Why You Should Get an HVAC Tune-Up Before Summer
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Posted February 14, 2025
A 2020 survey showed that 88% of US homes use AC, much higher than it used to be. This percentage changes according to the state, as some homes require AC more than others.
If your home has a cooling system, you should consider HVAC tune-up options in spring. You must have HVAC maintenance yearly to prevent issues with your system. These tune-ups help to check for any problems or repairs that may be necessary. That is why all HVAC companies offer this service to their customers. Keep reading to find out more about HVAC tune-up options in springtime.
Better Efficiency
The main reason for having HVAC maintenance in spring is to improve efficiency. A well-maintained cooling system will operate efficiently, helping your home stay cool during the hot summer months. It also puts less strain on your system, as it won’t have to work as hard.
When your HVAC system is not working efficiently, it will wear out faster. This can cause damage that will result in costly repairs later on. It will also become an energy hog, and your energy bills will go much higher than they should when it is operating.
You will already be using your HVAC a lot during the summer. Because of this, you want to think ahead and have maintenance done every year. This helps you save money and keep the system operating optimally for a long time.
Catching Problems Early
One of the most significant benefits of HVAC maintenance is repair prevention. Depending on the problem, HVAC repair can become quite costly. Spring is the best time for an HVAC tune-up before using the system. Spring is still cold, so it is the perfect time to check for system issues. This ensures you will find any problems before your HVAC system is used, which can save a lot of money since these problems will not spiral out of control.
If you use the system with damaged parts, the damage will worsen. It will also result in the entire system wearing out as it struggles to function. This is why so many HVAC companies focus on preventative measures. Maintenance is a preventative measure that catches issues, preserving the lifespan of the HVAC.
Spring is the best time to do this because you do not need your AC. If repairs need fixing, you won’t have to struggle through the heat while this is done. Some repairs may also require parts to come by mail for the system. This can take time, making it best for times of the year when your AC is not in use.
Longer Lifespan
Most HVACs last 10 to 15 years on average for most households. But your HVAC can last even longer if it is well-maintained yearly. HVAC services like maintenance and check-ups can help lengthen its lifespan.
To help the air filter work well, you should change it every few months. You can perform this type of preventative maintenance as a homeowner. However, you should also schedule annual checkups and repairs to keep it working like new. This may seem expensive but will pay off in the long run.
Less Noise
As AC units run, they may become noisier and noisier over time. This is often due to the unit becoming dirty, creating unusual noises it didn’t initially have. This is considered noise pollution and is very inconvenient for your home. If you have an HVAC tune-up every spring, this is not something that you will have to worry about.
The system will be lubricated, cleaned, and maintained to prevent excessive noise. This is good for you and the system to run quietly and efficiently. It also allows you to notice if any unusual noises are coming from your cooling system. If it is ordinarily noisy, you will not notice unusual rattling or knocking noises. These noises could indicate that something is wrong with your system. That is why maintaining it is essential so you will notice anything out of the ordinary.
Better Air Quality
You may not have considered the air quality in your home. ACs directly affect indoor air quality by circulating the air in and out. An AC system that has not been maintained will be much dirtier. Not only can this lead to less efficiency and damage, but it also creates dirtier air.
Dirt and debris from the AC unit circulate through your home, affecting air quality and causing many side effects, including allergies. This can become a big issue when you are stuck inside on hot summer days. Spring maintenance ensures the system is operating well and producing clean air.
Warranty Coverage
Many manufacturers have a warranty that requires regular maintenance. Many homeowners fail to realize this and miss out on it. The majority of AC manufacturers have a warranty that requires periodic AC tune-ups. If you do not get this maintenance done, any damage to your system may not be covered.
Many warranties require this because maintenance is directly connected to life span. If your AC is inefficient and needs repairing, it may be because it isn’t maintained. If that is the case, your warranty may not cover these expenses. That is why you should check the warranty to see what’s required so you maintain coverage. Even if this isn’t needed, homeowners should consider maintenance a necessity.
Carbon Monoxide Prevention
You should consider the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning from this system. If the HVAC system isn’t maintained, this risk increases significantly. Many people are concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning because it is entirely undetectable. The only way to detect it is to prevent it by taking care of these systems.
A malfunctioning HVAC unit has a risk of producing carbon monoxide. This cannot be dispersed into your home and cause a variety of serious health issues, if not worse. A professional technician can help you prevent this. When they perform your HVAC tune-up, they can see if anything could cause this risk.
Another precaution is installing a carbon monoxide alarm in your home. This is similar to a smoke alarm and will alert you if it detects this gas. All homes should have one, whether they have an AC or not.
Cool Air All Summer
An HVAC repair or tune-up in spring guarantees it will work all summer. If you do not do this, your system could break down when you need it most. Nothing is more inconvenient than having your AC act up in the middle of summer. Not only is this uncomfortable, but you may be unable to fix it quickly.
This can cause a variety of issues and become a great inconvenience. Your AC will be on full blast for several months during summer. That is why it is crucial to get a jumpstart by having it checked out before hot weather strikes. Many ACs may also need a cleaning so they don’t wear out mid-summer.
Better Accessibility
Most homeowners find hiring an HVAC company in summer difficult. This is the busiest time of year for cooling system repairs and maintenance. That is why thinking ahead and having this done in spring is essential. HVAC companies will have many more openings and will not be as busy with customers.
This is especially important if you do not have a regular HVAC company. It is a good idea to become an established customer with a company so that you have someone to rely on.
What Does an HVAC Tune-Up Include?
Now that you know why a spring HVAC tune-up is so important, what does it include? This is a good question since you want to understand what’s covered. HVAC maintenance usually includes checking and cleaning burners and inspecting filters. A technician will also check the carbon monoxide, contractors, and relays.
They will adjust the refrigerant levels, pressure, and temperature. They can inspect the ductwork for issues or dirt build-up. They can check all safety measures, including emergency shut-offs. They will clean the drain line, trap, and examine the heat exchanger for damage.
They will tighten loose electrical connections and adjust different functions. Overall, the technician will check the entire system for damage or buildup. Minor adjustments and repairs can be made right then and there. If any more significant repairs are necessary, the technician may need to return another day to fix them.
How Much Does an HVAC Tune-Up Cost?
If you are getting spring HVAC services, you may wonder how much they cost. There is no one number that anyone can depend on since it depends on so many factors. The price depends on your home’s size, the unit’s age, and its condition. Some homes have more ductwork, and some AC units are more complex.
Some HVAC companies offer free annual inspections. These are not the same as tune-ups since inspections check how the system is functioning. You can always call your HVAC company to get an estimate for a tune-up. However, they cannot give a definitive estimate until they see the system.
How Long Does an AC Tune-Up Take?
The good thing about an HVAC tune-up is that it usually doesn’t take very long. Most of the time, it will only take 30 minutes to 45 minutes to complete. This will depend on the condition of your system and its size. If the technician encounters issues, this timeline could become significantly longer. The technician may also be unable to make all the repairs that day. It depends on the damage they find and what is necessary to fix it. Simple things like readjusting equipment and cleaning areas out can be done that day.
Why Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up in Spring?
Spring is by far the best time to schedule an HVAC tune-up appointment. This is when HVAC companies have many available slots to fit your system. This also allows you to prepare your HVAC system before the summer months when you use it daily, increasing its lifespan and efficiency. Do you need an HVAC tune-up for your home? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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