One of the big HVAC companies in the area has a coupon where you get an AC checkout, cleaning, etc for $89, including
2lbs of free refrigerant (not necessairly freon so Stormin doesn't have a fit). From what I know, this company is one of the more expensive outfits, they drive around in fancy new trucks and put on cute little shoe covers when they show up. But I don't think they are shysters either.Sound like a good idea if you have a system that you think might not be up to par?
In the 15 years that I've owned this house, I've paid not one dime to anyone to perform any service on the (now) 39-year-old furnace or the (I think) 18-year-old A/C unit, and same goes for gas water heater, gas dryer or washing machine (both of those also being 15 years old).
Have just turned on the A/C unit the first time this season a few days ago. Works fine.
Turned off gas to the furnace pilot light just recently too (it's been a cold spring).
A few years ago I asked the guy who was installing our next-door neighbor's new A/C about getting ours serviced. He said, "If it's working OK, leave it alone."
Perce
I've seen units which "ran fine" but were in serious need of professional cleaning. The challenge is to find a company that does good and honest cleaning.
A few years ago I took the cover off the condenser unit and cleaned it with a garden hose and a nozzle that gave me a high-velocity spray. Last year I partially removed the evaporator A frame out of the furnace plenum and cleaned it with a combination of vacuum cleaner and high-pressure air.
I also removed a couple of baffle plates that forced all air through the A frame so that about 1/3 of the plenum opening was free of airflow restriction and the other 2/3 would have to flow through the A frame. This took some load off the fan and made the furnace more efficient for winter heating. I noticed no reduction in the house cooling performance last summer after doing that. In fact, the extra airflow made just having the fan running (without A/C on) was probably more sufficient more of the time.
Hmm I never turned off pilot when I lived in Scarboro. Moisture concern. Even out here in Calgary I keep pilots on. Only pilots are in the fire places. That 39 year old fura/c tune up costs 160.00, recharging the system properly; evacuate refrigerant Puron and weigh and recharging is 260.00 from a releiable service guy.
Hi, That part, cleaning I do it myself. Not that hard. At end of season I do it. Just turned on A/c last week and guess what, there is frost warning out tonight. Wife went out after supper, covered tomato and cuke plants.
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