And much more!
So, if you’re looking for answers on what’s included with HVAC service, keep reading our detailed guide below to get answers to all of your questions!
What is an HVAC Service Plan?
All HVAC systems – furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, etc. are vital to your home’s comfort. As such, routine maintenance is required to keep these systems working effectively to keep the home’s temperature and humidity levels optimal.
In general, HVAC service plans are scheduled routine tune-ups most commonly completed once every six months. Generally this includes a service call once before the hot weather of summer, then again before the frigid months of winter are the typical times when maintenance occurs.
Service plans for your HVAC system are like going to the dentist twice a year – everything is checked to be in working order and then cleaned. Much like skipping the dentist, unchecked issues can lead to further complications without proper care.
What’s an HVAC Tune-Up?
Tune-ups are completed as part of the HVAC service plan. Depending on the type of HVAC equipment your home has and the season, the focus of the HVAC technician will shift.
To prepare for summer, the HVAC tech checks air conditioners and heat pumps (in cooling mode) for proper operation. Refrigerant levels are measured and recharged. They check the belts for proper tightness, and they oil the mechanical parts if necessary.
Similarly, to prepare for the cold days of winter, HVAC service visits in the fall focus on the furnace or heat pump (in heating mode). The HVAC technicians check the burners for proper flame levels, clean the heat sensors, and lubricate the moving parts such as fans and motors.
Additionally, they clean the ductwork, filters, AC coils, and other components during all service visits.
What is Included in an HVAC Service Plan?
Depending on the HVAC contractor, your specific HVAC service plan may include slightly different items and checks. However, no matter which HVAC contractor you hire, they will look for and repair any issues that may cause problems.
As we learned earlier in this guide, HVAC tune-ups differ depending on the time of the year. Similarly, HVAC service plans for spring and fall service calls vary as well (tune-ups are just a part of the overall service plan).
Spring HVAC Service
The first thing that HVAC technicians will look for during spring HVAC service are signs of damage from the harsh winter. The winter weather exposes the outdoor unit of your air conditioner to the rain, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that could cause rust and collect dirt and debris.
To prevent winter damage to the outdoor unit of your air conditioner, we recommend a tarp cover.
The HVAC technician will open up the outdoor unit of your cooling system and inspect the condenser coils, compressor, and fan. They’ll clean all the components and check each piece component one by one to ensure proper operation, function, and condition.
Lastly, they will check the relay, capacitor, all electrical connections, and other electrical components with a handheld multimeter to ensure your AC units gets appropriate electrical levels.
The HVAC technician will check the evaporator coil, filter, condensate drain line, and ductwork inside the home. If there are holes in the ducts, cold air is lost, and the HVAC system will lose efficiency. Sealing the ductwork can improve the efficiency of your air conditioner by more than 20%. If refrigerant levels are low, they will recharge it and look for refrigerant leaks.
Lastly, the technician will test the AC system by toggling the setting on the thermostat. They will make sure it turns on and off properly and provides proper airflow through the supply vents into the rooms of your home.
Fall HVAC Service
For HVAC service in the fall, the HVAC technician will focus on the heating system in your home. They will thoroughly inspect the burner, heat exchanger, and blower motor. Things they look for, and test are
- Adequate heat
- Inspect heating elements
- Proper flames
- Good outlet gas pressure
- Good airflow
- Test pressure switches
- Inspect humidifier (if applicable)
They will also use gas leak and CO detectors to ensure that the combustion process in the furnace is taking place normally and not producing excess vapors into the home. Flue draft inspection ensures the exhaust gas is venting correctly. Lastly, they will toggle the thermostat to verify it responds appropriately.
If your home has a heat pump, the technicians will do the same test, checks, and verifications as they would for an air conditioning system. However, they will make sure it produces enough heat while in heating mode.
Are HVAC Maintenance Plans Worth It?
HVAC maintenance plans are not free, but in general, they are entirely worth their cost. Here are some examples of why HVAC maintenance plans are valuable:
- HVAC equipment has to keep up with high heating and cooling demands, and ensuring your system is running optimally will keep your energy costs low and failures away
- Provides peace of mind that no issues are present
- Ensures a long equipment lifespan
- If the manufacturer of your HVAC system requires routine maintenance to keep the warranty valid
- Keeps your HVAC system running smoothly, without any interruptions
- Many HVAC service contracts include priority service – if something breaks done, the HVAC technician will come and fix your issue before others
- Many plans are affordable monthly or yearly contracts and include two annual service calls, reduction in repair costs, and other benefits
HVAC service prevents costly, future failures, which are often more expensive than the cost of the HVAC service plan.
What You Should do Between Service Calls
The most important thing that all homeowners should do between service calls is to be on the lookout for any indicators of an issue.
For air conditioning systems and heat pumps, indicators of a problem could be:
- Decreased cooling or heating capacity
- No or reduce airflow
- Abnormal noise (screeching, banging, hissing, dripping)
- Water leaks
- No power
And for furnaces, symptoms of issues are:
- Decreased heating performance
- Little to no airflow
- Air is not hot
- Smell of sulfur indicating a gas leak (leave the home in this case)
- Won’t turn on
Between service calls, the air filter should be checked monthly and cleaned or replaced when it is visibly dirty. Additionally, homeowners should keep their HVAC systems clean and free of dust.
How Much Do HVAC Service Plans Cost?
On average, HVAC service plans cost between $12 per month ($144 per year) to about $17 per month (about $200 per year).
The pricing varies depending on what part of the country you’re in, the type of HVAC system you have, and the type and number of HVAC units (furnace, AC unit, etc.).
Why Should You Choose Blue National HVAC?
At Blue National HVAC, our HVAC service plans are not only thorough, but they’re also affordable too. Our routine service visits guarantee that necessary, preventative maintenance isn’t forgotten about before it’s too late.
Our technicians have years of experience with all major HVAC brands, making them the best choice for all your heating and cooling service needs. With Blue National HVAC, you’ll always receive top-notch service from our experienced HVAC technicians.
