Don’t forget your HVAC system as you focus on spring cleanup around your home. It needs TLC, too! Spring tune-ups help ensure your HVAC system works safely and effectively. These maintenance appointments help your HVAC system work more efficiently and can prolong its lifespan.
The Importance of Spring HVAC Tune-ups
Your HVAC system runs throughout the year, working to keep your home comfortable. It can experience wear and tear over time. A professional AC tune-up gives you peace of mind and reduces the risks of sudden breakdowns during summer, which can become stressful.
With cold winters in Massachusetts, your heating system also needs an inspection and tune-up to ensure it’s ready to switch from heating to cooling mode. After months of not using it, it’s easy to forget. But maintenance resets your system, almost like removing glitches from a computer. The result is safer operation and greater comfort for your family.
Benefits of Spring HVAC Tune-ups
HVAC tune-ups involve a systematic inspection, cleaning, testing, and lubrication approach. You should schedule HVAC maintenance every six months. We invite you to consider these benefits before scheduling.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
As your HVAC system ages, it becomes less efficient at heating and cooling your home. Over time, dust and debris can clog the filters, coils, and other components. You should clean or change your filter as often as recommended.
We inspect and clean the coils during a tune-up to ensure they perform efficiently. We also lubricate moving parts to help reduce wear and tear, which can make your system work less efficiently.
Reduced Risk of Expensive Repairs
Unchecked minor HVAC problems can become severe and expensive. Minor issues like a worn belt or loose electrical connection can eventually lead to system failure.
During your HVAC tune-up, our technicians will inspect every aspect of your system to check for repair issues. Fixing minor problems now will help you avoid a more expensive complete breakdown.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Your HVAC system is essential to your home’s indoor air quality. A dirty HVAC system can help circulate dust, pet dander, and pollen particles. Poor indoor air quality results and can be incredibly detrimental to family members with asthma and allergies.
Spring is one of the peak allergy seasons in Massachusetts, when ash, hickory, maple, and oak trees begin blooming. Pollen levels start rising in March and peak in April and May. A spring HVAC tune-up aims to ensure your family’s comfort.
Extended Lifespan
Installing a new HVAC system is a significant investment. Protecting your investment begins with professional maintenance. Neglected maintenance can lead to premature failure that could force you to replace your system much sooner than expected.
The average HVAC system lasts 15 to 20 years. With proper care, some systems can continue to perform well beyond the average.
What Does a Spring HVAC Tune-up Include?
Knowing what to expect from your spring maintenance appointment can help you prepare. Standard tune-ups take one to two hours. However, the appointment may take longer if your system is complex or we discover repair issues.
Filter Check and Change
One of the first things our technicians will do is check your filter. We will ensure it is debris-free, the right size, and the correct type and change it if necessary. Dirty air filters reduce airflow, causing your HVAC system to work harder than it should, leading to increased wear and tear.
Complete Parts Inspection
Our technicians at Tingley Home Services will inspect every area of your HVAC system for signs of damage. We check parts like the evaporator coil, caps, valves, and condensate pump. An inspection ensures these parts have no damage so that they can operate safely.
Electrical Connection Inspection
Loose or damaged electrical connections can cause your HVAC system to fail. Damaged wiring and connections can also increase fire risk and electric shock. Our technicians will inspect all wiring and electrical connections, conduct continuity tests, and correct faults. Tightening the electrical connections will help your HVAC unit operate safely and effectively.
Refrigerant Level Checks
Proper refrigerant levels are essential for cooling your home. Refrigerant moves through the system, absorbing heat inside your home and releasing it outside. It helps cool your air through evaporation, compression, and condensation.
Low levels are abnormal and can prevent your HVAC system from cooling properly. You may notice frozen lines and other issues. We will check your refrigerant for the right level and pressure. If the level is too low, our team will replenish it.
Lubrication of Moving Parts
During a spring HVAC tune-up, our technician will lubricate the moving parts to help reduce friction that can cause damage. Lubricating the fan blades, motor bearings, and compressor components keeps them moving smoothly for improved and quieter operation.
Thermostat Calibration
Your thermostat must communicate effectively with the HVAC system to ensure accurate temperature control. Calibration keeps the system cycling correctly, as the thermostat tells it when to come on and shut off.
Testing System Performance
Testing ensures your HVAC system operates appropriately and can identify problems that may not immediately show outward signs.
We perform the following tests:
- Airflow and static pressure
- Leak detection
- Voltage
- Capacitor and contact
- Evaporator and condenser coil efficiency
- Blower motor and fan performance
- Condensate drain line and pump
- System cycling
- Safety control
Signs Your HVAC System Needs a Professional Tune-Up
Busy lives can lead to forgotten chores like HVAC maintenance. We can help you stay on schedule so that you don’t forget these vital appointments.
You may notice the following signs if you need HVAC maintenance:
- Higher electricity costs
- Reduced air pressure
- Diminished cooling
- Uneven cooling
- Strange noises or smells
- Increased system vibrations
- Frequent cycling
Don’t ignore these warning signs. Giving your HVAC system the professional attention it needs will help keep your warranty in good standing with the manufacturer.
Maintenance Tips Between Tune-ups
You should leave most aspects of HVAC maintenance to our professional technicians at Tingley Home Services. We have the knowledge, experience, and tools to perform thorough tune-up services. However, you can take care of some chores between visits.
Change Your Filters Regularly
You should check your filter every 30 days to ensure no dust or debris buildup. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning or changing filters every 30 to 90 days. If your filter becomes dirtier sooner, replace it right away.
Clean Vents and Registers
Dust and debris can block airflow in your vents and registers. Check them at least once a month and remove any debris. They also need a deep cleaning once or twice a year with a soak in hot, soapy water.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
Periodically, check for leaves and limbs that may fall on your outdoor unit. Remove them carefully to ensure proper airflow. Also, trim any weeds or brush growing too close to your outdoor unit. Ensure you have at least 2 feet of clearance space on all sides.
Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-up
Spring is an ideal time to prepare your HVAC system for warmer weather in the summer. Regular maintenance improves efficiency, longevity, and safety and protects your family from indoor air quality issues.
Tingley Home Services in Milford opened its doors in 2003 and continues to grow to serve customers throughout Massachusetts. We offer HVAC and electrical services for residential and commercial customers, and our team can handle every aspect of your HVAC system. Get maintenance reminders and save money with our Tingley Advantage Plan.
Call our technicians today at Tingley Home Services to schedule your spring HVAC tune-up.