Why Are Seasonal HVAC Tune-Ups Important?

No one wants to wake up on a chilly winter morning to a house that is as cold as an ice box and a furnace that won’t turn on. While frigid mornings and faulty HVAC systems are part of the reason that our team at Stith Plumbing & HVAC is here, we would like to help prevent these situations as much as possible so that our customers near Springdale, AR can enjoy more years with their furnace and AC systems. Offering Seasonal HVAC tune-ups is part of our strategy to make heating and cooling less stressful and more affordable for home and business owners in the area.

Throughout most of the year, a reliable HVAC system provides a comfortable, but often unnoticed, the backdrop for everyday activities. But while you may not pause during your busy day to think about an HVAC system that is working perfectly, if your heater or air conditioner breaks down, you’ll stop whatever you’re doing to call and have it fixed. At SPH, we recommend taking time to think about your furnace and air conditioner even when they aren’t about to break down. With seasonal tune-ups on your schedule, you’ll be much less likely to have to call a Springdale heating specialist for those inconvenient midnight repairs. Here is everything you need to know about tune-ups and the benefits they can have for your home.

What is a Seasonal HVAC Tune-Up?

A seasonal HVAC tune-up is a service that should be on your schedule regardless of the age of your system. Just like a doctor’s check-up is important whether you are 1 or 100 years old, tune-ups are important for every system, too. Rather than our repair services, which should be scheduled when your HVAC system is having problems, our tune-ups at SPH are perfect for systems that already seem like they’re in good condition. The goal of maintenance is to keep the system this way.

Types of Seasonal HVAC Tune-Ups

Homes and businesses in Springdale and the surrounding areas need both heaters and air conditioners to keep the property comfortable throughout the year. While both often use the same ductwork, there are components on each system that should be inspected and cleaned during different seasons to ensure efficient heating and cooling. Here are two types of seasonal tune-ups that you should consider.

Fall Tune-Ups

When the air is starting to get cooler but you haven’t turned on your furnace yet, it’s the perfect time to schedule a fall furnace maintenance appointment. While you enjoy the fall colors, you can have your furnace prepared for winter. With a fall tune-up, you won’t have to worry the first time that you have to turn on your heater to combat the cold weather.

Spring Tune-Ups

While your AC will only have to sit idle for a few months until the summer heat returns, it can still get dusty from the disuse. You can clean off the winter debris and make sure there is no wear and tear from the previous summer by scheduling a spring tune-up. We keep our schedules busy during March, April, and May by getting AC units across Springdale ready for the first sweltering day.

Why Should You Schedule Seasonal Maintenance?

We understand that many people are looking for ways to cut back on expenses around the home. But far from being an unnecessary expense, we think tune-ups are the best way to save money on heating or cooling your home or business. As a Springdale heating specialist, we see every day what can happen when a system is poorly maintained, and we don’t want any of our customers to have to deal with unreliable systems that have a short lifespan. Here are some of our reasons for recommending annual tune-ups.

To Get Your System Ready for the Season

When the weather gets cold for the first time, you would probably rather cuddle up next to a vent that is pumping out warm air than have to schedule emergency repairs for a system that won’t turn on. Having an HVAC contractor come and perform tune-up services can eliminate any surprises that you might have the first time you try to turn it on. During a tune-up, you’ll also be able to find out about any repairs that may be needed and get a good idea of how much longer your current system will last. No surprises are necessary!

To Save Money on Repairs

No one likes to have to unexpectedly drop several hundred dollars on a broken AC or furnace. While every HVAC system owner will occasionally have to call for local furnace repairs, well-maintained systems are much less likely to need emergency repairs. You can avoid the majority of repairs with biannual HVAC maintenance.

To Save Money on Energy Bills

The longer a furnace or AC goes without maintenance, the less efficiently it will run. This can be because of dirt and dust on the heat exchanger, worn-out parts, unlubricated mechanical components, and a dirty air filter. After you schedule a tune-up with a reliable HVAC contractor, you’ll notice the comfort of your home increase while your energy bills decrease.

To Save Money on HVAC Replacements

Are you seeing a trend yet? Seasonal HVAC tune-ups are an excellent way to save money through several different means. If saving on repairs and energy bills isn’t enough, consider the amount that you can save by putting off a replacement for several more years. A long-lasting system can also help to keep more money in your pocket.

To Protect Your Warranty

Another way that you can save money is by making sure to protect your system’s warranty. Many warranties come with strict stipulations for maintenance. If routine maintenance is performed, you may be able to take advantage of your warranty the next time it breaks down. But your warranty won’t honor a part replacement if you haven’t taken care of seasonal maintenance on your system.

To Give Your Home Better Air Quality

No one wants to breathe in dust from a dirty heating and air conditioning system. But when you neglect regular maintenance, dust and dirt can start to collect on your system. Not only does this increase the likelihood of pollutants getting into your air, but it can also cause your system to run less efficiently. When an AC is running inefficiently, this can even cause humidity levels in your home to increase. High humidity can cause respiratory problems, mold growth, damage to your home, and more, so it’s always worth keeping under control.

To Avoid Repair Season

There is a reason that all of the best HVAC contractors recommend scheduling HVAC maintenance during the fall and spring. Usually, our phones are busy with emergency repairs during hot summer days and freezing winter nights. Not only does scheduling services during the off-seasons ensure that you’ll get quick service, but it also means that you can be one of the lucky people who doesn’t have to call for urgent repair services in the middle of the night because your system will be running smoothly all season.

What Systems Can Benefit From Tune-Ups?

Any mechanical equipment can benefit from having a tune-up. When our customers think of HVAC tune-ups, they often have traditional central heating and cooling systems in mind. But frequent maintenance is also essential for heat pumps, ductless AC systems, electric fireplaces, pellet stoves, and more. If you have one of these systems, you’ll still want to get it on a regular maintenance schedule.

What Types of Services Can You Expect With Seasonal Tune-Ups?

Depending on the type of system you have, you can expect different items to be on the maintenance checklist. A heat pump may need to have indoor and outdoor coils checked for build-up. Pellet stoves will need to have ash cleaned out and components checked for safety. Ductless AC systems will need to be checked for proper refrigerant levels and an unobstructed condensate line. Here are a few more of the common tasks that will be performed during AC and furnace maintenance:

System Inspections

A crucial part of any HVAC tune-up is a thorough inspection and comprehensive testing of the whole system from top to bottom. During this stage, we will ask a few different questions. Some of these questions can include:

  • Does the system cycle on and off properly?
  • Are all safety switches and devices working properly
  • Are there any CO or gas leaks?
  • Are the filters clean and the proper size?
  • Are there any blockages in the vents or ductwork?
  • Is the thermostat working properly?
  • Are there any loose electrical connections?

System Cleaning

After inspecting your system from top to bottom, your technician may find some components that need to be cleaned. Both the indoor and outdoor units should be free from any debris such as foliage, cardboard boxes, or trash. If the coils or fins are dirty, these can be cleaned to improve the efficiency of your system. Finally, if the air filter is dirty, this will need to be replaced to keep the system in perfect condition. It’s a good idea to keep filters on hand so that your technician can replace them at the time of the appointment.

System Lubrication

Inside your HVAC system, there are moving parts that need to have lubrication to continue running properly. Without lubrication, certain components can burn out, wear down, and generally deteriorate. To minimize friction, we put lubrication on the motor and other moving parts during every tune-up.

System Adjustments

While some problems may need to be taken care of with an HVAC repair, others can be remedied during the tune-up appointment. Thermostat recalibration, straightening of AC fins, topping off the refrigerant, and replacing missing screws can all be a part of a regular tune-up service.

DIY Preventative Maintenance

Once your HVAC system has received the proper maintenance, you’ll still want to make sure to give it some care and attention throughout the rest of the year. One of the most important tasks that can be taken care of by yourself is changing your filter. This should be done at least every three months. But pet owners or anyone living in a dusty area should consider checking it more often and changing it when necessary. Pet hair and dirt from passing cars can clog up your filters and cause problems such as AC freezes and uneven heating.

Choosing Between HVAC Maintenance and Replacement Services

One of the benefits of routinely scheduling maintenance is that you’ll know ahead of time when a replacement is coming. At Stith Plumbing & HVAC, we work hard to let our customers know when their system is reaching the end of its lifespan. At the end of next season, you may want to consider scheduling a replacement instead of a tune-up if:

  • Your furnace or AC is starting to need more frequent repairs
  • Your energy bills are too high even after maintenance appointments
  • Your AC or furnace is getting old (15-20 years)
  • Your technician has found a major problem that isn’t covered by your warranty
  • You want to upgrade your system.

About Stith Plumbing & HVAC

Stith Plumbing & HVAC is a company that has been providing HVAC services in Springdale and the surrounding areas since 1965. We guarantee all of our services from our heating and cooling tune-ups to our installations. Our priority is our customers’ time. We make sure we schedule appointments when you need them and we are always there on time. When you come to us for advice, we are always straightforward and honest and we keep our promises.

Staying on top of HVAC maintenance doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time. With HVAC tune-ups at SPH, we can make sure your system is ready for the next hot spell or winter storm, and all it takes is one phone call. We also have our Stith Shield Protection Plan so you never miss a tune-up appointment again.

If it’s time for your HVAC tune-up, contact us today to schedule your appointment.