What Does an HVAC Tune-Up Include & Do I Really Need One?
To be frank, yes. You at least need an annual HVAC tune-up to maintain the speed, power, and efficiency of your home heating and cooling system. Whether you’re using a ductless mini-split or a heat pump, you need to service it frequently to avoid costly repairs.
For an immediate, informative HVAC inspection and tune-up, call Dauenhauer. We offer services in Kentucky for homeowners struggling with their HVAC system.
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What is an HVAC Tune-Up?
A ‘tune-up’ is another way of saying maintenance. An HVAC tune-up may look like an initial inspection, damage assessment, and intentional repairs. Each piece is important in making sure that your HVAC will live a long, high-functioning life.
Although most tune-ups aren’t too in-depth, they can become costly. Some ‘repairs’ go far past what constitutes a tune-up, leaning more into the replacement category (costly, widespread).
If you’re worried about the current state of your HVAC, call us to speak with a specialist. Even if it’s just a simple diagnosis, we can tell you exactly what kind of repair service your system needs.
Why Does My HVAC System Need to Have Checkups?
In the same way that your body needs a yearly checkup, your HVAC needs checkups to stay in tune. Without inspections, there could be underlying issues developing without your knowledge.
Early detection makes all the difference in the lifespan of an HVAC. The quicker issues are found, the faster a remediation plan can be set into place.
When to Get an HVAC Tune-Up
You can usually tell when your HVAC isn’t working as it should. Maybe it’s slower than usual, or it takes forever to power on. These are small yet pivotal damage symptoms that you should take note of.
At the first sign of an odd noise, smell, or slow movement, contact a professional. The speed at which you remediate the problem could determine whether or not your system qualifies for a repair service or a replacement.
How Often Should I Schedule a Tune-Up?
Our experts recommend an annual checkup, but this does depend on what your system needs. Our team can tell you exactly what service you need for full air production. Call us to schedule your annual tune-up in advance. If after your initial consultation, we feel that you need an additional or widespread repair, we’ll be happy to work with you on pricing.
Our team recommends that each of these HVAC systems receive tune-ups based on their needs:
- Furnace: Once a Year
- Heat Pumps: Twice a Year (Spring/Fall)
- Ductless Mini-Split: Once a Year
- Packaged Systems: Twice a Year
Signs It’s Time For an HVAC Tune-Up
Failure symptoms are relatively universal: noises, higher energy bills, and foul smells. All of these can come on quickly, letting you know that you need to call a local service provider immediately.
Before the seasons change, consider a full-service tune-up. This might help minimize potential system issues such as the symptoms below:
- Unusually High Energy Bill
- Inconsistent or Low-Power Air Production
- Constant Cycling
- High Humidity without Temperature Changes
What to Expect From an HVAC Tune-Up
We follow a standardized tune-up process focused on locating and remediating HVAC concerns. Dauenhauer promises to return your heating and cooling unit to its original, fast-acting condition through this certified process:
- Inspect + Replace Filters
- Inspect Indoor and Outdoor Coils + Clean Them
- Inspect + Clean Blower
- Inspect Electrical Wiring
- Test Thermostat Controls
- Inspect + Clean Condensate Drain
- Check Safety Controls
- Evaluate Performance
How Long Does it Usually Take?
You should expect your tune-up service to last between 1 and 1.5 hours. Depending on what kind of model or unit you have, this could take longer. If you’re concerned about an expansive service, speak to an expert.
There are a few factors that could lengthen your service, such as:
- System Condition
- System Configuration
- Additional Maintenance
- Refrigerant
Benefits of an HVAC Tune-Up
There’s never a downside to professional HVAC help. Tune-ups make it easier for your unit to stay strong for years to come. You may not have the tools, techniques, or expertise to give your HVAC the attention it needs.
Professional HVAC tune-ups can improve many aspects of an HVAC unit, including:
- Efficiency
- Lifespan
- Prevents Breakdowns
- Enhanced Indoor Air
How Much Does an HVAC Tune-Up Cost?
Professional HVAC tune-ups cost on average about $130. Although this depends, as always, on the condition of the unit being serviced, you can expect your service to land somewhere around there.
Modern units tend to run a lower repair cost, as they take fewer tools and team members to restore. Traditional or oil-based heating systems such as a furnace will be slightly more expensive to repair.
Professional HVAC Tune-Up Services by Dauenhauer
Slow, loud air production shouldn’t be the norm. In fact, your home heating and cooling system should retain its high function even with years of consistent use.
Like all things, time can be costly. Your home furnace, duct system, or heat pump may just be exhibiting signs of internal malfunction. Move fast to minimize the amount of time, money, and effort you have to put into repairing your HVAC.
Call Dauenhauer for an immediately gratifying repair service right in your area.
