HVAC tune ups are essential to ensure your HVAC system is performing efficiently. Unfortunately, many people do not consider scheduling an HVAC tune up until something goes wrong and the system no longer functions as it should.
To prevent malfunctions in your HVAC system, you should have a professional complete an HVAC tune up checklist at least once every year. Wondering what’s on the list? Here are the most important parts of an HVAC tune up checklist.
1. Inspect and Replace Air Filters
When going through your HVAC tune up checklist, it is essential to inspect and replace your air filters about every three months. However, this timeframe can change based on your home’s location and your system and equipment’s age.
Inspecting and replacing your filters helps avoid performance problems and improves your HVAC system’s overall performance.
2. Clean Air Ducts
Another vital HVAC tune up checklist essential is cleaning your air ducts at least once a year. When your air ducts are neglected, they accumulate pollen, dust particles, mold, or other types of debris.
When you turn your HVAC system on, the pollutants are recirculated throughout your home. Any debris inside the ducts can impact your family’s health and general comfort. Having a professional clean your air ducts as recommended can help prevent health problems and ensure your HVAC system’s airflow is not obstructed.
3. Clean Evaporator Coils
Cleaning your evaporator coils is another crucial part of the HVAC tune up process. A professional should clean your evaporator coils yearly to prevent dirt and debris from impacting the heating or cooling exchange process.
Taking the time to clean your evaporator coils helps your HVAC system work appropriately, and it can help prolong its life. Try to have the evaporator coils cleaned each year.
4. Check Refrigerant Line
Checking the refrigerant line on your HVAC system is an essential step in your HVAC tune-up checklist. Visually inspecting your refrigerant line can help detect a leak.
A leak can be identified by checking for any oily or dirty spots, as they indicate the site of the leak. If your refrigerant line appears dirty, discolored, or damaged, you should contact a heating and cooling professional to take a closer look.
5. Check Fan and Electrical System
The last task on your HVAC winter tune up checklist is to get your fan and electrical system checked. Your HVAC fan and motor should be checked annually to ensure everything works efficiently.
Checking them yearly helps you to detect any issues with your HVAC system. The main electrical components you should check include fan motors, gas valves, solenoid valves, and compressors.
What Is an HVAC Tune Up?
An HVAC tune up involves a professional checking your system every spring and fall to ensure your system is working correctly. An HVAC tune up checklist consists of inspecting or replacing air filters, cleaning air ducts and evaporator coils, and checking the refrigerant line.
What Are the 4 Phases of Planned HVAC Maintenance?
While planned HVAC maintenance can be classified in many ways, it most commonly falls into these categories:
1. Corrective Maintenance
Corrective maintenance is when your HVAC system requires immediate attention, such as unclogging a filter or fixing a broken belt. Corrective maintenance could also involve more serious matters, such as fixing an electrical short.
2. Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance involves regularly checking your HVAC system for issues before they significantly affect its performance.
Typically, preventive maintenance involves replacing or cleaning filters, replacing worn parts, cleaning coils, adjusting airflow settings, and checking temperatures throughout your home to ensure your system works appropriately.
3. Risk-Based Maintenance
Risk-based maintenance requires frequent inspections of your HVAC system by a trained professional. Depending on your HVAC system’s manufacturer recommendations, you must schedule regular service appointments.
These service appointments will help identify any potential issues within your system, and they will determine how often your system should be serviced.
4. Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance uses data from multiple sources to help determine when your HVAC system will need repairs or replacements before it becomes an issue.
As soon as an issue occurs, an HVAC technician will be dispatched to check your system before it becomes a significant problem. Predictive maintenance allows you to schedule maintenance based on the performance of your system rather than letting your system go until something happens.
Is HVAC Tune Up the Same As Maintenance?
A seasonal HVAC tune up is a type of preventative maintenance. Seasonal tune-ups are usually performed in the early spring and fall before heating and cooling seasons begin.
Do You Really Need an HVAC Tune Up?
You should have an HVAC tune up at least once a year, as it can significantly reduce the risk of your system suffering from a breakdown. An HVAC tune up ensures everything within your system functions correctly and that your system operates as it should.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait until it is too late to get your HVAC tune up. At Hibdon’s Heat and Air, we will complete the ultimate HVAC tune up checklist to ensure your system functions at its best.
If you want to ensure your system works efficiently and stop any potential HVAC problems before they start, schedule a service call today!
