HVAC Repair Services

Reader Heating & Cooling specializes in heating and cooling repairs of all brands, makes, and models of HVAC equipment as well as hot water tanks, including hot water and steam boilers. Our technicians are available 24 hours a day and only a phone call away. In an emergency situation, there are some things you can do before our technicians arrive to inspect your furnace or air conditioning system.

Check your filters – If your filters are clogged then your unit will not receive sufficient airflow and therefore can interrupt your service. Changing out the blocked filters can help get your system back up and running properly.

Check return air grills and supply air – Improper air flow can cause issues with your heating and cooling system so make sure that these areas are not obstructed.

Check outside condenser coils – Inspect your coils for any debris and rinse off with garden hose as needed. When the fan is on it pulls air over the coils to relieve the heat generated by the system. This can also pull debris, pollen, leaves and other environmental matter that can clog your system.

Check your thermostat – Make sure the temperature you have selected is below room temperature for cooling and above room temperature for heating. Also be sure that the system switch is set to the correct position, for air conditioning either “cool” or “auto” and for heating either “heat” or “auto”. “Fan” should be selected if you want continuous blower operation.

Check your electrical box – Make sure that the circuit breakers are set to the “on” position.

Here are some items that a qualified service technician should check:

Disconnect switches – These are separate fuse links for electric systems. Usually found inside of a service box near the air conditioner. It’s either a switch or handle to shut off power to the unit. Due to high voltage electricity, we recommend that this only be performed by a trained professional.

Inside condenser coils on A/C – Just like the outside coil of the air conditioner the inside coil can become contaminated as well. You should only address the outside coil with garden hose. A qualified service tech should clean the inside coil if needed.

Freon or refrigerant – If your air conditioning unit is not cooling properly and is in need of Freon it may be because you have a leak. A Freon leak could damage the compressor, which is a very costly part to replace.

Thermostats – If a thermostat is faulty or an inferior quality product that has a short life span this could be affecting the overall functioning of your HVAC system.

Seasonal Maintenance Services

Seasonal maintenance can prolong the life expectancy of your heating and cooling system. We recommend scheduling maintenance for your furnace in the fall and your air conditioning unit in the spring. This will prepare your home for the harsher seasons of winter and summer when your units will be working harder. Maintaining your home’s HVAC equipment is key to preventing future problems and expenses. A trained and certified technician can perform an annual pre-season check for your units.

Seasonal Maintenance Service List for HVAC systems:

Check controls and thermostat – Our technicians will test the functioning of the controls and thermostat. This helps to ensure accurate operation so that you don’t have any unforeseen issues in the coming season.

Inspect electrical connections and control box – Our technicians will tighten any loose connections; inspect the control box, the wiring and connections for wear and damage; and measure the voltage and the currents on the motors. This helps to eliminate unsafe operations of your system and increase the longevity of the unit’s components.

Inspect fan motor and blades – Our technicians will inspect the fan motor and blades for wear and damage as well as belt alignment and tension. Our technicians will add lubrication to any motors and blowers where applicable. This helps to prolong the life of your equipment.

Inspect air handler – Our technicians will inspect the air handler for any standing water. This could be a sign that your unit needs repair.

Check filters – Our technicians will check the filters to see if replacement is needed. They can also help to determine the best type of filter for your home’s needs. This helps to keep your air quality at proper levels and ensure proper airflow and protect equipment.

Cooling Specific

Clean condenser air conditioning coils – Our technicians will clean the outdoor condensing unit. Dirty coils clogged with debris and pollen reduce the system’s ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.

Check refrigerant level – Our technician will inform if your unit has too much or too little refrigerant. Too much or too little refrigerant will make your system less efficient, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.

Inspect blower components – Our technicians will inspect all blower components. This will help ensure proper system airflow for greater comfort levels within the home. Airflow problems can reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 15 percent.

Inspect compressor – Our technicians will inspect the compressor and associated tubing for any damage or wear.

Heating Specific

Inspect gas pressure, burner combustion, heat exchanger and all gas connections – A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger can cause improper burner operation. When this happens the equipment operates less efficiently. In addition, improperly operating gas (or oil) connections are a fire hazard and can be a disaster to a home and one’s health.

Homeowners’ Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Replacing Filters – This can be one of the most overlooked practices. Filter replacement can occur anywhere from once every other month to four times a year depending on your environment, your unit, and your usage. Our technicians can help you determine how often your specific system’s filters should be changed.

Inspecting Fan, Bearings, and Belts – Proper functioning of these components are essential to increased longevity of your unit and should be checked twice annually. Issues with these components may not be as apparent but with a bi-annual inspection you can ensure optimal performance. Our technicians will check the fan motors, belt alignment, and tension, and bearing lubrication where applicable.

Inspecting Air Handler – It is important to check your air handler during the bi-annual inspection for any standing water. This could be a sign that your unit needs repair.