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HVAC Tune-ups: What’s Included and Why You Need One
You need a properly functioning HVAC system if you want to enjoy your home as much as possible. That’s why it’s important to have your air conditioner and furnace looked at by a professional regularly.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything that you need to know about HVAC tune-ups so that you can make sure your HVAC system is reliable enough to control the climate in your home year-round.
Why does my HVAC system have to have tune-ups?
Your HVAC needs tune-ups because regular service helps it:
- Operate more efficiently
- Have a longer lifespan
- Malfunction less frequently
Plus, when your system operates more efficiently, you can save on energy bills. That means HVAC tune-ups can often pay for themselves.
Checklist for HVAC tune-ups
Now that we know why tune-ups are important, let’s look at what yours should include:
- Coil cleaning
- Check and adjust blower motor and belts
- Lubricate motor bearings and other moving parts
- Inspect heat exchanger
- Test exhaust and ignition systems
- Verify and adjust gas pressure (if you have a gas system)
- Change or clean your air filter
- Inspect and calibrate thermostat
- Clean condensate drain
- Electrical connection tightening
- Measure refrigeration levels and charge if necessary
- Test emergency shutoffs
- Inspect ductwork
- Check carbon monoxide levels
- Check and clean burners
That’s quite a few steps, which is why it’s important to let a professional tune up your HVAC system for you. If you don’t know what you’re doing, there’s a high probability that you can mess up at least one of these steps.
How much does an AC and furnace tune-up cost?
The average AC and furnace tune-up cost is between $100 and $200. But your price will vary based on factors like:
- How old your system is
- The type of system that you have
- When the last time you had it maintained was
How often should you service your HVAC system?
It’s good to have your HVAC system looked at by a professional at least once per year.
A smart maintenance strategy is to tune up the air conditioner in the spring and the furnace in the fall. That way, both systems are ready for the months that they face the highest levels of demand.
How long does an HVAC tune-up take?
HVAC tune-ups really don’t take too long. Yours should only last about an hour from start to finish.
That being said, it’s possible that the technician will discover a problem during the tune-up process that requires closer attention. In that case, they could need an extra 30-45 minutes to complete your tune-up.
Northern Climate Control can handle your next HVAC tune-up
Does your HVAC system need a tune-up? If so, Northern Climate Control is here to help.
