Through preventative AC maintenance, you may be able to prevent thousands of dollars in repair costs. For instance, a new compressor or evaporator coils can easily cost more than $1,000 to repair. By taking care of your AC, you can prevent emergency repairs from happening.

When your AC breaks down, it’s never at a convenient time. Air conditioners break when they’re being used the most, which means your emergency repairs will most likely occur during peak usage times. Worse still, everyone else will also need emergency repairs at the same time.

If your AC does need repairs, it’s important to turn to a reliable company to help. With the assistance of an experienced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician, you can get the problem diagnosed and repaired right away.

Why Preventative Maintenance is Essential for Your AC System

By getting preventative maintenance, you can enjoy a number of important benefits.

• Prevent Costly Repairs: The best AC maintenance tips can help you prevent costly repairs from happening because a well-maintained AC is less likely to break down.
• Improve Energy Efficiency: Many maintenance issues, like dirty filters, force your AC to work harder. By changing your filter and maintaining your AC, you can spend less money on your energy bills.
• Boost AC Lifespan: If your AC is maintained and needs fewer repairs, it will likely last longer. A typical air conditioner can last 15 to 20 years if it is properly cared for.
• Avoid System Failures: The last thing you want during a heat wave is a surprise system failure. By taking care of your AC, you’re reducing emergency AC repairs and system failures.
• Increase Performance: Additionally, better maintenance helps your system achieve its maximum performance during critical times.

Key Maintenance Tips to Prevent Emergency AC Repairs

To minimize the likelihood of emergency AC repairs, use the following AC maintenance tips. For more complicated maintenance tasks, reach out to an HVAC professional for expert assistance.

• Regularly Replace Air Filters: The AC filter is supposed to be cleaned or replaced every 30 to 90 days. If this doesn’t happen, it can cause extra strain on your system and reduce the AC’s efficiency.
• Inspect and Clean Condenser Coils: Condenser coils must be free from dirt and debris. You can wash off the dirt with a hose or get an HVAC technician to help you.
• Check Refrigerant Levels: If the refrigerant is low, it can cause overheating and system failure. Low refrigerant is often due to leaks, which must be repaired by an HVAC professional. In addition, anyone who recharges refrigerant must have a special certification.
• Ensure Proper Thermostat Function: When your thermostat isn’t working, it can cause the rest of your AC to work harder than necessary. If the sensor is broken, the AC may also have issues kicking on when it needs to.
• Inspect Ductwork for Leaks: If there are gaps in your ductwork, cold air can escape. This means your system will have to work harder and use more energy to cool your home. Additionally, it can cause uneven cooling. Fortunately, a professional technician can quickly find and repair leaks if this is the problem.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for Optimal Performance

Air conditioning upkeep isn’t just for the summertime. There are preventative AC maintenance tasks you can do during each season to keep your HVAC system working its best.

• Spring: During the springtime, it’s important to schedule a professional inspection and tune-up. You want your system to be ready before summer arrives. Other than scheduling an inspection, you should also clean the coils and replace the filters.
• Summer: When summer arrives, it is important to pay attention to unusual noises or cooling issues. These may indicate a repair requirement or a strain on your system.
• Fall: Once fall sets in, it is time to clean around your outdoor unit. Then, cover it up to prevent debris from getting inside during the off-season.
• Winter: When your AC isn’t in use, it’s important to turn it off properly. You should make sure it is protected from winter weather.

The Role of Professional HVAC Services in Preventative Maintenance

A professional HVAC company, like Rogue Valley Heating & Air, can help you diagnose and repair problems. By scheduling a professional inspection, you can catch potential issues before they spiral out of control. Partnering with a professional for your comprehensive maintenance can help you save money in the long run and keep your system functioning smoothly.

When to Seek Help from an Emergency AC Repair Service

With proper HVAC maintenance, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns. However, even the best preventative care can’t stop every emergency issue from happening. Through the best emergency AC repair service, you can get help for important problems, like frequent cycling, a lack of cool air, and strange noises.

Preventative Maintenance Can Prevent Costly Repairs

Getting preventative AC maintenance on a regular basis can help by reducing emergency AC repairs, boosting your energy efficiency, and avoiding unexpected breakdowns. Other than using the best HVAC maintenance tips, you can also protect your system by scheduling regular inspections with a company like Rogue Valley Heating & Air.

When an issue occurs, it needs to be dealt with before it becomes a larger problem. With the help of a trusted emergency AC repair service, you can quickly address the problem and find a solution.

When she was young, Sara Mazin moved around a lot. That’s because her family wanted the best opportunities for her that she coundn’t have in a third-world country. Born in Mauritania, North Africa, and after just one month, Mazin initially moved to Berwyn, Ill. and lived there until she was 16. She moved across the country to Irvine, Calif. to live with her sister so she could have a fresh start, and graduate high school.

As a young adult, Sara entered the trades by completing nine months at the now closed WyoTech College in Long Beach, focusing on the plumbing trades. Right after finishing the program, at the age of 19, Mazin was hired as a plumbing apprentice at Rescue Rooter Riverside. “I was bored, frankly,” says Mazin. “But by the time I worked my way up to plumbing service tech after six months, that’s when I fell in love with the trade.”

Working for the company was a good experience, but Mazin felt it was too big for her so she looked for a smaller company to work for where she could continue to learn, and have more opportunities. Mazin spent eight years with Kalka Plumbing Heating and Air as a plumbing service technician and field supervisor before she left to start her own company—Sara’s Best Plumbing, Orange County, Calif. Some two short years later, Sara runs a successful plumbing service and repair company with five employees.

You see Sara is a fast riser. What started as digging trenches, Sara worked her way up to the top, becoming a licensed Master Plumber. “When I realized I had that really strong passion for the trade, I had a vision to build a company that would impact not only my family, but other families throughout the plumbing trade and industry,” says Mazin.

Sara started Sara’s Best Plumbing in 2022, and early on, “I was extremely nervous to get the phone to ring,” says Mazin. “At first, I reached out and networked with everyone I knew. I focused on developing my online platforms—Instagram, facebook, Yelp, TikTok—to reach as many people as I could. I also focused on registering as a certified contractor with all the major manufacturers in the plumbing industry.”

Mentoring and Moving Forward

Mazin has gained such an admiration for the trades over the years. “I have so much respect and appreciation for the trade. There is literally nothing that I do not like about the trade,” she says.

Mazin recalls some of her mentors to help her get to where she is today. Thomas Gillespie, former plumbing manager at Kalka Plumbing and current GM at NexGen, taught Sara a lot of the sales and service and side of the industry. Kevin Kalka, owner of Kalka Plumbing really taught Sara a lot about the trade and plumbing. And lastly, Sara’s brother Abdul and sister Amna are mentors and role models in both business and life.

Loving the the problem-solving side of the trade and being able to solve problems for her clients, Sara absolutely considers herself a mentor. “I love leading by example, and passing on my knowledge and experience. I have always done that with my previous coworkers and now my employees at Sara’s Best Plumbing. I wish I was more of a mentor to women and would love that opportunity,” says Mazin.

And while Sara welcomes the role of mentoring for women, “I think the industry needs to be more diverse in bringing more minorities to leadership roles. They, in turn, can be role models for more people,” says Mazin. “It is really hard being what you haven’t seen. Meaning, we need more women/minorities in roles of leadership to open up more opportunities.”

In her “spare” time, Sara likes to be active: go on hikes, workout and trying any new activities. To decompress, she enjoys listening to music, cooking, and watching Netflix. Her bucket list items include 1) Going on a Safari in Africa 2) Sitting courtside at an NBA Game and 3) Visiting Italy or Fiji.

And while every day Sara is thankful everyday for the opportunities given to her, the last time she said “Today is a great day, ‘It was on the 4th of July when I got to spend time and hang out with my family eating BBQ’d and watching fireworks.’”

Malco recognized as a MNSTAR facility and takes home Governor’s Safety Award

Malco Tools, one of the nation’s leading solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction trades, announced that it has earned two of the state’s top safety recognitions: Minnesota STAR (MNSTAR) certification from the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA), and the 2024 Governor’s Safety Award, awarded by the Minnesota Safety Council.

Malco’s headquarters in Annandale is one of just 36 MNSTAR-certified facilities in the state, recognized as a leading company that goes beyond basic compliance with all applicable OSHA standards to prevent job-related injuries and illnesses. Prior to earning this top recognition, Malco rigorously maintained its MNOSHA Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MNSHARP) recognition since 2004.

The MNSTAR certification was marked by a flag-raising ceremony held at Malco’s plant in Annandale on Wednesday, Aug. 7, attended by state and local officials.

Malco hosted a ceremonial flag-raising event on Aug. 7 to celebrate its MNSTAR certification.

Additionally, as a result of its safety-first culture, Malco has earned the Governor’s Safety Award 14 times in the last 20 years. Malco was presented with the award during a ceremony in early May.

Key elements of Malco’s comprehensive health and safety program include:

• A Safety Management System based on one of the country’s highest safety programs, complete with annual safety goals that are shared across the organization
• Monthly full-company reviews of safety performance metrics
• An active and engaged Safety Committee that reviews safety procedures, completes additional safety trainings throughout the year and monitors progress
• Paid time for associates to participate in safety-related activities
• Regular safety inspections and safe work observations

“Our number one priority at Malco is keeping our 150+ associates safe,” said Chris Strand, safety and environmental manager at Malco. “We are very committed to safety, from the highest levels of the organization on down. We have always highly valued our relationship with MNOSHA, and are very proud to receive the MNSTAR recognition.”

Scott Crane, chief strategy officer at Malco, added: “It is great to be recognized with these top safety designations, as it is testament to our team’s collaborative efforts in developing successful safety and health programs that we are all very proud of and that make Malco a great place to work.”

For more information about Malco Tools, visit www.malcotools.com.

Is your HVAC company still trying to service clients without sewer line video equipment? A sewer line camera is an invaluable diagnostic tool that allows HVAC professionals to see inside plumbing systems beyond what can be observed with the naked eye. As you know, a home’s plumbing system is actually an integral part of its HVAC system because it’s common for HVAC systems to connect to main sewer lines via drainage lines. This setup makes it possible for collected water to drain out of the home via larger pipes. However, the sewer line remains a mystery for most HVAC pros. Don’t let your inability to get a clear view lead to a frustrating misdiagnosis. Sewer line cameras make is easy to accurately and clearly diagnose the following issues in minutes:

•  Odors.
•  Blockages and clogs
•  Broken or cracked parts

For clients, getting an accurate and fast diagnosis is valuable because it saves both time and money. It also safeguards them from spending money on the wrong solution. Sewer line cameras erase the need for hunches and best guesses. That’s precisely why so many clients now expect a camera-based inspection when they call an HVAC pro to help with a mysterious problem. Here’s a look at the two core reasons why your HVAC company needs sewer line video equipment.

Sewer Line Cameras Save Money

Why spend countless hours making a single diagnosis when you can get a crystal-clear picture of the problem in minutes? Snaking cameras allow HVAC pros to diagnose an issue in the fraction of the time it once took to troubleshoot plumbing-adjacent problems. The high level of accuracy created by a visually based diagnosis also saves money by reducing the risk that you’ll get a call back from the customer hours or days later letting you know that you didn’t provide the right fix. The savings offered by a sewer line camera are compounded if your company offers fixed-rate pricing or free services through service plans.

Sewer Line Cameras Can Lead to More Satisfied Customers

Customers love the transparency and accuracy that come from plumbing cameras. First, customers feel confident when working with companies that embrace the latest technology to innovate their services instead of relying on outdated techniques. Next, customers also appreciate the ability to see the finished results in real time. Generally, HVAC work involving sewer lines or drain lines is “hidden” because it can’t be observed from the surface. However, sewer line cameras give your clients the ability to see that a clog, crack, or other issue has been detected with real-time visual proof.

How to Choose the Best Sewer Camera for Your HVAC Business

When selecting a high-quality sewer line camera for your HVAC business, it’s important to prioritize models that offer high-quality video recording, high-quality audio performance, LED lighting, wide-screen viewing, a typewriter feature for notes, and capabilities for data sharing and storage. That last feature on the list is important because clients will generally request to see your footage. In addition, it’s important to select a camera with adequate recording time to ensure that footage doesn’t stop during a critical recording moment. It goes without saying that any camera you select should also be 100% waterproof.

Of course, it’s also important to select a sewer camera that’s in your purchasing budget. If you’d like to save money because your HVAC company only requires camera footage of plumbing lines occasionally, hiring a local plumbing company offering sewer line video inspection services may be the more economical choice because you won’t need to purchase and maintain your own pricey camera equipment. The other benefit of hiring pros for the job is that sewer line cameras should only be operated by experienced professionals in the first place.