Author: Jeff O'Hara
There’s nothing like that first cold snap in Houston. When you get to break-out your limited collection of sweaters, light your fireplace, turn on the heat in your home, sit back and enjoy the cool air. Hold it, cold air? This is not the time of year for your HVAC system to be pumping cold air through your home. It’s time to call Nick’s AC.
Most people who have an all-inclusive HVAC system are unaware that their system requires regular maintenance and upkeep. Even simple ACs need tune-ups. But HVACs are far more complex and require more regular tune-ups than other systems precisely due to their complexity.
Even if you’re aware of this, do you know what is included in an HVAC heating system tune-up? It’s one thing to be told that these are essential to your HVAC system’s general health. It’s altogether another thing to understand why servicing is critical for your HVAC system’s functionality and performance.
With that in mind, at Nick’s AC, we provide an overview of how an HVAC tune-up is carried out and why it matters. Then you’ll know when and why you need to call the professionals who will conduct the entire tune-up.
Why Do I Need An HVAC Heating System Tune-Up?
Preventative maintenance exists for the sole reason to keep your entire HVAC system running smoothly and effectively. A system’s performance will deteriorate over time if it doesn’t undergo regular maintenance. If the deterioration reaches critical levels, the entire system will most likely break down. That is when you’ll need the significant repairs, which are more costly than ten dozen tune-ups.
What Is Included In An HVAC Heating System Tune-Up?
An HVAC heating system tune-up is more than just an inspection of your heating unit. It also provides an efficient diagnostic test and includes steps to clean and test your unit.
When a technician from Nick’s AC arrives at your home, you can expect him or her to perform a 24-point tune-up on your heating system. This tune-up includes an inspection of the heating exchangers, condenser, and fan motors. We also check carbon monoxide levels, pressures, temperatures, connections, filters, and relays.
Tune-ups aren’t necessarily only inspections. They also include cleanings of both the air conditioning system and the furnace itself. Yes, you can perform the cleaning yourself. However, you’ll never be able to clean it as thoroughly or as carefully as we do at Nick’s AC. We’ve been trained and are certified professionals who know precisely what is needed to do.
Finally, if we discover an issue with your HVAC system, we will service it. This is the most crucial part of the complete tune-up.
Nick’s HVAC Heating System Tune-Up Checklist
At Nick’s AC, here’s what you can expect during a heating system tune-up.
- Flue pipe and diverter inspection, ensuring safe operation, since flue pipe corrosion or leaks are dangerous.
- Cleaning & adjusting burners and pilot lights, saving you a potentially costly service call down the road.
- Check gas valve operation.
- Full gas line inspection and testing for gas leaks, as well as checking for leaks in the heat exchanger.
- Thermostat and safety device operation checks.
- Checking fan and limit control
- Inspect combustion chamber, blower motor and air filter.
- check noise and vibration levels, which can extend the life of your system.
Once these checks are complete, we will advise on any improvements if needed.
When Should I Get My HVAC Heating System Tune-Up?
The general rule of thumb for professional HVAC tune-ups is scheduling two of them every year. While a checkup can happen at any time, experts recommend setting them up at the beginning of each heating and cooling season. That means scheduling one in the early spring (before the hot weather sets in) and another in fall (before the temps drop to winter lows). This way, you’re sure your systems are in optimal condition before you rely on them as the temperatures rise or fall dramatically.
Can An HVAC Heating System Tune-Up Save Me Money?
Yes. A heating tune-up is one of the surest ways to keep your heating unit operating smoothly and at its most efficient pace. Investing in a heating tune-up can be extremely cost-effective when it concerns energy bills, HVAC maintenance and repair costs.
Nick’s AC Can Help
Just because your HVAC isn’t blowing cold air in the middle of winter doesn’t mean it’s in perfect working order. All appliances that we heavily rely on, including your heating and cooling system, need regular maintenance. That’s where Nick’s AC can help with your HVAC heating system tune-up. Contact us today.