If you haven’t tuned up your AC by now, it is high time you did that. One of the most common reasons why people tend to put off doing this is because they don’t really know what exactly happens during the tune-up, and more importantly, how long it will take.
That’s why we contacted experts at Howell’s Heating & Air Conditioning to give us the inside look at how a regular HVAC tune-up goes down and what it actually includes. Here is how they responded.
Setting Up the Tune Up
One of the first things you need to do is schedule the tune-up. Many HVAC companies are really busy this part of the year because it is high season for this kind of work. That’s why some people agree to have their tune up done at times which don’t really suit them.
However, you should keep in mind that you are a paying customer and that the tune-up should be scheduled at the time which suits you best, even if that means browsing for HVAC tune-up companies near you. When choosing the company, make sure to note what they include in the tune-up, as not all companies charge equally and not all companies do the full tune up.
What Should Be Included in a Tune Up
In order to ensure that your HVAC system runs as smoothly as possible and that it lasts as long as it should, you need to take care of it. That’s why it is important how well your HVAC is maintained.
A proper tune-up should consist of two major parts – the inspection of the current condition of the HVAC system and testing the system for potential future failures.
Current Condition Inspection
When it comes to testing the current condition of your HVAC, you need to have the inspector check both the indoor and the outdoor units, as well as any ducts and vents you have in your home. Only when the full system is checked can you be sure that your system is fully functional and working optimally.
One of the simplest and first things an inspector should check are the air filters. As you know, these need to be washed or changed every month or so, so it pays to have a professional take a look at them. After that, all of the electrical components, such as the compressor and the motor need to be checked for faults. Finally, all of the coils and hoses need to be checked for leaks or damage.
All in all, the inspector should make no less than 10 individual checks on different parts of your system if you are paying for a full tune up and maintenance.
Testing for Potential Failures
Once the current state has been established, the HVAC inspectors should more to check for any potential failures. Some of these check-ups may overlap, but it is never a bad idea to check everything twice.
One of the most important things to check is the level of refrigerant in your system. If the level is too low, your system will have to work overtime to achieve the same results, which can shorten its lifespan.
However, it is not the only thing that needs checking. Your system’s amperage and voltage need to be consistent in order not to shock the system with surges of electricity. Finally, the HVAC installation and inspection company should check the sequences of operation of the whole system to ensure that everything is in order. All in all, the whole process should take somewhere between one and two hours for a thorough job.
As you can see, the HVAC inspection and tune-up can be quite a complex process, but it is well worth the time and money, because you can rest assured that your HVAC will be fully functional and optimized for another season.
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