Preventative Maintenance

Keep your HVAC system effective and efficient with preventative maintenance.

Air conditioning Maintenance to Keep You Cool and Comfortable All Summer Long

The best time to have your air conditioning system serviced is before the cooling season begins to be sure the system is working correctly. Your air conditioning system is designed to provide you with many years of comfort, but neglecting regular maintenance can lead to expensive problems and a decline in the performance of your air conditioner. Proper AC service and maintenance is the best way to ensure that your system will continue to function correctly and efficiently.


The local air conditioning experts at Harkey Heating and Air can help you with all of your home’s AC service and maintenance needs. We provide everything from regular service to full repairs, and we’ll help you keep your home comfortable. Call us today at 704-677-4467 or contact us online to get started with a free estimate in the greater Lake Norman area.

Air Conditioning Maintenance Checklist

Here's what you can expect from our technicians during an air conditioning maintenance service appointment:


  • Check refrigerant levels and test for leaks
  • Find and seal leaks in ductwork
  • Measure airflow through evaporator coil
  • Inspect electrical wires, clean terminals and tighten connections if necessary
  • Check belts for wear and tighten or replace if necessary
  • Oil air conditioner motors
  • Check thermostat sensor


Cleaning is Critical to Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

Many of the problems that occur with central air conditioning systems are due to dirt, dust and debris. When you call us to perform basic maintenance on your system, our technicians will pay attention to the areas of your system that get dirty over time. Common maintenance steps include:


  • Air filter replacement: Forced-air heating and cooling systems rely on air filters to remove dust, pollen and other particulates from the air so that they don’t form dirt deposits on the evaporator coil or get circulated throughout the house. Each air handler unit in your forced-air system will have its own air filter. Some HVAC system air filters are reusable, while others must be replaced when they get dirty. Your HVAC contractor can tell you which type of filter you have, confirm that the correct size is being used, and show you how to replace or clean the filter.


  • Coil cleaning: A central air conditioning system has an evaporator coil located inside each air handler, and a condenser coil located outdoors. Each coil contains a long, serpentine run of copper tubing, covered by aluminum fins that promote good heat exchange. Dirt that collects on coils and fins can reduce your system’s cooling capacity by 30%, forcing your AC system to work longer and harder. Because AC coils are tricky to clean (and prone to damage), it’s best to have this part of your system professionally cleaned.


  • Condensate drain cleaning & clearing: In addition to cooling your interior air, your AC system also removes excess humidity from the air. Water condenses out of the air and needs to drain outside or to an interior drain. Part of regular AC system service should include cleaning the condensate drain and making sure there are no clogs or obstructions that might cause backups.


  • Duct sealing and duct insulation: Has your ductwork system been checked for leaks or undergone leak-sealing improvements? If not, consider having this work done by Precision Air. Leaky ductwork can diminish the performance of forced-air heating or cooling by as much as 40%. If some of your ducts are located in unconditioned spaces like crawl spaces and attics, also consider having these ducts insulated to improve efficiency.


Heating System Maintenance for Optimal Warmth

Our heating maintenance service ensures that your heating unit is properly functioning and that the safety of your heating system is in tact. This includes routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning, inspection, and repair of heating components to prevent breakdowns and ensure efficient operation. Some common heating maintenance service include:


  • Cleaning or replacing air filters
  • Checking and adjusting thermostat settings
  • Checking and tightening electrical connections
  • Lubricating moving parts
  • Inspecting and cleaning heat exchangers, burners, and pilot lights
  • Checking and testing safety controls and gas pressure
  • Inspecting and cleaning the flue and venting system
  • Conducting a carbon monoxide test
  • Checking and adjusting blower motor and belts


Regular heating maintenance service can help extend the lifespan of your heating system and ensure it operates safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of costly repairs and increasing energy efficiency. We recommend to have your heating system professionally serviced once a year, ideally before the heating season begins.

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