What to Expect from an AC Tune-Up
Many HVAC companies will say you need regular AC tune-ups, but what is actually taken care of during a tune-up and why are tune-ups so important? Besides the regular cleaning, inspecting, and replacing faulty parts throughout the entire unit, here’s what you can expect from a traditional AC tune-up.
Check thermostat
The health and settings of your thermostat are more important than you think. An improperly installed thermostat or thermostat with incorrect settings can force your AC unit to work harder, increase your monthly bill, and even shorten the lifespan of the unit. If you get a furnace or AC tune-up, the HVAC technician will check that your thermostat is correctly set to save you money in the long run.
Clean evaporator and condenser coils
Over time, dust and debris will collect on the evaporator and condenser coils. This will force your AC unit to work harder and eventually could cause a freeze-up. It is important these coils get cleaned regularly to keep your unit running efficiently.
Check coolant levels
The coolant—or refrigerant—runs through the interior coils in your air conditioner, absorbs the heat and cools the air. If the coolant is low, there is likely a leak which the tech will check for, but this also means your unit will not run efficiently and could freeze-up. Your AC unit needs the right amount of coolant to run correctly.
Inspect condensate line
Air conditioners tend to dehumidify the air, and that moisture builds up on the condenser coils. This water either evaporates or falls into the drip pan and is brought outside of the home through the condensate line. If this condensate line becomes clogged by dust or ice, this water stays in your unit and can cause a freeze-up, rust in the unit, and leak in your home.
Check blower motor and blower belt
During the heat of the season, your blower motor may run for many hours on end without rest. It is natural for this part—along with the blower belt—to eventually need replacing, but with proper maintenance from the HVAC technician during a tune-up, this part should last as long as the unit itself. Without the blower motor, the unit cannot function.
In need of an AC tune-up or have any questions? Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado is here to help. We provide AC tune-ups, repairs, and replacements throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today.
How Often Should I Get a Furnace Tune-Up?
We are sure you’ve heard you need regular furnace tune-ups, but your furnace runs just fine without one. Are they really necessary?
Technically speaking, furnace tune-ups are not necessary, but they are strongly recommended and worth every penny. Furnaces experience wear and tear throughout Winter, and having it checked before the next Winter season comes with a variety of benefits.
So, how often should you get a furnace tune-up and what are the benefits?
Frequency of Furnace Tune-Ups
More often than not, HVAC technicians and manufacturers will recommend annual furnace tune-ups, ideally right before the Winter season. If your furnace is brand new, you may get a recommendation of biannual tune-ups, but here in Colorado where your furnace will run for months on end, annual tune-ups are recommended. If you happen to get a furnace repair, this does not count as a tune-up. The entire furnace needs to be cleaned and inspected, not just one part replaced.
Keep in mind, many furnace manufacturers require annual tune-ups to maintain your warranty. In this case, a tune-up should never be missed. Maintaining a furnace warranty could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Benefits of a Furnace Tune-Up
Reduces Heating Costs
Furnace tune-ups ensure your unit is clean and running at peak efficiency, saving you money on your monthly heating bill. From cleaning the blower compartment to lubricating moving parts, a tune-up will allow your furnace to run smoothly and effectively. This way, your furnace will reach your desired temperature with as little run-time as possible.
Preventative Care
During a tune-up, HVAC technicians will check for any necessary repairs, inspect the electrical, lubricate moving parts, and most importantly clean the unit, all of which help to prevent parts from breaking and extend their life. If your furnace is not cleaned and inspected regularly, your furnace will definitely require repairs that could have been prevented.
Click here to see what is typically taken care of during a furnace tune-up.
Maintains your Warranty
Many popular furnace manufacturers make it clear you need regular maintenance by an HVAC professional to retain the warranty. Without this regular maintenance, the manufacturer has the right to deny you a part replacement, forcing you to pay for the part, service, and all subsequent services out of pocket.
In need of a furnace tune-up or have any questions? Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado is here to help. We provide furnace tune-ups, repairs, and replacements throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today.
What to Expect from a Furnace Tune-Up
We all know the importance of calling an HVAC technician when our furnaces stop working, but many of us don’t realize the importance of regular maintenance. Furnace tune-ups are not just about making sure things are running well. Tune-ups are all about inspecting, cleaning, repairs (if necessary), and ensuring your unit is running at peak efficiency. v Keep in mind, this is just scratching the surface! These are all common and typical, but depending on the age, manufacturer, and general state of your unit, additional items will need to be taken care of.
Clean blower compartment
This is one of the more important tasks taken care of during a furnace tune-up because blower motors and capacitors are one of the most expensive parts to replace. When the blower compartment goes uncleaned for many years, it must work harder to push warm air throughout your home which shortens its lifespan.
Inspect wiring
Inspecting the wiring ensures your furnace runs safely and prevents an untimely repair. If something goes wrong with the electrical, you may have to replace the circuit board, another very expensive part to replace.
Clean burner
Oftentimes the burner will get dirty from dust and debris, and as it burns natural gas, it will also burn everything around it. For safety, air quality and longevity, it is important the burner gets cleaned from time to time.
Inspect heat exchanger
The heat exchanger rarely needs much attention besides an inspection, but this inspection is a critical safety measure. If your heat exchanger is cracked or broken, carbon monoxide will leak into your unit and throughout your home.
Filter cleaning or replacement
Regularly changing or cleaning your furnace filter is absolutely necessary! A clean filter will keep all other parts in the furnace clean and running properly. This is something you can and should be doing as often as your manufacturer suggests, but an HVAC technician will take care of this for you during a furnace tune-up.
Pilot light inspection
Your pilot light indicates whether your furnace is receiving the right amount, too much, or too little natural gas, or there is something else burning altogether. The pilot light is a great way to tell if multiple parts within the furnace are doing their job.
Lubricate moving parts
Lubricating all the furnace’s moving parts will reduce friction. When there’s friction, the motor must work harder to reach your desired temperature, which requires more gas/electricity, and it could result in a premature failure.
Advice and tips
When you get a furnace tune-up, you may receive some advice on things you can maintain yourself, things you may need to do differently, and things you need to look out for. This advice is indispensable and will save you money in the long run.
Additional items taken care of during a tune-up include:
- Check duct connection and airflow
- Inspect the thermostat
- Inspect condensate line
- Test safety controls
- Inspect the belts
It might go without saying, but we believe tune-ups are very important! Are you in need of a furnace tune-up? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora and provides furnace tune-ups, repairs, and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today.
When to Get a Second Opinion for an HVAC Repair
Reputable HVAC professionals do their best to provide the most honest and trustworthy solutions, but there are some scenarios where having another company check your unit is always helpful and will give you peace of mind. You may even talk to two very reputable companies and one tells you your unit needs to be replaced while the other says you only need a repair. Every HVAC company runs a little differently, so second opinions are even more important in knowing what the problem is, if any, and knowing what your options are.
It can always feel a little awkward telling an HVAC technician you would like to get a second opinion, but most reliable HVAC companies will understand, and some even encourage them. Here are four common scenarios where you should consider getting a second opinion.
You’re getting a cleaning/tune-up and now a repair is “necessary”
Some unethical companies will offer very inexpensive tune-ups or very limited time specials just to get in the door. Once they are looking at your unit, they can say any part needs replacing. If it’s inexpensive and they can prove your unit needs a repair, a second opinion is not necessary. If it’s portrayed as an ‘urgent’ repair and it’s very expensive, it might be worth getting a second opinion.
The repair or replacement cost is shockingly high
When you are told a repair will be extremely expensive, it is always best to get a second opinion. This could be an unnecessary repair, price gouging, or simply an expensive part that really does need replacing. It’s always best to get a second opinion so you can ensure this repair is necessary and really is this expensive. Worst case, you get a similar or more expensive estimate from another company, but now you know the repair really is necessary. You may even get a cheaper estimate from another company.
Take a look at the 4 most expensive furnace repairs and 4 most expensive AC repairs. With all these repairs, you can expect a high repair estimate.
Your unit is fairly new and the cost to repair is high
The most expensive furnace and AC repairs are common among older units and very uncommon among new units. If your unit is new and you are told your unit needs a very expensive repair, always get a second opinion. Depending on the age of the unit, you may be under warranty.
You’ve never noticed an issue
When an expensive HVAC part needs to be repaired or replaced, chances are you have seen, heard, or even smelled a sign that something is wrong. If you are told something needs to be repaired and it is expensive and urgent, we recommend getting a second opinion. Though furnaces and AC units are complex and there are a lot of moving parts, when something malfunctions, there is usually a sign.
When in doubt, get a second opinion! You could save yourself hundreds of dollars, and you may even save yourself from a scam. If you are still unsure, do a little research online. There are plenty of resources available online that will give you typical repair and replacement costs.
In need of a second opinion in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora and we’d be happy to provide a second opinion. Unfortunately, HVAC scams are quite common, and we see and hear about them all the time. Please do not hesitate to call us, contact us online, or call another professional HVAC company to get a second opinion.
