HVAC Tune-up Checklist: What Does It Include?

You likely know that the heating and cooling system is one of the most expensive parts of a home’s infrastructure, so regular and seasonal HVAC maintenance is vital. An HVAC tune-up ensures your equipment is ready to perform at peak efficiency. But what does an HVAC tune-up include? Is there an HVAC tune-up checklist that tells you what the service professional does? Let’s get the low-down on tune-ups from the pros at Aire Serv^®.

The Importance of Regular HVAC Tune-Ups

Regular HVAC tune-ups are as vital as your annual checkup with the doctor — and for the same reasons. They enable minor issues to be detected and corrected before they lead to major (and costly) malfunctions. With this routine seasonal HVAC maintenance, you can extend the life of your equipment, postponing expensive repairs or replacements while improving its performance. An HVAC tune-up improves indoor air quality, keeps your family comfortable year-round, and reduces utility bills.

When to Get an HVAC Tune-Up

The changing seasons affect your HVAC system as much as your wardrobe, car, and garden. Cooling your home in summer puts a different type of stress on your HVAC equipment and components than heating it in winter. Just as you would tune up the car before a big road trip, your heating and cooling equipment deserves the same preventative care before a season of heavy use. That’s why the experts at Aire Serv recommend getting a pre-season HVAC tune-up every spring and fall. This seasonal HVAC maintenance ensures your air conditioner is ready to battle the next scorching heat wave and prepares your heater for winter.

Signs you need an HVAC tune-up include:

Unusually high energy bills
Reduced airflow
Strange sounds
Foul odors
Inconsistent temperatures
Frequent cycling
High indoor humidity
Poor indoor air quality
Excessive dust
Water leaks
Tripped circuit breakers
System failure

What Does an HVAC Tune-Up Consist Of?

When Aire Serv conducts an HVAC tune-up on your system, we examine, clean, lubricate, and test all the components, from the thermostat to the air vents and everything in between. An Aire Serv service professional will adjust refrigerant levels, verify airflow and pressure, examine the ductwork, and service all electrical connections to ensure the system is ready for heavy use. After completing this process, we’ll review our findings with you, make recommendations, and answer any questions you may have.

HVAC Tune-Up Checklist: Key Steps for Optimal Performance

Completing our thorough HVAC tune-up checklist ensures your system is ready to tackle the season ahead. Enjoy comfortable temps and breathe easily while your trusted Aire Serv service professionals:

Check the air filters
Inspect and clean evaporator and condenser coils
Check and adjust refrigerant levels
Inspect for refrigerant leaks
Test system pressures
Inspect, clean, and tighten electrical connections
Lubricate all moving parts
Inspect and clean the condensate drain line
Check thermostat calibration
Test system controls and safety features
Inspect ductwork for damage, leaks, and obstructions
Verify airflow
Examine blower components
Check system performance
Inspect heat exchanger
Clean and inspect burners
Inspect lines for gas furnaces
Test ignition system
Inspect safety controls
Examine contactor
Inspect capacitor
Examine and test the condenser fan motor

Once finished with our HVAC tune-up checklist, your service professional will discuss any findings and potential recommendations for further work, if needed. You’ll have peace of mind about the condition of your HVAC equipment.

Choosing the Right HVAC Service Professional for Your Tune-Up

While an HVAC tune-up checklist is important, finding the right service professional to do the work is equally important. Aire Serv has over 30 years of HVAC service experience and is trusted by residential and commercial customers across the country to get the job done right! Here are some of the things you should look for when choosing an HVAC service provider.

Know Your Issues and Equipment Specs: Write down the symptoms you’re experiencing as well as your equipment’s:

Serial number
Model number
Brand
Approximate age

Read Customer Reviews: Look for HVAC company reviews that demonstrate the company knows its work and treats its clients (and their homes) with respect.
Ask for Reference: Ask friends and neighbors how satisfied they are with the company that provides their seasonal HVAC maintenance.
Contact the HVAC Company with Questions: Verify that the company serves your area and types of HVAC equipment.
Verify Licensing and Certification: Hire only licensed, certified, and insured HVAC professionals. The company should be willing to share this information.
Discuss Pricing: Transparent, upfront pricing is essential for any company you do business with.

Keep your system running efficiently all year long with an HVAC tune-up from Aire Serv. Our prompt, friendly service professionals are fully trained and certified to perform comprehensive HVAC services on all major brands. We’re confident you’ll be completely satisfied with our work and back it up with the Neighborly Done Right Promise^™ to ensure your satisfaction. Request an appointment today, and we’ll make sure your HVAC system is ready for the coming season.

FAQ About Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

As a leader in the HVAC industry and a brand that is trusted by homeowners nationwide for our knowledge and experience, we’re happy to answer your HVAC questions. Here are answers to some of the commonly asked questions about seasonal HVAC maintenance.

How long does a typical seasonal HVAC maintenance appointment take?

In general, seasonal HVAC maintenance appointments take 1 to 2 hours. However, this will vary depending on the age, condition, and type of HVAC system you have.

What should I do to prepare for a seasonal HVAC maintenance visit?

Preparing for your HVAC service appointment is simple. Please:

Be home at the time of your appointment
Clear access to the internal and external equipment
Secure any pets and ensure children are not where service experts perform work
Make a list of any problems, concerns, and questions
Share system warranty and user manual

What are the most common issues found during a seasonal HVAC maintenance check?

The most common issue we find during seasonal HVAC maintenance is clogged and dirty air filters. We also commonly find dirty condenser coils, clogged drain lines, clogged ducts, blocked vents, low refrigerant levels, and faulty thermostats.

What are the benefits of scheduling HVAC maintenance before peak seasons?

In addition to optimizing your HVAC equipment and extending its lifespan, planning ahead for your HVAC tune-up can save you money and discomfort. Many people wait until the middle of a heat wave to get their air conditioning checked (or fixed), which can be problematic. That is when HVAC companies are at their busiest, and appointments can be hard to come by. Businesses often run special discounts before peak season to encourage customers to tend to their seasonal HVAC maintenance before the rush.

How can regular HVAC maintenance improve indoor air quality?

Regular system maintenance, like HVAC tune-ups, can improve your home's indoor air quality. We check your air filters, clean the air ducts, and check for cracks in the ductwork that could allow contaminants to enter. Next, we ensure your system has proper ventilation and airflow. By keeping these components in top condition, your system’s air cleaning and ventilation operate at peak efficiency, improving your indoor air quality.

This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Aire Serv is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Aire Serv for more information and a professional on-site assessment.