Key takeaways:
- HVAC tune-ups help catch issues early, optimize the performance of your AC unit and furnace, and keep your energy bills low.
- During a tune-up, an HVAC tech will examine several components, including moving parts, air ducts, electrical connections, and more.
- Airstream offers reliable and affordable HVAC checks for the Murfreesboro area.
Your HVAC system just powered through a typical scorching, humid Tennessee summer, and with unpredictable winter months ahead, it won’t be getting much of a break anytime soon.
Extreme seasonal shifts put a serious strain on your air conditioner and furnace, which can shorten their lifespan over time. That’s why preventive maintenance is so important.
A simple HVAC tune-up can help you avoid costly breakdowns, lower your energy bills, and keep your home comfortable year-round. Here’s what to know about keeping your system in top shape.
What Happens During an HVAC Tune-Up?
When performing a tune-up, your local HVAC tech will perform a series of checks to ensure the entire system is working properly. The exact process varies depending on the age and type of your system and any specific issues you might have noticed.
Your HVAC tech will start with a few basic checks:
- Does the system start and stop as needed?
- Is there proper airflow?
- How does the AC unit and furnace respond to the thermostat?
This can lead to them calibrating the thermostat or using specialized equipment to inspect the ducts for clogs and leaks.
They will then move on to electrical checks. Over time, electrical connections can get loose and wires can get corroded. A simple visual inspection can spot these issues, but your tech will also use equipment to test switches and safety controls.
Next, they’ll pay close attention to the various moving parts in your HVAC system:
- They’ll check fan blades, motors, and the blower assembly for proper airflow.
- After checking the refrigerant level and pressure, they’ll make sure the compressor is working properly.
- They’ll test capacitors and contactors, which are key to powering your system’s various components.
- Lastly, your HVAC tech will check the blower belt tension and adjust it if needed.
Once they’ve confirmed that these key components are clean and work well, they’ll focus on the coils. Common tests include measuring the temperature differential across the coils and checking for ice crystals.
Your HVAC tech will also change the air filter if needed, inspect the condensate pan and drain line, and examine the refrigerant lines and their insulation closely.
They’ll do a final walkthrough and make sure your outdoor AC unit is free of debris and vegetation for proper ventilation.
If your heating and cooling system includes a gas furnace, your tech will take a few additional steps:
- They’ll clean and check the burner. This component is responsible for mixing gas and air and igniting this mix.
- For safety reasons, they’ll also check the gas line connections and the gas pressure.
- The next step is to check the heat exchanger, which absorbs heat from the combustion process and transfers it to the duct system.
- Last but not least, they’ll perform a carbon monoxide test and check that the flue that draws exhaust gases out of your house isn’t clogged.
This HVAC tune-up checklist should take an hour or a little more to complete. After your tech has checked all these elements, they’ll share a summary of their findings with you and discuss any concerns they have.
You’ll get personalized recommendations for future routine maintenance and discuss repair and replacement options if any HVAC parts are getting old.
What Are the Benefits of Regular HVAC Tune-Ups in Murfreesboro?
Preventive maintenance saves you money. An HVAC breakdown can cost you hundreds, between costly repairs and emergency visit fees, not to mention the inconvenience of not having any heat or air.
With tune-ups, you’re catching problems before they can cause damage to any moving parts, and you know when a part is at risk of failing.
You’re also making sure your air conditioner and furnace use as little energy as possible, which should reduce your electric and gas bills. Something as simple as a clog in a duct can restrict airflow and cause fan motors to work harder, leading to reduced energy efficiency and early failure for these parts.
Catching these issues as early as possible will extend the lifespan of your entire heating and cooling system. Plus, an optimized AC system will provide better indoor air quality and prevent humidity issues that are common in the Murfreesboro area.
As your system ages, tune-ups will give you a better idea of how long different components have left so you can budget for repairs or replacements. If you need another reason to keep up with preventive maintenance, many HVAC manufacturers require regular tune-ups to keep their warranties valid.
How Often to Service Your HVAC
How often should your HVAC be serviced? You should schedule an HVAC maintenance service twice a year, ideally before the start of summer and winter, so you can catch any issues before increasing your AC or furnace usage.
Don’t hesitate to schedule your tune-up sooner if you notice any of these signs:
- Your system takes longer to heat or cool your home.
- It cycles more frequently.
- Heating or cooling feels uneven between rooms.
- You’re noticing unusual noises or smells from the ducts.
- Your energy costs are getting higher.
- Moisture or water is pooling around the indoor or outdoor components.
- Your indoor air quality feels worse.
- You can see signs of corrosion or damage on any HVAC component.
- Your gas furnace has a yellow flame instead of blue.
How to Find Affordable HVAC Repair Near Me
If your HVAC tech detects a problem and recommends a repair, the good news is that you have some time to shop around and find an affordable option.
Here’s what you should look for:
- A business that is appropriately licensed and insured for HVAC repairs.
- A reputation for quality work and amazing customer service.
- A company that values training for its HVAC techs and holds them to high-quality standards.
Airstream checks all these boxes. We’ve been serving the Murfreesboro area since 2012 and offer HVAC tune-ups and repairs. Our experienced technicians understand the unique challenges that Tennessee’s climate puts on HVAC systems and know exactly what to look for during inspections.
Need HVAC maintenance near me? Schedule your HVAC service online today to get started.
FAQ: What to Expect During a Professional HVAC Tune-Up in Murfreesboro
What is an HVAC tune-up?
A tune-up is a type of preventive maintenance call. An HVAC technician will check your system’s different components to ensure they work properly and look for signs of issues.
How often should my HVAC be tuned up?
Ideally, you should have your HVAC system checked twice a year, before the summer and before the winter.
What is the $5,000 rule for HVAC?
If an HVAC repair costs more than $5,000, it’s usually best to consider replacing your system.
How long does an HVAC tune-up take?
An experienced tech should be able to check your system in 1h to 1h30.
