Annual Tune-Ups

Annual Tune-Ups

Your HVAC System Loses 5% Efficiency Every Year Without Maintenance

That's not a scare tactic. It's physics.

Dust accumulates on evaporator coils, reducing heat transfer. Refrigerant charge drifts slowly down through microscopic leaks. Electrical connections loosen from thermal expansion and contraction. Capacitors weaken as electrolyte dries out. Blower wheels collect buildup that throws them out of balance.

None of these changes are visible. Your system still runs. You still get heating and cooling. But it works harder and uses more electricity to achieve the same result.

After 5 years without maintenance, that 16 SEER system you bought now operates like a 12 SEER system. After 10 years, you're lucky to hit 10 SEER. Meanwhile, your electric bills have crept up month after month—increases easily blamed on rate hikes or weather.

Annual maintenance reverses this degradation and catches small problems before they become expensive failures.

What Actually Happens During a Tune-Up

A lot of companies offer "21-point inspections" or "comprehensive tune-ups" without explaining what that means. Here's exactly what we do and why.

Cooling System (Spring Visit)

Outdoor unit inspection (15 minutes): We check the condenser coil for debris, bent fins, and corrosion. We measure airflow clearance around the unit. We verify the unit is level (an unlevel unit stresses the compressor bearings). We inspect the refrigerant line insulation for deterioration.

Condenser coil cleaning (20 minutes): Using a garden hose and approved coil cleaner, we wash accumulated dirt, grass clippings, and debris from the coil fins. This alone can improve efficiency by 5-10% on a dirty unit. We don't use pressure washers—they bend the delicate aluminum fins.

Electrical testing (15 minutes): We measure voltage at the disconnect. We test capacitor microfarad ratings against nameplate specs (capacitors below 10% of rating get replaced). We check contactor condition for pitting and arcing. We verify compressor amp draw against nameplate limits.

Refrigerant check (15 minutes): We connect gauges and verify operating pressures match manufacturer specifications for current ambient temperature. Low pressure indicates a leak or restriction. High pressure indicates dirty coil, overcharge, or non-condensables in the system. We don't add refrigerant without finding and fixing any leak first.

Indoor coil inspection (10 minutes): We check the evaporator coil for ice formation, dirt buildup, and mold. Heavy buildup may require chemical cleaning.

Drain line service (10 minutes): We clear the condensate drain line with nitrogen or wet-dry vacuum. We verify the trap is filled. We add algae-prevention tablets to the drain pan.

Blower inspection (10 minutes): We check belt condition and tension (on belt-drive units). We verify motor amp draw. We inspect the blower wheel for balance and buildup.

Thermostat calibration (5 minutes): We verify the thermostat temperature reading matches actual room temperature (within 2°F). We check programming and scheduling. We replace batteries if applicable.

Total time: 90-120 minutes.

Heating System (Fall Visit)

Heat exchanger inspection (20 minutes): This is the most important safety check we perform. The heat exchanger separates combustion gases (including carbon monoxide) from your breathing air. Cracks or holes allow CO to enter your home. We visually inspect with a mirror and flashlight, and perform a combustion analysis.

Burner cleaning (15 minutes): We remove burners, brush off corrosion and debris, and verify gas ports are clear. Clogged ports cause uneven flames, poor combustion, and wasted gas.

Flame sensor cleaning (5 minutes): The flame sensor is a metal rod that verifies the burner lit successfully. Carbon buildup on the sensor causes intermittent ignition failure. A 30-second cleaning with fine sandpaper prevents most "furnace won't ignite" calls.

Ignition system check (10 minutes): We verify hot surface igniters are heating properly and have no cracks. We check pilot assembly operation on older units. We test ignition sequence timing.

Gas valve and pressure testing (10 minutes): We verify gas pressure at the manifold matches specifications. Too high increases CO production. Too low causes ignition problems.

Combustion analysis (15 minutes): Using a digital analyzer, we measure oxygen, CO, and CO2 levels in the flue gases. This tells us whether the burners are operating at peak efficiency and safety. We document results for your records.

Vent inspection (10 minutes): We check the flue pipe for proper slope, secure connections, and corrosion. We verify the draft hood or draft inducer is pulling combustion gases out of the house.

Filter change and blower service (10 minutes): Same inspection as spring visit, plus filter replacement.

Safety controls testing (10 minutes): We verify high-limit switches, flame rollout switches, and pressure switches are operational. These devices prevent fires and CO exposure—they need to work.

Thermostat heating test (5 minutes): We cycle the system, verify proper staging, and check emergency heat operation on heat pumps.

Total time: 90-120 minutes.

What We Find (And What It Saves You)

Based on our service records, here's what we typically discover during tune-ups:

• 35% of systems have weak capacitors. Replacement during a tune-up costs significantly less than emergency repair.
• 25% have dirty coils reducing efficiency by 10-25%. Cleaning restores lost efficiency immediately.
• 20% have refrigerant charge issues. Catching a slow leak early prevents compressor damage.
• 15% have electrical connections that have loosened. Tightening prevents arcing, overheating, and component failure.
• 10% have safety concerns requiring immediate attention (cracked heat exchangers, CO leaks, damaged gas lines).

The average tune-up prevents costly future repairs. The expensive ones prevent compressor or heat exchanger replacements.

When to Schedule

Cooling: March through early May, before temperatures climb and demand peaks.

Heating: September through early November, before the first cold snap.

Why timing matters: During peak season (July for AC, January for heating), we're booked 1-2 weeks out with emergency repairs. Scheduling your tune-up during shoulder season means same-week availability and no waiting in the heat or cold.

We'll send reminder emails 4-6 weeks before your service window. You pick the date and time that works for you.

What Tune-Ups Don't Fix

We want to set realistic expectations. Annual maintenance optimizes your current system and catches developing problems. It doesn't:

Fix fundamental sizing issues. If your system was installed too small or too large for your house, tune-ups can't change that.

Repair existing problems. If your capacitor is already failed, that's a repair, not a tune-up item. We'll diagnose and quote any repairs we find.

Extend equipment life indefinitely. Even perfectly maintained systems eventually wear out. Typical lifespan is 15-20 years for AC, 15-25 years for furnaces. Maintenance gets you to the upper end of that range.

Compensate for neglect. A system that hasn't been serviced in 10 years needs repairs, not just maintenance. We'll assess condition and give you realistic options.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Heating and cooling is one of the largest expenses for the average American home. A 5% efficiency loss from skipped maintenance adds up year after year. After 5 years of neglect, you're looking at 20-25% efficiency loss—hundreds of dollars in wasted energy annually.

Annual maintenance pays for itself in energy savings alone. The repair prevention is gravy.

Most manufacturer warranties require proof of annual maintenance to honor claims. A compressor replacement that would have been covered becomes your problem if you can't show service records.

Home insurance claims related to HVAC failures may be denied if the system wasn't properly maintained. We've seen it happen.

Schedule your tune-up now. Your future self will thank you.