Strange noises, an unusual smell, and rooms that never reach the set temperature. These are all signs that your HVAC system needs a tune-up.
If you’ve never scheduled one before, you might be wondering what an HVAC tune-up means and what to expect. This guide walks you through what you need to know and why you need them.
What to Expect From an HVAC Tune-Up
You rely on your heating and cooling system to feel more comfortable at home or in your commercial building year-round. It also filters the air and can help improve indoor air quality.
If you neglect regular maintenance, your system can start to break down and struggle to run efficiently. This can lead to all sorts of problems, such as higher energy bills, a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and a lack of air filtration.
It’s a good idea to get an inspection and tune-up prior to the heating and cooling season. Technicians will look for wear and tear, suggest changes, make repairs, and more.
An HVAC tune-up generally consists of the following:
- Filter inspection
- Cleaning burners
- Cleaning AC components
- Checking the blower belt and the power motor
- Checking carbon monoxide levels
- Adjusting refrigerant levels
- Checking for wear
- Lubricating parts
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Testing thermostat and calibrating
- Testing the emergency shut off
- Inspecting the ductwork
- Looking at the safety controls
- Cleaning the drain line and trap
- Looking for leaks
- Tightening loose electrical connections
- Inspecting the heat exchanger
- Checking electrical wiring for ratings and connections
A professional technician will come to inspect and clean your HVAC system, ensuring that everything is working as it should. This provides several benefits, such as peace of mind knowing you’ll catch issues early. Plus, many warranties require an annual maintenance plan of some sort to remain active.
When to Get an HVAC Tune-Up
So, what’s the best HVAC tune-up timeline? We recommend scheduling HVAC maintenance at least once a year. That includes an inspection of both your central AC system and the furnace.
For heat pump systems, it’s a good idea to have them maintained every six months.
Of course, if you suspect something is wrong with your heating or cooling system, be sure to schedule repairs as soon as possible. Strange sounds or smells are signs something might be broken.
Regular maintenance can spot issues early on that will reduce the chances of your system wearing down prematurely.
Our checklist provides a general idea of what to expect, but you can always ask the HVAC company to learn more. It’s also a good idea to ask about how you can care for your HVAC system and what tasks a homeowner can do to keep it running smoothly. For instance, removing debris or cleaning around the AC unit.
Stay Comfortable All Year
An HVAC tune-up consists of a complete inspection of your furnace and central AC system. If a technician sees anything amiss, they’ll adjust it and bring it to your attention.
Natal Air Conditioning has all of your tune-up, repair, and installation services covered! Send us a message to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
