September 2023
By: Josh Walejewski
Read Time: 2-3 Minutes
Why do our heating and cooling systems need annual maintenance?
Much like a well-tended garden that flourishes with regular care and attention, annual maintenance for heating and cooling systems nurtures their performance and longevity. This proactive approach cultivates a comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient indoor environment, allowing your system to thrive over the years without unexpected disruptions. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This rings especially true with your heating and cooling equipment and annual maintenance.
Overall, our heating and cooling systems require maintenance to:
- Maintain our equipment’s energy efficiency
- Avoid system malfunctions with early problem detection
- Extend the equipment’s lifespan
- Ensure our equipment is operating safely
- Keep our warranty in good standing
- Maintain peace of mind when it comes to being safe and comfortable at home
Do heating and cooling tune-ups have to be performed ahead of the heating or cooling season or can it be done at any time?
The timing of HVAC maintenance often sparks debates about performing it before or after the upcoming season. However, the truth is that maintenance can be conducted at any point during the year, except for AC tune-ups, which require outdoor temperatures to be at least 55 degrees. Both pre-season, mid-season, and post-season schedules have their merits, each offering unique benefits.
When to perform AC maintenance
Consider a scenario similar to maintaining your car’s oil. Imagine you change your car’s oil every 5,000 miles. It’s been 3,200 miles since your last oil change, but you’re planning a significant road trip next week that will add about 1,200 miles to your odometer. Like opting for an AC tune-up before the cooling season, you might choose to change your car’s oil before the trip, even if the oil is still in good shape.
On the other hand, some individuals might prefer to change their car’s oil after the journey due to the additional wear and tear placed on the engine. Whether you change your car’s oil before or after the big trip, the most important part is that you stay on top of regular maintenance. The same goes for your air conditioning system.
When to perform heating maintenance
In contrast, the timing of heating system maintenance is more flexible as it can be performed at any time of year. It doesn’t require outdoor temperatures to be at a specific threshold because all work is done indoors. However, it’s worth noting that if you decide to schedule your furnace or boiler maintenance during summer, your heat will need to be on and running to perform all the necessary tests and calibrations.
Bottom line
Whether you choose pre-season, mid-season, or post-season maintenance, what matters most is your commitment to maintaining your system’s optimal performance. By doing so, you ensure that your warranty remains in good standing and that your HVAC system operates efficiently, and effectively, regardless of the time of year.
Are all tune-ups created equal?
Unfortunately, no. Some companies charge more or less for their maintenance services and what’s included in their service varies. If you come across a tune-up price that seems too good to be true, it likely is. Some companies even define HVAC tune-ups or preventative maintenance as “safety checks, clean & checks or inspections”.
Safety checks or inspections don’t usually involve cleaning, lubricating, and calibrating different parts of the equipment or system for optimal performance. It’s simply a check to make sure the equipment is operational and safe. Therefore, these cheaper inspections don’t actually extend the life of your equipment, lower energy costs, or reduce the likelihood of breakdowns.
Companies that offer tune-ups that are half the price of their competitors are often playing a numbers game to get their foot in the door so they can try to sell you on an entire system replacement. I’m not saying there aren’t good deals out there, but I come from the school of thought that you generally get what you pay for.
What your preventative maintenance tune-up should include:
Ultimately, your HVAC system’s health depends on the thoroughness of the maintenance provided. Tune-ups and maintenance performed by Kettle Moraine Heating & Air Conditioning are completely comprehensive. They include a complete cleaning, and all necessary tests and checks to ensure your unit is operating safely and efficiently – per manufacturer specifications.
A thorough tune-up should take close to an hour to complete. However, it could take longer depending on the type of equipment being serviced, how long it has been since maintenance was performed, or if the technician discovers any issues. Our technicians will address any minor issues as they often develop into more severe problems over time. This can end up being a much larger expense than catching them proactively.
When was the last time your equipment received a tune-up?
If you have had maintenance performed in the last year, good on you! If you can’t remember the last time your equipment received any TLC in the form of annual HVAC maintenance, you’re probably due for some! Your equipment, wallet, and peace of mind will thank you. Call now to schedule your preventative maintenance today.
Read more blog posts from Kettle Moraine Heating & AC.
About the Author
Josh Walejewski
Josh is a professional marketer who has worked in the HVAC industry since 2017. With a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree (B.A.A.S) in marketing and sustainable business management from the University of Wisconsin, he has a passion for all aspects of HVAC, business, marketing, and environmental stewardship.
