How do I maintain my Amana® brand heating and cooling system?
Like any other appliance or piece of machinery, heating and cooling systems periodically require service to ensure that they perform properly and to improve the unit’s longevity. There are some routine maintenance tasks that most homeowners can perform, and there are more sophisticated, scheduled maintenance measures that most homeowners should leave to their local Amana brand dealer. We recommend having your system professionally serviced twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall before peak usage seasons by your local Amana brand dealer.
Here are a couple of HVAC system-servicing tasks that you can do yourself:
- Ensure Your Air Filters Are Correctly Functioning: Depending on the type of air filter you use for your air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, it is recommended to replace the filter every one to three months. If you employ washable filters, you should clean them once a month.
- Clear The Space Around Your Outdoor Unit: Keep debris such as grass or weeds away from your outdoor air conditioning or heating unit. Generally, two feet of clear space around the unit is recommended.
Here are some preventative maintenance measures and inspections a qualified heating and cooling dealer, such as your local Amana brand dealer, often performs during a system checkup:
- Check heating and cooling system controls to verify proper start-up, operation and shutdown.
- Ensure that the condensate drain is not clogged.
- Lubricate moving parts, specifically fan motor.
- Ensure electrical connections are functioning properly and test the electric voltage to the motor.
- Perform thermostat-setting diagnostics.
- Clean evaporator and condenser coils.
- Confirm that refrigerant levels are correct throughout the heating and cooling system.
- Inspect the blower and associated components to ensure that they are clear and functioning correctly.
- Inspect furnace components, including gas connections and valves, and burner assembly and heat exchanger for correct function.
The exact preventative maintenance that your local Amana brand dealer will perform depends on your exact heating and cooling system, your applicable local code and your general atmospheric weather patterns.
A resource that homeowners may want to consider is the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association provides on preventative maintenance and unit inspections. It can be found here.