What’s Involved in a Spring HVAC Tune-Up? Here’s a Quick Checklist

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By now, you have probably heard that it is important to get seasonal checkups on your HVAC system—cooling in the spring, heating in the fall. But what exactly is involved in spring HVAC service in St. Louis, MO that makes it so important?

Here’s a quick checklist of some of the items you can expect to be included in your tune-up, and why they’re so important:

  • Thermostat check: The thermostat must be properly calibrated to ensure proper temperature control and energy efficient operation.
  • Startup: The unit must be verified as being operational before the technician can proceed with the rest of the tune-up.
  • Return filter: A restricted return air filter causes the unit to waste energy, which can shorten the life of the compressor.
  • Evaporator coil: Routine cleanings of the evaporator coil can ensure better energy efficiency. A dirty coil can lead to failure of the compressor over time.
  • Blower wheel: A dirty blower wheel reduces airflow through the system, which in turn increases costs of operation and can cause the compressor to fail.
  • Lubrication: All motors and bearings should be regularly lubricated. Improperly lubricated parts will ultimately fail.
  • Belt and pulleys: The technician will check the belt, pulleys and general alignment to make sure everything is in its correct position and operating as it should.
  • Blower motor: Blower motors should be stable and clean. A dirty motor will be less efficient and more likely to fail.
  • Electrical usage: Technicians check the total electrical consumption of an HVAC system to ensure it is meeting optimum performance levels.
  • Check for wear: In addition to cleaning and lubricating many of the system’s parts, technicians will also check for any signs of visible wear. Doing so can pinpoint potential problems before they arise and turn into expensive repair issues.
  • Check disconnect switch: Worn and overheated disconnect switches can blow fuses, which makes them potentially dangerous. Disconnect switches should be in good operating condition.
  • Clear debris: If any debris has built up around the unit, it’s important to remove it. This promotes better energy efficiency and prevents the unit from overheating and potentially suffering from major damage.
  • Condenser coil cleaning: Dirty condenser coils can cause the refrigerant pressures to increase, which in turn increases the electrical costs of running the system.
  • Condenser fan blades: If the condenser fan blades are vibrating at all, they need to be tightened. Vibrating condenser fans can damage the unit and lead to costly service calls.
  • Cap capacitors: Bad capacitors can lead to the motor or compressor failing in the long run.
  • Check controls: Performing regular checks of all system controls extends the life of the system, preventing failure and saving you money in the process.
  • Test refrigeration metering: Blockage or improper operation of a metering device can reduce the unit’s cooling capacity, which in turn increases fuel cost and shortens the life of your system.

This is just a sampling of what your spring HVAC service in St. Louis, MO will entail. Contact us today for more information!