Your heating and air conditioning system probably isn’t something you think about often — until something goes wrong. You expect it to perform, day after day, season after season, reliably and efficiently. But for that to happen, you do need to think about it at least twice a year when you schedule a seasonal tune-up. So, what can you expect during HVAC maintenance? Here’s what a comprehensive tuneup service should include.
Inspecting Your HVAC System
Your HVAC technician’s first step is to visually inspect your entire system, including both indoor and outdoor units. This is a good time to replace your system’s air filters if needed, as this is one of the most important maintenance tasks. These are some items the service technician will inspect:
- Electrical connections — Check for frayed wires and the motor’s current and voltage.
- Thermostats — The display should match the actual temperature within the home.
- Condensate drain line — Check for clogs that could lead to water damage, biological growth and poor indoor air quality.
- Airflow — Look for leaks in air ducts, excessive dirt or debris that could cause poor circulation or damage.
- Refrigerant level — Low levels cause poor efficiency and could damage the system; leaks must be repaired.
- Exhaust outlets and fuel lines, if your system uses gas for heating.
During a spring tune-up, your technician will focus on the cooling system to prepare it for the hot weather ahead. A winter tune-up is important as well. Even though Florida residents will only use their heating systems for a short time, your system will be ready to go when it’s chilly outside.
Cleaning Your HVAC System
Although your system’s air filter works to keep dirt and dust out of the air ducts and other components, A layer of dust will inevitably collect on these internal parts. During the inspection, your technician may find that certain parts do need cleaning. The technician may clean the evaporator coil, condenser, blower and condensate drain line. Your ductwork may need cleaning as well to prevent poor air quality and inefficiency. Outdoor units can also be affected by dirt, leaves or other debris. The HVAC service technician will clean these if needed.
Repairing HVAC Components
During the inspection, your technician may find minor repairs that are needed, such as routine replacement of parts, tightening connections or adjusting the thermostat. Your technician can typically repair these minor issues during the visit. However, if more extensive repairs are needed, your technician may need to return at a future date. Scheduling repairs immediately can not only ensure uninterrupted performance of your HVAC system, but it can also prevent more extensive damage from occurring.
Scheduling regular inspections and tune-ups for your HVAC system has many benefits beyond making sure it doesn’t quit working on the hottest day of the summer. It can also save you money on utility bills, improve indoor air quality, and help your system last longer before it needs replacement. It’s one of the best investments you can make to ensure your family’s ongoing comfort and peace of mind.
