A/C Preventative Maintenance (Spring):
-Inspect Compressor Operation.
-Measure Proper Voltage & Amperage Readings on Compressor.
-Inspect Contactor Function.
-Inspect the Suction & Liquid Refrigerant Lines.
-Check Refrigerant Levels.
-Verify the Operating Pressures and that the Refrigerant Charge Levels Are Correct.
-Clean and Inspect Condenser Coils.
-Verify the Condenser Fan Condition, that Fans Are Not Bent, Preventing Proper Air Flow.
-Clean the Evaporator Coil & Drain Pan Condition and Placement.
-Verify the Condenser Pad is in Good Condition.
-Clean & Inspect Condensate Drain Lines, Primary & Secondary Drain Pans.
-Clean & Replace Air Filters.
-Inspect Air Ducts for Leakage or Damage.
-Check the System’s Starting Capabilities.
-Inspect All Electrical Connections.
-Measure & Confirm Proper Voltage & Amperage Reading on All Motors.
-Inspect & Adjust the Blower Components (Blower Wheel, Motor, and Housing).
-Lubricate Moving Parts.
-Inspect & Test Safety Controls.
-Clean & Calibrate Thermostats & Check Batteries.
-Check that the Temperature Drop is Within Tolerances.

Heating/Furnace Preventative Maintenance (Fall):
-Clean Burners.
-Inspect & Make Necessary Adjustments to the Burner Tubes.
-Vacuum Clean Each Heat Exchanger Cell.
-Inspect Heat Exchanger Cell for Cracks.
-Check Airflow Passage Within the Furnace for Carbon Monoxide Infiltration.
-Check the High Limit Safety Control for Proper Operation.
-Check the Manifold Gas Pressure.
-Inspect Unit and Pipe for Gas Leaks.
-Check Combustion Air Blower.
-Check Ignition System.
-Clean & Replace Air Filters.
-Inspect Air Ducts for Leakage or Damage.
-Check the System’s Starting Capabilities.
-Inspect All Electrical Connections.
-Measure & Confirm Proper Voltage & Amperage Reading on All Motors.
-Inspect & Adjust the Blower Components (Blower Wheel, Motor, and Housing).
-Lubricate Moving Parts.
-Inspect & Test Safety Controls.
-Clean & Calibrate Thermostats & Check Batteries.
-Check that the Temperature Drop is Within Tolerances.

Refrigeration Preventative Maintenance:
-Inspect Compressor Operation.
-Measure Proper Voltage & Amperage Readings on Compressor.
-Inspect Contactor Function.
-Inspect the Suction & Liquid Refrigerant Lines.
-Check Refrigerant Levels.
-Clean Evaporator & Degrease Condensing Coils.
-Inspect, Adjust, & Clean Fan Blades.
-Adjust Defrost Timers as Needed.
-Lubricate Moving Parts.
-Check Door Sweep for Tears.
-Inspect Door Gaskets for Tears and Leaks.
-Inspect all Electrical Connections.
-Check and Clear Drain of Debris.
-Check Thermostat Temperature & Adjust for Proper Operation.

Ice Machine Preventative Maintenance:
-Sanitize Water System.
-Dissemble Removable parts for Cleaning & Sanitation.
-Wash Air Filters.
-Check for Proper Water Flow to Water Filter & to Ice Machine.
-Inspect and Change External Water Filter Cartridges.
-Sanitize Ice Bin.
-Adjust Ice Thickness Probe as Needed.
-Inspect Compressor Operation.
-Measure Proper Voltage & Amperage Readings on Compressor.
-Inspect Contactor Function.
-Inspect the Suction & Liquid Refrigerant Lines.
-Check Refrigerant Levels.
-Clean Evaporator.
-Inspect, Adjust, & Clean Fan Blades.
-Adjust Defrost Timers as Needed.
-Lubricate Moving Parts.
-Inspect all Electrical Connections.
-Check and Clear Drain of Debris.

The key to having an efficient HVAC system is to have routine maintenance performed.

In the Summer, what temperature should my thermostat be at to save energy?

The right thermostat setting makes a big difference in your electric use. Set your thermostat to 78º (or higher) when you are home, and 85º when you are away.

Should I trim bushes and grass away from my unit?

Yes. Cooling costs can add up to half of your Summer electric bill! When your air conditioner runs efficiently, it uses less electricity. Bushes and weeds restricting air flow into your air conditioning unit can cause it to work way harder than it needs to.

How long has your company been in business?

We have been in business and servicing the Central Valley since 1982!

What professional organizations do you belong to?

Better Business Bureau, Service Roundtable, and Modesto Chamber of Commerce.

Why should I consider the Preventative Maintenance Program?

Preventative Maintenance Agreements are a really great idea, and could save you money & energy in the long run. Our company becomes a partner with you in maintaining and servicing your home, restaurant, or store.

All manufacturers of heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and ice making equipment recommend regular scheduled cleaning and service to keep the unit running at peak efficiency, save energy and give the equipment longer life and reduce equipment failure in the future.

If you sign up for our Preventative Maintenance Program, you will also be added to our Preferred Customer list, giving you priority service status and NO overtime charges. You will also receive 20% discount off parts and labor.

When should I just have my unit repaired, as opposed to replacing it?

1) If you plan on moving soon, you may not get your investment prices from a replacement unit when you sell.
2) A replacement that involves other trades may be cost prohibitive. In rare situations, a new unit can
require significant remodeling, depending on the age of the unit you would be replacing.
3) If the system has been trouble free thus far, and looks to be mechanically sound still.

When should I have my air conditioner replaced?

1) The average life of an air conditioner is 6 to 12 years. If your unit is getting close to that age, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it.
2) If your system is older than 12 years, major improvements in efficiency could be saving you BIG money. Super efficient, modern equipment can save you $1000 of more per year.
3) If you’re not comfortable, today’s modern air conditioning systems can virtually eliminate hot and cold areas, high and low humidity, bad air quality, high utility bills, noisy equipment and much more.
4) Replace before manufacturers and utility company rebates run out. Equipment manufacturers rebates are usually available through May. Check out PG&E’s rebate page to see what you can save!