07/01/2024
Is an HVAC Tune-up Worth It?
Summer is upon us. That said, you’re probably thinking about how nice it is to come home to a cool house. That comfort doesn’t happen by accident. Your HVAC unit requires regular upkeep to remain operational and up to the task of keeping you and your family comfortable.
Proactive homeowners embrace a truth: HVAC tune-ups can help ensure your system is able to keep up with the demands placed on it, extend its life, and even prevent some costly repairs.
What is an HVAC tune-up?
You can expect an HVAC professional to conduct a general inspection of your HVAC system. He will examine both the indoor and outdoor components of your unit. Additionally, they’ll check for any dirty or loose electrical connections, leaks, or broken safety features.
When Should I Get an HVAC Tune-up?
You might be wondering about the frequency of tune-ups. We will advise you that you should schedule HVAC tune-ups one to two times per year depending on the age of your system. If your unit is 5 or more years old, schedule two tune-ups per year. Newer systems necessitate only annual maintenance.
Equally as important as the frequency is the seasonality of these appointments. Ideally, you should schedule this work in the spring and/or fall seasons. That’s because it’s helpful to time the work during the less intensive season when the HVAC system will shift from heating to cooling or vice versa. It’s during these weeks that homeowners will benefit from having an HVAC professional ensure that everything is in working order and your system can handle the fluctuations in temperatures.
Why Should I Get an HVAC Tune-up?
The reasons to get on a consistent maintenance schedule are numerous. With routine tune-ups, you can enjoy the following perks:
Lower Energy Bills
Following a regular maintenance schedule can mean your HVAC system will be able to operate more efficiently. It won’t need to work as hard in extreme weather, reducing the total amount of time the system is working. When not in use, less energy is consumed. Ultimately, you can expect a more modest monthly energy bill.
ENERGY STAR estimates that the average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills, with almost half of the cost going towards heating and cooling costs. So, you can see why it’s worth being proactive.
Prevent Expensive Repairs
An HVAC technician knows the ins and outs of various systems. When they provide routine maintenance, they’ll also inspect your system for any potential issues. Addressing anything that seems minor at the same can prevent these issues from spiraling into more extensive repairs in the future.
Also, you might be surprised to learn that scheduling regular tune-ups can reduce the occurrence of an expensive breakdown by up to 95%.
Reliable Performance and Improved Comfort
The point of consistent maintenance is to address small issues before they get out of hand. At the same time, it can help ensure your system will continue operating as normal. This work on the front end can help your system do its job of keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The result is that your home’s temperature is more stabilized, and you can enjoy year-round
Maintain Your Warranty
If your new system is still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, a repair claim may be denied if you can’t furnish proof that you’ve invested in regular tune-ups. As maintenance is critical to ensure the proper functioning of HVAC units, many manufacturers include a clause in their warranty stating that it will be void if the unit is not getting the recommended maintenance. There’s also the important consideration that the amount you’ll pay for a tune-up will be worth it if you encounter an unexpected and expensive failure while under warranty.
Improve Air Quality
You can’t put a price on clean air. Tune-ups can curb the amount of dust, pet dander or other allergens in your home’s air. The same goes for changing out air filters as recommended.
Safety
In the course of doing the tune-up, your tech may also prevent something from going awry in your home. If your heat fails in sub-zero temperatures, for example, your pipes could freeze and burst. Also, it’s possible for HVAC units to leak carbon monoxide. Part of your HVAC checkup will include inspecting for such unseen threats.
Eco-Friendly Factor
Electing to schedule regular HVAC checkups is also an environmentally friendly option. That’s because HVAC systems require less fuel and operate more efficiently when they’re on a regular maintenance schedule. In addition to saving you money, using less energy benefits the planet.
