An HVAC tune-up is a comprehensive inspection and maintenance service for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A tune-up can help identify and repair minor issues before they become major ones, resulting in savings in time and money. HVAC tune-ups are carried out by professional HVAC technicians and are typically recommended once or twice a year.
There are significant benefits for homeowners maintaining a regular schedule of HVAC tune-ups and repairs. Consider the following:
In order to ensure that you get optimal performance from your HVAC system, experts state that all units should receive a professional tune-up at least once a year. That recommendation is supported by the fact that 95% of all units that are maintained rarely experience a breakdown and do in fact last longer. Most HVAC companies will offer their customers a scheduled maintenance plan to make this easier to remember.
The less your air conditioning, ventilation, and heating system has to work, the lower your energy bills will be. In fact, a tune-up can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10%. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the energy used by an HVAC system represents more than half of your household energy use. It only makes sense to arrange for routine HVAC maintenance that can reduce its energy use--and your utility bill--significantly.
A tune-up can extend the life of an HVAC system by up to 15% and reduce the risk of breakdowns by up to 50%. When your HVAC system was installed, it probably came with a manufacturer's warranty. The warranty is usually five- or ten-year coverage, which represents a big investment in complex equipment. It gives you peace of mind knowing that if the system breaks down the manufacturer will back up their equipment.
However, manufacturers require certain actions on the part of the owner. One of those requirements is a regular HVAC tune-up. Don’t take the chance of invalidating your warranty because you didn’t maintain and care for your HVAC system as required. The replacement of an HVAC system is a big expense, especially if it could have been avoided.
A properly maintained HVAC unit will keep the air in your home clean and a tune-up can improve air quality by up to 40%. During a professional tune-up, filters will be replaced to keep pollutants like mold, viruses, bacteria, pollen, and dust from circulating in your home. If added air purification systems like UV lights and air scrubbers aren’t maintained, these contaminants can sometimes be higher inside the home than you find outside.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that if you see condensation on windows or walls, moldy areas, or notice smelly or dank air, your home may not have adequate ventilation. An HVAC tune-up checks for these problems and corrects them before your family becomes ill or damage is done to the home.
When a furnace malfunctions and built-in safety measures fail, carbon monoxide poisoning is a danger. A licensed professional who has the experience and training will make sure the equipment is working properly. This gives you the peace of mind that all the occupants of your home are safe.
Properly working HVAC systems are not only for our comfort and convenience. They are critical during seasons of intense heat or cold. If air conditioners break down in the middle of the summer when temperatures and humidity are at their highest, small children, babies, or elderly people can suffer and even need hospitalization. Similarly, if the furnace breaks down in the winter, your family is put in danger from extreme cold. Having an HVAC system working at peak efficiency throughout the year is crucial.
Finally, HVAC fires and explosions are dangerous and often deadly. It is critical that your HVAC system is installed by a professional and maintained correctly to avoid the chances of dangers like gas leaks and fires.
As we saw above, the consequences of not getting an HVAC tune-up can be significant. Without regular maintenance, your HVAC system can become inefficient and unreliable, leading to higher energy bills, frequent breakdowns, and dangerous health risks.
An HVAC tune-up by a professional HVAC company ensures that your system is running as efficiently and safely as possible. It typically includes a thorough cleaning of all the system's components: air handler, blower, evaporator coils, air filter, and condenser.
The technician will inspect the system for any signs of wear and tear, check for refrigerant levels, and clean or replace the air filters. They will also check the thermostat settings, check the airflow, test the system’s safety features, and check the electrical connections.
Your system will last longer, perform better, provide the best air quality possible, and lower your energy costs significantly with regular servicing. Setting up a scheduled maintenance plan from a reputable company like Ingersoll’s AC & Heating is a responsible way to make sure your HVAC system is ready to keep your home comfortable and safe all year round. Call us today for an appointment!
