Do You Need an HVAC Tune-Up?

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system works tirelessly to keep your home cool during the blazing hot summer and warm during the freezing cold winter. A well-maintained HVAC system is the key to a comfortable interior and affordable energy bills. So, the question is, do you need an HVAC tune-up? Learn what signs to watch for, the steps involved in seasonal HVAC maintenance, and the benefits of making this preventative service an annual priority.

Signs You Need an HVAC Tune-Up

Your HVAC system might be trying to give you hints, but these signs are easy to overlook if you don’t know what to watch for. Pay attention to what your furnace and air conditioner are telling you to prevent more severe problems in the future.

• Increased energy bills: Are your electricity and gas bills creeping up despite no significant change in usage? This is a strong signal that your HVAC system isn’t as efficient as it once was. An AC or furnace tune-up can get things back on track.
• Uneven heating or cooling: If you feel cold in one room and overheated in another, this might mean your HVAC system is struggling to maintain a consistent temperature, indicating it’s time for a tune-up.
• Odd noises: Your heating and cooling equipment might not be silent, but it shouldn’t make banging, squealing, or rattling noises. Loud operation could indicate a loose or broken part, requiring your immediate attention.
• Short-cycling: If your HVAC system has been turning on and off more frequently than usual, it might be working harder than necessary. This points to inefficient operation and the need for a tune-up.
• Bad odors: Your furnace and air conditioner shouldn’t produce unpleasant smells. If they do, a range of issues could be to blame, from mold growth to electrical problems. A tune-up is a great way to find and fix the underlying cause.
• Poor airflow: Is the air coming from your vents more of a whisper than a gust? Weak airflow might hint at a clogged air filter or blower issue.
• Excess moisture: Water leaks or unusually high indoor humidity could point to a low refrigerant charge or problems with your AC’s drainage system.
• Aging components: If your HVAC equipment is over 10 years old, its efficiency could rapidly decline, making regular tune-ups necessary to keep it performing well.
• Frequent repairs: Is your heating and cooling contractor on speed dial? Consider this a sign that your air conditioner and furnace could benefit from regular tune-ups to prevent recurrent breakdowns.
• Over a year since your last visit: If you can’t remember when you last scheduled a tune-up, it’s probably time to put it on the calendar. Maintenance is recommended once a year to improve your HVAC system’s longevity and efficiency.

What a Seasonal Tune-Up Entails

A comprehensive HVAC tune-up involves much more than a quick glance and wipe-down. Depending on the season, your maintenance visit will focus on the air conditioner or the furnace.

General Maintenance Tasks

Whether performed in the spring or fall, every tune-up should include these services:

• Replace the air filter
• Inspect the ductwork
• Lubricate moving parts
• Tighten electrical wiring
• Clean and adjust the blower motor
• Check and calibrate the thermostat
• Measure airflow and temperature
• Test safety controls

Cooling System Maintenance

An air conditioning tune-up, ideally performed in the spring, should include these tasks:

• Inspect and clean the outdoor condenser coil
• Inspect and clean the indoor evaporator coil
• Measure the refrigerant charge and fix any leaks
• Check the condensate drain

Heating System Maintenance

A furnace tune-up, best performed in the fall, involves these steps:

• Inspect the heat exchanger
• Clean and adjust the burner assembly
• Assess the ignition system
• Check gas pressure and connections
• Test carbon monoxide levels
• Clean the cabinet exterior

Benefits of HVAC Maintenance

Regular furnace and air conditioner tune-ups are a predictable, affordable cost that pays for itself in many ways. Here’s how this investment can benefit you:

• Improved efficiency: A well-maintained HVAC system performs better than a neglected one, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.
• Fewer unexpected breakdowns: Routine maintenance is the perfect time for technicians to identify potential issues before they become big problems. This helps you avoid inconvenient, potentially costly repairs later on.
• Extended lifespan: Just like routine oil changes can help your car last well beyond 100,000 miles, regular tune-ups can prolong the life of your furnace and air conditioner.
• Boosted home comfort: Regular maintenance promotes the ideal humidity level and more consistent temperatures throughout your home.
• Quieter operation: With various components lubricated and tightened where needed, your system operates with fewer squeaks and rattles.
• Improved indoor air quality: Replacing the air filter, adjusting humidity control settings, and cleaning the ductwork during a tune-up promotes healthier indoor air free of dust, allergens, and mold.
• Peace of mind: Tune-ups ensure there are no gas leaks, electrical hazards, or risks of CO poisoning, providing you with peace of mind that your home is safe.

Schedule Your Next HVAC Tune-Up

To maximize the benefits of furnace and AC maintenance, choose Allen Service as your HVAC service provider. After 60+ years in the industry, we’ve earned the trust of families across Fort Collins thanks to our high degree of professionalism and dedication in every job we perform. Don’t leave your comfort to chance—call us at 970-484-4841 today to schedule your next HVAC tune-up. We’ll ensure your heating and cooling system works efficiently and reliably, season after season.