Author: Matt

​Do Allergies Cause Your Cooling and Heating Systems to Work More?

In a seasonal response to the mind numbing amount of allergens blowing around in the Sacramento Valley right now, we ask the rhetorical question of whether or not HVAC systems that are owned by allergy sufferers wear out sooner? Or, are allergy sufferers replacing their HVAC systems more often because they are in use more?

In Part 1 of the Allergy series we focused on the need for allergy sufferers to run their systems more than the average household because they don’t have the luxury of opening the windows to bring in fresh or cooler air, and the impact that has on the family budget due to increased electrical usage. The choice is either to sit around in a stuffy, hot house, or turn on the HVAC system and let it move the air about and cool it.

At first blush one might think that since the system is constantly running that it would wear out faster. But allergy sufferers are more likely to keep their air filters clean, more likely to have preventive maintenance on their systems, and more likely to get more efficient systems when they do replace them to help control electricity costs. All of these variables actually lead to a longer life for the HVAC system.

HVAC Maintenance Extends the Life of Your Heating & Cooling System

When we regularly take our vehicles to Jiffy Lube, and when we regularly rotate our tires, and when we take our cars to the mechanic if the lights on the dash start flashing, we will extend the life of our vehicles and we will maximize the efficiency of our vehicles. The same logic applies to your HVAC system. Most of you know that the HVAC system is the single largest mechanical operating system in the home. If you’ve recently replaced yours, you also know that it is the single most expensive operating system in the home.

When you go looking for a used car to buy, and you can find one that has mostly highway mileage, you’re more likely to get that big smile on your face because you know it has had less stop and start driving, which is harder on a vehicle. The same principle applies to HVAC systems. Stopping and starting is the hard part, so a system running efficiently, and with variable speeds (think your automatic transmission on your new vehicle) will operate longer in minutes per cycle, but because the system is running more efficiently, will lead to a longer life. 

The Verdict

So the answer to the question of whether allergy sufferers “kill” their HVAC equipment sooner, is that if the system is properly sized, and the proper “prescription” of efficiency is applied on the install, then the system should operate longer and have a healthier (less breakdowns) life than a system that does not fill the bill correctly. For any questions or to schedule HVAC maintenance in the Sacramento area call Love and Care Heating & Air (916)714-1143 or visit our site.

Can Allergies Lead to Higher Energy Bills?

The question is not a proverbial one for allergy sufferers in the Sacramento Valley: Do allergy sufferers pay more for electricity? The answer is a simple yes, and it’s going to get worse. If you live in the Sacramento area and you have allergies, unless you are heavily medicated, you are quite miserable most of the time that you spend outdoors. But if you are indoors, and you want to be comfortable as the temperatures start to climb, then you have to turn on your air conditioners sooner in the year and more often because opening the windows is NOT an option.

Recently SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) announced the new fee structure for electricity rates in the Sacramento Valley. It’s a pretty dramatic rate increase between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., about 32% for electricity usage during non-summer months, and a whopping 300% increase during summer months. The two biggest electricity users in the household are the clothes dryer and the air conditioner. While you will fairly easily be able to re-schedule your laundry hours around the higher rate times, you will likely be stuck with the bill for the air conditioner in the hot afternoons when you come home from work. 

The peak rates will negatively affect allergy sufferers disproportionately. Opening the windows to catch the Delta Breeze is not an option. Nor is opening the window and running the whole house fan. Yep, allergy sufferers are going to be caught holding the bag (and not the bag of money!)

If you are an allergy sufferer, and you have an older air conditioning system, it’s time to rethink how you are apportioning the dollars in your household. Newer, high-efficiency air conditioning systems perform much better than the old ones, saving valuable energy dollars and allowing you to cost-effectively run your comfort system, and actually be comfortable in your home. In many cases, money you are already spending, or will be spending with the new fee structure, will off-set the cost of the new system.

Additionally, if you have an older air conditioner, and have been having problems with it in the past, it makes even more sense to change it out now. In less than a year, January 1, 2020 to be exact, older systems running on refrigerant type R-22 will no longer be able to be serviced. The EPA is restricting the use of R-22 refrigerant down to ZERO. No system repairs requiring refrigerant capture and replace, or system charges (top off the tank) will be able to be performed after December 31, 2019. 

For allergy sufferers, replacing an older in-efficient system has never made more sense. If you do make the change this spring, make sure to combine it with the AirScrubber Plus, which helps to further clean and protect the home comfort system. 

The AirScrubber Plus is the same system used on space stations to keep the air clean. If you suffer from allergies and would rather upgrade your system than give all your money to the utility companies, then give us a call to schedule a no-obligation consultation regarding replacing your older air conditioning system. Happy Breathing! 

Heating and cooling are essential to comfort in the home, especially in the Greater Sacramento Area. At Love & Care Heating + Air, we strive to provide the best service options for our clients, ensuring that all HVAC systems are operating smoothly. During the summer, you rely on your cooling system, while the winter months require a quality heating system. If you are like most homeowners, you don’t give your unit a second thought until something goes wrong. It is essential to have your heating and cooling system inspected on a regular basis to ensure the system is functioning safely and properly; the best way to ensure you actually do it, is to get a Maintenance Club Membership. 

With regular maintenance from a trusted HVAC contractor (hint hint), you can rest assured knowing that your heating and cooling system is going to function every time you turn the unit on. Once you find a reliable HVAC contractor (hint hint, again), work with them to keep your unit running as well as it is capable. An energy efficient system that is operating effectively will likely save you money on utility bills as well, and keep your home comfortable year-round. 

When you avoid regular A/C maintenance, small problems can become big issues. With parts and labor, you may end up paying a larger price to have your unit fixed than if you had maintained it. However, there is an easy solution. With our Maintenance Club Membership Plans, you can ensure your equipment is inspected and cleaned twice a year, and save 15% if there are repairs needed. It’s a win/win situation in that you keep your system safe and reliable, and you save if there is work to be done.

Think of your HVAC like you would your car that you drive everyday. You wouldn’t expect it to perform well if you never took it in for an oil change, or did not change the air filters, or allowed the tires to get bald and out of round. Your HVAC is just like that! Except most people never think about it until it’s not working right, and then it’s often too late.

Love and Care Membership Plan Benefits

For ONLY $168, you receive a one-year membership to the maintenance plan. This provides you with spring and fall tune-ups of your unit to ensure your heating and cooling system is ready for summer and winter. Your membership also includes 15% off system repairs when they come up.

 If an emergency call does come up, you will have a guaranteed appointment within 48-hours of your call or your $168 will be refunded to you. With your maintenance membership plan, you will enjoy cleaner and healthier air in your home. When your HVAC system is operating safely, it gives you peace of mind for your family. 

Did you know that energy consumption for heating and air systems accounts for up to 60% of a household’s energy usage? With a membership plan you will likely see a reduction in your energy costs, as your system will be operating at its highest energy efficiency levels. 

There are no overtime fees for our members and our preventive care helps to maintain manufacturers’ warranties, some of which require regular maintenance. And remember, when the time eventually does come to replace your system, your membership is worth $600 OFF a new HVAC system. And finally, the membership plan automatically renews each year so that you do not have to worry about a lapse in coverage.

Contact our office today (916) 714-1143 or visit our contact page.

A gas fired furnace has an internal chamber used to create heat. This chamber is a heat exchanger and over time can see damage. A large amount of homes in the Sacramento area are heating by gas and default have a furnace.

Given enough time in a home and under the right conditions a heat exchanger is going to fail. The constant heating and cooling of a heat exchanger can lead to a crack or a breach. Once a heat exchanger has cracked it has failed. The manufactures are very clear about this stance. If there is ever a question if a crack is considered a failure the literature from the manufacture typically states “A crack is a failed part”

Other issues that lead to the failure of a heat exchanger

There are a few things besides age that can lead to a heat exchanger to crack. If you do not have proper air flow though your furnace you run the risk of cracking a heat exchanger prematurely. A dirty filter or ductwork that is not sized properly can lead to premature failure of your furnace.

If a furnace is over fired or underfired you run the risk of cracking a heat exchanger. The settings of the gas valve do need to becalibrated to your home and the gas input from your gas provider.

Types of inspections for cracked heat exchangers

Inspections of heating systems with cracked heat exchangers can happen a few ways:

• Visual inspection
• Visual inspection with a mirror
• Visual inspection with a camera

Some furnaces can be inspected by looking through a service port or from removing the blower motor in the furnace.

There are times where a mirror is needed to see inside the furnace to inspect the heat exchanger

A special type of camera can be used to help see a crack in a heat exchanger

If a technician is telling you there is a crack in your heat exchanger there are multiple ways to show you.

Certified inspections for cracked heat exchangers

There are not may entities that teach how to look at a furnace to determine if there is a crack in your heat exchanger. There are 2 different companies that show the proper way to look at a heat exchanger. Out of the 65,000 heating and air service technicians in the United States roughly 1,000 technicians are taught how to look at your heat exchanger yearly. You have less than a 2% chance to find a technician that knows what they are talking about when it comes to talking about the damage to a heat exchanger. A technician that has been trained to look at a heat exchanger typically has certification to prove it.

Heat exchanger warranties

Every manufacturer has different times they will provide a warranty for a cracked heat exchanger. Some warranties are 5 years, 10 years, 20 years or a lifetime. If you are not the original owner there may be a reduced warranty.

If you are having a heat exchanger replaced under warranty you will want to make sure it does not happen again. The furnace should be properly sized to your home, the gas setting should be correct and your ductwork issues should also be taken care of.

Most of the time homes do not have enough return air to support the furnace or the heat exchanger so they are enlarged to accommodate the right amount of air flow.

Second opinions on creaked heat exchangers

If you would like a second opinion on a cracked heat exchanger we would love to take care of you and help you out. We do provide a complementary 2^nd opinion on cracks in heat exchangers. If you would like a qualified technician to take a look and confirm a cracked heat exchangerJust Call 916-714-1143 and let the friendly representative know you would like a free second opinion. Since it does take some time to disassemble a furnace these appointments can take 30 – 60 minutes. 

When it comes to replacing or installing a central heating and air system you do have plenty of choices to choose from. There are pros and cons to some of the design elements. You may hear people use the term heat pump and have questions about what exactly a heat pump is

When homeowners choose heat pumps

A heat pump is a 100% electrical device with not natural gas or propane running to it. There are pockets in the Sacramento area that are all electric. If your home does not have propane or natural gas to your home you have one option, a heat pump.

The air conditioner on your heat pump is exactly what you already know and expect. The system cools exactly as it would even if you have a gas fired furnace.

In the winter you will hear the heat pump shift from heating to defrost mode. In defrost mode your heat pump shifts from heating mode to cooling mode so that this ice can be melted off of the outdoor unit. You have heat strips that are used to heat the air. A heat strip is the type of element you see in a toaster or a blow dryer. Heat strips can be expensive to run since they operate off of pure electricity.

The one downfall that homeowners say happens with a heat pump is the lack of hot air that comes out in heating mode. The air in the winter can come out at roughly 100 degrees.

Homes in areas towards the foothills and the country typically have heat pumps in the Sacramento area.

If you have gas or propane on your property there are times where heat pumps are converted to a gas fired furnace. In order to make this change a gas line needs to be added as well as an exhaust flu.

When homeowners choose furnaces

Most of the areas of Sacramento have natural gas and use a gas fired furnace to heat the home in the winter. The amount of heat a furnace produces may seem hotter to homeowners, the average temperature they comes from a furnace can be near 130 degrees. Some homeowners will also say that a gas fired furnace has the feel of humidity to the heat. A large amount of the homes in the Sacramento valley use gas for heating.

When replacing a furnace with a heat pump an extra high voltage electrical circuit needs to be ran. This circuit is used to power the indoor section of the heat pump as well as the heating strips.

When a heat pump is the right choice

There are times where a gas fired furnace does not make sense especially when using propane. Some larger furnaces can burn 1 gallon or propane an hour. The price of natural gas can fluctuate greatly and for this reason some homes may be better off with a heat pump instead. You can price yourself out of heating your home if the price of propane increases.

If your property does not have access to gas of propane the only choice is a heat pump.

How to know what choice to make for replacement a heat pump or a furnace

If it is time to replace your heating and air system you can get the right recommendation as to which way to go. We would love to take care of you and your questions when it comes to replacing your heating and air system. A design session typically takes 60-90 minutes at your home, sometimes longer if there are multiple technical requirements. Just Call 916-714-1143 and let the friendly representative know you would like information about replacing your system. 

When it comes to replacing or installing a central heating and air system you do have plenty of choices to choose from. There are pros and cons to some of the design elements. You may hear people use the term heat pump and have questions about what exactly a heat pump is

When homeowners choose heat pumps

A heat pump is a 100% electrical device with not natural gas or propane running to it. There are pockets in the Sacramento area that are all electric. If your home does not have propane or natural gas to your home you have one option, a heat pump.

The air conditioner on your heat pump is exactly what you already know and expect. The system cools exactly as it would even if you have a gas fired furnace.

In the winter you will hear the heat pump shift from heating to defrost mode. In defrost mode your heat pump shifts from heating mode to cooling mode so that this ice can be melted off of the outdoor unit. You have heat strips that are used to heat the air. A heat strip is the type of element you see in a toaster or a blow dryer. Heat strips can be expensive to run since they operate off of pure electricity.

The one downfall that homeowners say happens with a heat pump is the lack of hot air that comes out in heating mode. The air in the winter can come out at roughly 100 degrees.

Homes in areas towards the foothills and the country typically have heat pumps in the Sacramento area.

If you have gas or propane on your property there are times where heat pumps are converted to a gas fired furnace. In order to make this change a gas line needs to be added as well as an exhaust flu.

When homeowners choose furnaces

Most of the areas of Sacramento have natural gas and use a gas fired furnace to heat the home in the winter. The amount of heat a furnace produces may seem hotter to homeowners, the average temperature they comes from a furnace can be near 130 degrees. Some homeowners will also say that a gas fired furnace has the feel of humidity to the heat. A large amount of the homes in the Sacramento valley use gas for heating.

When replacing a furnace with a heat pump an extra high voltage electrical circuit needs to be ran. This circuit is used to power the indoor section of the heat pump as well as the heating strips.

When a heat pump is the right choice

There are times where a gas fired furnace does not make sense especially when using propane. Some larger furnaces can burn 1 gallon or propane an hour. The price of natural gas can fluctuate greatly and for this reason some homes may be better off with a heat pump instead. You can price yourself out of heating your home if the price of propane increases.

If your property does not have access to gas of propane the only choice is a heat pump.

How to know what choice to make for replacement a heat pump or a furnace

If it is time to replace your heating and air system you can get the right recommendation as to which way to go. We would love to take care of you and your questions when it comes to replacing your heating and air system. A design session typically takes 60-90 minutes at your home, sometimes longer if there are multiple technical requirements. Just Call 916-714-1143 and let the friendly representative know you would like information about replacing your system. 

Everyone has a different temperature they like to be comfortable at during the summer or the winter. There really is not a set expectation as to where to set the thermostat and where not to. You will find the Government as well as energy companies do have some guidelines as to where you should keep the temperature of your thermostat in the Sacramento area.

Some of the thermostat setting or temperature comes from your comfort and the other part of the equation is the overall cost of energy to pay for your comfort. Your comfort is subjective more than a science so there is no perfect setting for you that you can look for.

Use the programable thermostat

One of the ways you can regulate the temperature in your home is through the use of a programmable thermostat. You can have the setting to be one temperature when you are at home and one setting while you are gone.

One of the newer innovations is that of a smart thermostat and you can control and modify the temperature from a computer, tablet or cell phone. A smart thermostat can be one way to maximize the use of your air conditioner and when you use it.

Heating and air technicians are not relationship counselors

The question comes up frequently to heating and air conditioning technicians. As to what the thermostat should be set at. Some homeowners put the technician in a bad position in order to solve the argument. Please remember your technician is not a relationship counselor and will let you know the settings really depend upon your comfort and the desired electrical bill you may receive at the end of the month from your local utility company. The best setting for you comes from your overall budget as well as the temperature that keeps you comfortable.

Energy Savings settings for your thermostat in Sacramento

The local utility company say that the best setting for your thermostat is 78 degrees. Some agencies will tell you that savings of abut 5-10 percent can be found for every 2 degrees the temperature is increased. The increase in the temperature may decrease your comfort level for you home.

For some homeowners 78 degrees is not nearly cool enough so the temperature is lowered. Occasionally some homeowners with fixed incomes cant even use 78 degrees as the setting so they settle on a higher temperature near 80 or 82 degrees.

Change your filter frequently

If you want to get the most out of your energy savings you will want to make sure you change your filter often. Some filters were designed to last 30 days while others can get 90 days out of them. A dirty air filter blocks air flow and restricts you system increasing the wear and tear.

A clean filter allows your system to breathe properly and get the most out of the effort. As a reminder whatever gets past your filter ends up inside your system and then end up inside your home. You end up breathing the dirt and the dust that is not filtered.

Regular maintenance for your air conditioner is suggested in Sacramento

One of the most overlooked items homeowners have is their air conditioner. If your air conditioner has not been serviced recently you may want to take a look at having a maintenance performed. A full service and cleaning doesn’t just save energy it also allows a technician to catch 90% of issues before they happen. As a good reminder an air conditioner never breaks down when it is convenient, your break down will happen when you need it the most.

If you are concerned about your energy bills when you use your air conditioner we would love to take care of you and help you out. Its really easy to set up a maintenance and have your air conditioner or your furnace checked out just Call 916-714-1143. You can let one of the friendly representatives know you would like to have your system checked out. 

When your home was built the chances are good that your air conditioner was put in the most inconvenient spot possible. One of the reasons your air conditioner may be in bad spot is because it may have been the easiest for the builder with the least expanse possible to them. You may have use of the back patio or have a pool being put in and want to know if you can move your air conditioner or your heat pump.

Older systems can be noisy and in the worst spot possible when it comes to landscaping or entertaining friends in the back yard.

Are there requirements to moving an air conditioner?

In some areas in Sacramento you can move the air conditioner to the side of your home as long as there is room to get on the side of it an walk around it. Some areas an jurisdictions will only allow your air conditioner to be moves if there is enough distance form your home to the property line. In some instances the move is only allowed if there is enough room and if the air conditioner does not make a certain level of noise. There is not one definite answer to this question. The right answer comes from the town, city or the county you live in.

If you live in a development where there is a homeowners association (HOA) there may be some rules specific to the place you live as well as the local code that have to be followed.

What needs to be done to move an air conditioner

You may find the movement of an air conditioner is not always as easy as you may think it will be. There is a list of technical items you must be aware of.

• Your air conditioner must be pumped down and the refrigerant captured
• The refrigerant lines must be extended or replaced to the new location
• The high voltage electrical lines must be extended or relocated to the new location as well as an electrical disconnect box with fuses
• The low voltage line or the thermostat line must be moved or extended to the new system
• A concreate pad must be poured or a pre formed pad must be put in a level location where the refrigerant lines and the electrical has been moved to
• The area must be large enough to accommodate the move of condenser or the heat pump

Can my air conditioner be relocated to my roof in Sacramento?

In some areas in Sacramento it is common to find the air conditioner or the heat pump on the roof. The same requirements are in place as moving the air conditioner to the side of your home plus a few more:

• The high voltage electrical, low voltage and reference line must be moved to the roof.
• A stand must be added to the roof structure
• A crane would be called to move the unit to the roof. These systems can range in weight from 200 – 300 pounds
• In some counties and jurisdictions there may be sight line requirements meaning the system cant be seen from the street. In Sacramento there are some design review areas where moving the system to the roof is not allowed

Will heating and air companies move my air conditioner for me?

Some companies will only move the air conditioner if they are replacing the entire system. If it is the middle of summer it may be difficult to find someone who has the time to make the move for you.

A reputable company will make sure they follow the rules. This means a permit may need to be pulled or an inspector show up to follow the distance and noise requirements are followed. In some instances a title 24 inspection may need to be called for as well.

If you have a system that needs to be replaced and located we would love to take care of you and answer your questions. At this time we do not relocate air conditioners unless a new system is being installed. We will abide by the rules of your city or county. If you have questions about replacing your heating and air system please Call 916-714-1143. We can set up a convenient time to discuss replacing your heating and air system and the possible relocation of your air conditioner. 

If you have a bed room next to your outdoor air conditioner or like to spend time in your back yard the noise you air conditioner makes may be excessive. A common question heating and air conditioning technicians hear in Sacramento is Why is my air conditioner so noisy?

Your air conditioner is a mechanical device and it has moving parts. These moving parts by nature are going to make noise. Excessive noise may be a sign of problems on the horizon or a problem that needs attention right now.

You may find there are a few reasons for a noisy air conditioner:

• Your system may be under full load and working at 100% of capacity on a hot day
• You may have worn parts that need to be replaced or repaired, fan bearings are a common problem to create a loud squeaking noise on a hot day
• The age of your system does come into play when there are concerns about the noise. You may have an older no frill system. This means that some of the devices may not be insulated and you can hear 100% of their work load
• Devices to reduce the overall noise were not added with the install
• The system is not assembled correctly and some of the bolts or screws may have backed out. There may be internal parts shaking from the normal vibrations from the fan or the compressor

What can be done about a noisy air conditioner

If your air conditioner is older it may be time for a maintenance to make sure it is working properly. When you purchase a home, nobody tells you that these system checks really need to be performed yearly. If your air conditioner has been neglected it may be dirty. An air conditioner that needs to be cleaned not only can make loud noises you may also find that your electrical bill are more than they should be.

Can moving the air conditioner reduce the noise

Moving an air conditioner may not be as easy as you would think it would be. Some areas and jurisdictions do not allow for air conditioners to be moved. There are also codes that need to be followed for noise and or safety requirements. There are also parts that would need to be moved like the refrigerant lines, the low voltage lines as well as the high voltage lines would need to be moved as well.

Some companies will only move the air conditioner when they replace the system. If it is the middle of summer the chances are good that most companies will be too busy to make the move for you.

The age of your equipment comes into play as well

Your air conditioner may be past its prime to consider moving. Moving an old system can lead to complications and for that reasons some companies will not move older units. If the system is old and the bolts or screws are not holding well, you may find the noise just creates more problems for you in the long run.

What to do about your noisy air conditioner in Sacramento

If your system has not been maintained this is a good place for you to start. If you are worried about the noises your air conditioner is making a full maintenance can help you find out what is going on. These appointments typically take 60-90 minutes. If you have concerns about what is going on we would love to help you out and take care of you. Its really easy to find a convenient time just Call 916-714-1143 and ask the helpful representative for a preventative maintenance visit. 

If you have a bed room next to your outdoor air conditioner or like to spend time in your back yard the noise you air conditioner makes may be excessive. A common question heating and air conditioning technicians hear in Sacramento is Why is my air conditioner so noisy?

Your air conditioner is a mechanical device and it has moving parts. These moving parts by nature are going to make noise. Excessive noise may be a sign of problems on the horizon or a problem that needs attention right now.

You may find there are a few reasons for a noisy air conditioner:

• Your system may be under full load and working at 100% of capacity on a hot day
• You may have worn parts that need to be replaced or repaired, fan bearings are a common problem to create a loud squeaking noise on a hot day
• The age of your system does come into play when there are concerns about the noise. You may have an older no frill system. This means that some of the devices may not be insulated and you can hear 100% of their work load
• Devices to reduce the overall noise were not added with the install
• The system is not assembled correctly and some of the bolts or screws may have backed out. There may be internal parts shaking from the normal vibrations from the fan or the compressor

What can be done about a noisy air conditioner

If your air conditioner is older it may be time for a maintenance to make sure it is working properly. When you purchase a home, nobody tells you that these system checks really need to be performed yearly. If your air conditioner has been neglected it may be dirty. An air conditioner that needs to be cleaned not only can make loud noises you may also find that your electrical bill are more than they should be.

Can moving the air conditioner reduce the noise

Moving an air conditioner may not be as easy as you would think it would be. Some areas and jurisdictions do not allow for air conditioners to be moved. There are also codes that need to be followed for noise and or safety requirements. There are also parts that would need to be moved like the refrigerant lines, the low voltage lines as well as the high voltage lines would need to be moved as well.

Some companies will only move the air conditioner when they replace the system. If it is the middle of summer the chances are good that most companies will be too busy to make the move for you.

The age of your equipment comes into play as well

Your air conditioner may be past its prime to consider moving. Moving an old system can lead to complications and for that reasons some companies will not move older units. If the system is old and the bolts or screws are not holding well, you may find the noise just creates more problems for you in the long run.

What to do about your noisy air conditioner in Sacramento

If your system has not been maintained this is a good place for you to start. If you are worried about the noises your air conditioner is making a full maintenance can help you find out what is going on. These appointments typically take 60-90 minutes. If you have concerns about what is going on we would love to help you out and take care of you. Its really easy to find a convenient time just Call 916-714-1143 and ask the helpful representative for a preventative maintenance visit.