What
to expect from our service calls
AIR CONDITIONING CLEAN & SAFETY INSPECTION
1. THERMOSTAT will be checked
and calibrated as required. Defective or improperly calibrated
thermostats affect comfort and
operation.
2. AIR FILTER dirty air
filters restrict airflow and cause systems to work harder,
resulting in higher energy costs, less efficient cooling/dehumidification,
blower motor and compressor running harder, and evaporator
coil freeze-up which can cause malfunction, water back-ups,
and compressor or blower going out.
3. CONDENSER COIL a clean condenser coil
allows better airflow through the coil for proper heat transfer.
Dirty condenser coils raise refrigerant pressures higher than
needed which can increase electric bill and lower cooling
capacity.
4. EVAPORATOR COIL WHERE ACCESSIBLE a clean
evaporator coil allows unrestricted air flow through the coil
for maximum cooling efficiency and capacity as well as dehumidification.
5. BLOWER ASSEMBLY clean blower wheels and
assemblies provide required amounts of airflow for maximum
cooling efficiency and dehumidification and prevent blower
motor straining to provide the proper amount of air, result
is energy savings and avoid expensive repairs.
6. REFRIGERENT CHARGE will be checked by
determining proper superheat, sub cooling and temperature
of refrigerant. A low or high refrigerant charge can easily
go unnoticed and increase operating costs. Also an improper
charge can do damage to the compressor & cause a unit
to stop working.
7. CLEAN DRAIN PAN WHERE ACCESSIBLE The drain
pan collects water from the evaporator coil during the cooling
season. This water becomes a source for algae and bacterial
growth.
8. CLEAN CONDENSATE DRAIN LINES The drain
lines allow for the flow of water from the drain pan. Blocked
lines cause overflow as potential water damage to the equipment
and surrounding areas. This can eliminate expensive water
damage.
9. REMOVE DEBRIS IN CONDENSER your outside
condenser can accumulate leaves, bugs, dirt, etc. Keeping
the condenser clean can help your controls from being damaged
from outside sources.
10. CONDENSER FAN BLADE will check that fan
blade is balanced, secure and free from any obstructions.
11. CONDENSER MOTOR will be cleaned and lubricated.
Dirty motors are less efficient and will fail sooner.
12. CAPACITORS there are two capacitors (Run
& Start) they will visually be inspected for deterioration.
Then will be tested for shorts, continuity, & improper
resistance. Bad capacitors can lead to compressor and motor
failure.
13. CONTACTOR will look for bad contactor
points or a weak coil that can cause compressor damage due
to short cycling and high amps. This can eliminate nuisance
breakdowns and expensive repairs.
14. FAN CONTROL CENTER make sure fan is being
turned on and off in the proper manner.
15. WIRING CONNECTIONS loose connections
can cause intermittent breakdowns. Also, loose connections
on high voltage lines can increase the amperage draw on motor
and compressor, resulting in high electrical usage and costly
repairs.
16. MEASURE VOLTS & AMPS this makes certain
your electrical components function properly. This saves energy
dollars and avoids potential breakdowns with motor & compressor
in the unit.
17. DISCONNECT BOX will be inspected for
damage. A worn or overheated disconnect can blow fuses &
cause breakdowns.
18. COMPRESSOR CHECK this is the most expensive
component in your cooling system. We measure the integrity
of compressor windings and determine if moisture/acid is present
in your refrigeration system. Removal of moisture/acid from
the system can be accomplished; however clean-up costs vary
by severity of the contamination.
19. LUBRICATION OF MOTORS AND BEARINGS improperly
lubricated rotating equipment will eventually fail.
20. LINESET INSULATION check insulation for
tears & air leaks at tubing where line set enters plenum.
21. SEE IF CONDENSER IS LEVEL a condenser
that tips to one side can affect the operation of the compressor.
Depending on situation repair costs will vary.
22. SECURE ALL PANELS - Loose panels can
increase operating costs and cause a dangerous condition.
23. QUALITY INSPECTION will examine quality
of installation along with equipment condition area and clearances.
FURNACE CLEAN & SAFETY INSPECTION
1. HEAT EXCHANGER will be inspected for cracks
and deterioration. Heat exchangers can develop cracks with
age. If they exist, there is a risk of serious illness from
the toxic fumes emitted.
2. AIR FILTER will be replaced at customer's
option. Dirty air filters can increase operating costs.
3. BURNERS will be cleaned & adjusted.
Dirty burners can cause poor combustion. You may pay for useful
heat that “goes up the stack.”
4. THERMOCOUPLE will be replaced as needed.
A defective thermocouple will cause the furnace to shut down.
We don't take a chance with your comfort. It is replaced before
it causes a problem.
5. PILOT will be cleaned and adjusted as
necessary. Weak or dirty pilot can easily be extinguished
causing the furnace to shut down.
6. THE GAS VALVE will be inspected &
tested. Gas valve need to be adjusted & checked to make
sure it is opening properly. This will insure proper ignition
& burners will operate in a safe and efficient manor.
7. GAS LINE will be leak checked from the
furnace shut off value to the burners. This insures that potentially
explosive gases are exhausted properly and do not leak into
your home.
8. SAFETY CONTROLS will be operationally
checked. Safety controls that do not operate can cause dangerous
problems.
9. BLOWER MOTOR will be inspected and motor
lubricated. Motor will last longer and the temperature will
be more comfortable.
10. BLOWER WHEELS will be inspected and cleaned
as necessary. Dirty blower wheels reduce air flow, causing
longer operating time and increased cost. This problem can
lead to comfort and motor failure.
11. CAPACITORS will be tested. Bad capacitors
can lead to motor failure.
12. BELTS must be checked for cracks &
wear to insure reliable operation.
13. COMBUSTION AIR openings will be checked.
Blocked or restricted combustion air openings can be dangerous.
14. INDUCER MOTOR ASSEMBLY will be lubricated
& wheel will be inspected to insure proper removal of
flue gases.
15. FLUE PIPE will be inspected. Flue pipe
corrosion or leaks are dangerous.
16. FLUE DRAFT we will make sure the furnace
is drafting properly.
17. FLUE LIMIT SAFETY will be inspected and
tested for proper operation.
18. PRESURE SWITCH will be inspected and
air tubes will be cleaned.
19. THERMOSTAT will be checked and calibrated
as required. Defective or improperly calibrated thermostats
affect comfort and operating costs.
20. FAN SWITCH will be checked and adjusted
as needed. A fan switch that is not properly adjusted can
waste energy or cause annoying fan cycling.
21. CONTROLS will be inspected and tested.
Controls and safeties that do not function properly can increase
operation cost and cause other components to malfunction.
22. RELAYS AND CONTACTS will be inspected.
Worn contacts and loose wire connections can lead to a motor
failure.
23. UNIT WIRING will be inspected and loose
connections tightened. Loose connections can lead to control
& motor failure.
24. HOT SURFACE IGNITOR will be inspected
to see if it has a hot spot, if so its color will be a brighter
orange color, or may even be white at this point. If so the
hot surface igniter should be replaced.
25. BURNER OPERATION will be inspected to
make sure it lights smoothly. We will adjust burner air shutters
if needed to obtain complete combustion of the fuel. This
ensures safe, efficient operation.
26. FLAME RECTIFICATION on newer furnaces
which prove the flame-by-flame rectification principle, we
will use a meter that can accurately measure the micro amps
of current. This will eliminate the furnace not starting.
27. TEMPERATURE RISE will be checked to ensure
that it is within the limits listed by the manufacturer. This
will eliminate short cycling and furnaces overheating which
can cause premature heat exchanger failure.
28. MANIFOLD GAS PRESSURE proper pressure
is required to control fuel input to the furnace burners.
This controls fuel consumption and stops delayed ignition.
29. CONDENSATE DRAIN will be checked to assure
it is open. Algae can plug a condensate drain which can cause
expensive water damage
30. SECURE ALL PANELS. Loose panels can increase
operating costs and cause a dangerous condition.
31. QUALITY INSPECTION will examine quality
of installation along with equipment condition area and clearances.
HUMIDIFIER
MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
1. Confirm operation
2. Check humidistat
3. Check for proper voltage, high and low
4. Check all wiring and connections
5. Repair any loose, burnt or frayed wiring
6. Check all water tubing connections, and tighten any loose
connections
7. Change evaporator pad
8. Clean orifice at solenoid
9. Check solenoid for proper operation
10. Clean water pan or collector tray
11. Check for proper drainage
12. Check humidifier level and pitch on duct
13. Check amp draw on induction motor (if applicable)
14. Check saddle valve for proper operation
15. Finally cycle humidifier
Of course, many serious problems and equipment failures can
be avoided with annual maintenance of your air conditioning
system and furnace. A Thorn Heating USA maintenance agreement
is the solution. And by becoming a member of our "USA
," you will save money on seasonal maintenance as well
as emergency service and repair calls.
Helpful Maintenance Tips
* Change your filters
monthly, even thru the summer months. A clean filter insures
proper airflow and keeps your air conditioner from freezing
up.
* Keep the outside condensing unit clean of debris. Turn off
you unit and spray it with a garden hose straight down and
brush cottonwood and leaves from the vents.
* Have your air conditioner condenser cleaned yearly. It is
possible to loose up to 1 SEER rating each year the unit is
not cleaned.
* Have your furnace inspected yearly. Yearly cleanings help
keep the efficiency rating at which your furnace is suppose
to run. It will help keep your utility bills down. Also the
heat exchanger will be inspected for any carbon monoxide leaks.
* Your furnace & air
conditioner is probably one of the most expensive pieces of
equipment in your home. Having regular tune-ups help prevent
breakdowns, improves comfort and helps your equipment last
longer, also when the equipment is tuned up it performs closer
to specifications and does not use an excessive amount of
energy
Before you call for service – Check this
* Check
your breakers, inside and outside. Storms sometimes will trip
them.
* Check
the switch on the furnace. It could have been accidentally
turned off.
* Check
the disconnect on the air conditioner unit. This is the box
on the outside of the house by the unit.
* Check
your filter. Make sure it is clean. A dirty filter can block
airflow and freeze up the unit; it cannot be serviced until
it is thawed
* If
you have ice build up on the black line running from the air
conditioner into the house, it is frozen up. Shut the unit
off, check your filter and change it if needed, let it thaw
and see if it starts cooling properly. If not, you possibly
have a Freon leak and the unit will have to be serviced.
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