HVAC Tune-Up Checklist: What Maintenance Should Include

Modern HVAC systems are robust machines that work hard to keep your home comfortable, no matter the weather. Still, you shouldn’t neglect your unit if you want it to remain in top operating condition for years to come. That’s where HVAC tune-ups come in. If it’s been more than a year since your last maintenance visit, consider scheduling an appointment sooner rather than later. Here’s a look at why preventative maintenance is important and the HVAC tune-up checklist your technician should follow.

Is an HVAC Tune-Up Worth It?

Life is busy. Do you really need to make time for an air conditioning tune-up every spring and a furnace tune-up in the fall? The short answer is yes. Preventative maintenance is the single best way to enjoy improved dependability and efficiency from your heating and cooling equipment. On the other hand, neglected HVAC systems may fall prey to these problems:

More frequent breakdowns: You count on your HVAC system for year-round home comfort. That last thing you want is for your furnace or air conditioner to break down on a freezing winter night or sweltering summer afternoon. With routine maintenance, you can help prevent this scenario.
More expensive repairs: Maintenance can catch small problems early, such as a fraying fan belt or loose mechanical component. By correcting these issues during a maintenance visit, you can avoid inconvenient breakdowns and more costly repairs later in the season.
Higher utility costs: No one wants to pay more than necessary on their heating and cooling bills. When your HVAC system is clean, lubricated, and tuned up, it can keep your home comfortable while consuming less energy, lowering your operating costs in the process.
Comfort problems: A home heated and cooled by an old, neglected HVAC system is more likely to feel stuffy and uncomfortable. Planned tune-ups are the key to adequate airflow, ideal humidity levels, and even temperatures throughout the house.
Shorter lifespan: Your furnace and air conditioner should last at least 10 to 15 years. However, neglected systems tend to give out years sooner, forcing you to replace your HVAC equipment prematurely. Only regular tune-ups can promote season after season of reliable operation.
Safety hazards: Neglected furnaces could develop a gas leak or expose your family to harmful carbon monoxide gas, while air conditioners can experience dangerous electrical problems. Annual testing and repairs can put your mind at ease, knowing your equipment is running safely.
Voided warranty coverage: Most HVAC manufacturers recognize the importance of tune-ups, so they require routine maintenance in their warranty agreements. This means failing to have your furnace and air conditioner tuned up could void your coverage. If you attempt to file a claim, you’ll be out of luck because the manufacturer will argue that you neglected your system. To prevent this scenario, make sure you understand the terms of your policy, adhere to them carefully, and hold onto maintenance receipts in case you ever need to file a claim.

HVAC Tune-Up Checklist

As a responsible homeowner, you can do several things to keep your heating and cooling system humming along. These include replacing the air filter every one to three months, spraying down the outdoor unit to remove debris, and keeping your air vents open and unblocked. But while these maintenance tasks are beneficial, they aren’t enough. You also need regular in-depth service visits to prevent your system from falling into neglect.

A maintenance visit from a qualified HVAC technician involves a meticulous visual inspection and cleaning. Your air conditioner or furnace may require small repairs, depending on what the technician finds. Here’s what HVAC tune-ups entail:

Install the customer-supplied air filter
Inspect motor, measure airflow, and adjust the blower wheel and housing
Test the registers to check for hot and cold spots
Ensure proper startup and shutdown cycles
Tighten all electrical connections
Check for proper fuse type and size
Test unit input voltage and current
Take amperage draws on motors
Test all safety controls
Clear the condensate drain line, if needed
Clean the cabinet exterior
Inspect the ductwork for leaks or signs of damage
Test thermostat operation
Inspect current air quality products and recommend upgrades
Inspect the condenser and evaporator coils (cooling only)
Measure the refrigerant operating parameters. (cooling only)
Test for carbon monoxide and gas leaks (heating only)
Inspect and adjust the burner assembly (heating only)
Assess the ignition system and igniter (heating only)
Check the pilot light, thermocouple or the flame sensor (heating only)
Visually inspect the heat exchanger for heat stress, safety concerns, or failures on older units (all visits)

How Much Does an HVAC Tune-Up Cost?

Different HVAC companies charge different rates to tune up your heating and cooling system. At Allen Service, we strive to keep costs down for our customers. That’s why we offer valuable HVAC, plumbing, and electrical coupons to make your tune-ups as affordable as possible.

You can save even more and enjoy other valuable benefits by signing up for a Healthy Home Plan membership. Join for a small monthly fee and receive four home maintenance visits per year, plus priority service, discounts on all service calls, upgraded warranty coverage, and much more!

Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up in Fort Collins

When you choose Allen Service to maintain your heating and cooling equipment, you’ll receive an extensive system evaluation. We’re careful to leave no stone unturned as we inspect your furnace or air conditioner to ensure your safety and peace of mind. To schedule an HVAC tune-up in Northern Colorado or request more information about our Healthy Home Plan, please call Allen Service at 970-484-4841 or contact us online today.