Should I Get Both A Furnace And AC Tune Up At One Time?

Here at Compass Heating and Air, we are always on the lookout for ways to save our clients money. One of the questions we get sometimes, is it a good idea to have your heating and air conditioning system’s annual maintenance performed at the same time?

After all – it would be great to get a twofer and save a service call. But, the answer is no. Here is the short answer.

Your heating system and air conditioning system respond best to diagnostic testing when the temperature outside is close to operating conditions.

Let’s get into exactly what is involved.

Getting A Spring AC Tune Up

During a spring AC tune-up, the technician will thoroughly inspect all components of your air conditioning system. This includes checking the refrigerant levels, cleaning or replacing the air filters, inspecting the condenser coils, and testing the thermostat. They will also examine the electrical connections, lubricate moving parts, and tighten any loose connections.

One of the main benefits of getting a spring AC tune-up is improved energy efficiency. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the air filters and coils, causing your AC unit to work harder and consume more energy. By cleaning or replacing these components, the technician can help your system run more efficiently, reducing your energy bills.

Regular maintenance also helps to extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system. By identifying and addressing any potential issues early on, the technician can prevent major breakdowns and costly repairs. They can also identify any worn-out parts that may need to be replaced, ensuring that your AC unit continues to function optimally.

Another advantage of a spring AC tune-up is improved indoor air quality. The technician will clean the air filters, removing any dirt, dust, or allergens that may have accumulated. This helps to create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your family.

Furthermore, a well-maintained air conditioning system provides better cooling performance. By ensuring that all components are in good working condition, the technician can help your AC unit cool your home more effectively, providing consistent and comfortable temperatures throughout.

A spring AC tune up performed just before the hot season starts can flag potential problems before they happen. Even though your air conditioner shares some parts with the heating system like ductwork and some electrical features, the meat of the system such as the condenser, fan motor, and capacitor along with service valves are unique to your cooling system.

The diagnostic tests performed on those parts test more accurately when the temperatures are approaching actual usage temperatures.

Read More: How To Prep Your AC For A Service

Getting A Fall Heating Tune Up

Like your cooling system, your heating system is best tuned up just before its seasonal usage. Critical features such as your carbon monoxide tester are unique to your heating system and require annual testing for safety purposes. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is produced in the combustion process. It is extremely important to have this CO detector tested just before the heating season starts.

A complete fall heating unit tune up of your heating system will also test your system’s belts and pulleys making sure there is no slippage forcing your system to work harder to heat.

Is An HVAC Tune Up the Same As Maintenance?

Even though an HVAC Tune up isn’t exactly the same as maintenance, it’s pretty close. When you have your HVAC system tuned up, it’s generally right before the appropriate season, and it makes sure that your system is running efficiently. Maintenance is done by inspecting and replacing parts and components. So even though they aren’t exactly the same thing, they are generally done at the same time.

What An HVAC Tech Does During An AC Or Heater Tune Up

During an AC or heater tune up call, your HVAC technician will perform a number of checks and tests.

• Inspection of contacts, relays, wiring, and capacitors
• Making sure that the condensate drain is clear and free-flowing
• Checking if the evaporator coil is clean
• Cleaning the condenser if necessary
• Lubricating condenser fan motors and making sure blades are in good condition
• Checking the compressor amp on startup
• Check and or replace air filters
• Your technician will also double-check your electrical connections and test for the correct voltage.

Incorporating a tune-up into your home maintenance plan will help to avoid a preventable repair call during the cold or hot months.

FAQs

At Compass Heating and Air, we believe in educating our community, so they know what they are dealing with when it comes to their heating and AC systems. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear.

Does a tune up include an air filter?

Yes, a tune up does include an air filter change. Your system’s air filter should be changed out every 90 days or so, depending on conditions. At a minimum, it needs to be checked regularly.

Is a furnace tune-up worth it?

A furnace tune up is worth the cost for several reasons. Most importantly, a furnace tune up gets ahead of break downs and repairs being needed. Service also improves energy efficiency, saves you money on energy bills, and lengthens the lifespan of your HVAC system.

How do you know if your AC needs a tune up?

Your AC needs a tune up once a year. A tune up ensures that your system has the proper amount of coolant needed to operate at peak levels. An AC tune up also makes sure that the air is flowing properly and unrestricted making its way to all portions of the area needing to be cooled. If you hear noises coming from your AC, or the house isn’t getting cool, it may be time for a tune up.

An AC and furnace tune up are very important to make sure your home HVAC solutions are running efficiently, and for as many years as possible. Still, doing your AC and heating tune up separately is the right move. Give us a call at (630) 504-8688 to schedule your HVAC heating and air tune up! Check-and-clean for your Bloomingdale home.

Call Compass Heating and Air at (630) 504-8688, for check-and-clean for your Bloomingdale home.