What We Check on a Furnace Tune-Up
- Inspect heat exchanger for cracks — a cracked exchanger can leak carbon monoxide
- Test and clean the burners
- Check and clean the flame sensor
- Test the ignitor
- Inspect and lubricate the blower motor and belt
- Check the inducer motor and pressure switches
- Measure gas pressure and adjust if needed
- Inspect flue and exhaust venting
- Test the thermostat and verify all safety controls
- Check and replace the filter if needed
What We Check on an AC Tune-Up
- Check refrigerant level and inspect for leaks
- Clean the evaporator coil (indoor)
- Clean the condenser coil (outdoor)
- Test the capacitor and contactor — these are the most common AC failure points
- Check the compressor amperage
- Clear and flush the condensate drain line
- Inspect the refrigerant lines and insulation
- Test the thermostat operation and calibration
- Inspect electrical connections and tighten as needed
- Check and replace the filter if needed
Why It's Worth Doing Every Year
A capacitor costs $80 to replace when we find it going soft during a tune-up. The same capacitor failing on a 95-degree day means your AC is down, you're waiting for a same-day service call in peak season, and the repair may cost more because of the urgency.
Dirty coils make your system run longer to hit the same temperature. Longer run time means more electricity, more wear, and a shorter lifespan. Most homeowners see lower energy bills after a cleaning because the system stops working so hard.
And for newer systems: most manufacturer warranties require documented annual maintenance. If something goes wrong and you haven't had the system serviced, the warranty claim can be denied.
Maintenance Plans
Annual tune-ups are available as one-time visits or as part of a maintenance plan. Plans lock in your spot on the schedule each season and include perks that pay for themselves on the first repair.
Heating Plan
Call for Pricing
- Annual furnace or boiler tune-up
- Priority scheduling — you go first
- Discount on repairs during the plan year
- Reminder call in the fall before heating season
Call to Enroll Most Popular
Complete Comfort Plan
Call for Pricing
- Annual furnace or boiler tune-up (fall)
- Annual AC tune-up (spring)
- Priority scheduling year-round
- Discount on repairs during the plan year
- Seasonal reminders — we call you
- No overtime charge on after-hours calls
Call to Enroll Cooling Plan
Call for Pricing
- Annual AC tune-up
- Priority scheduling — you go first
- Discount on repairs during the plan year
- Reminder call in the spring before cooling season
Call to Enroll
Plans renew annually. Call to enroll or ask about it when we're out for a service call.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a tune-up actually include?
- See the full checklist above. Short version: we inspect, clean, test, and check every major component. If something is wearing out, we tell you before it fails.
- How often should I get my HVAC serviced?
- Once a year for each system — furnace in the fall before heating season, AC in the spring before cooling season. If you have one system that does both (heat pump), once a year covers it.
- My system seems to be running fine. Do I still need a tune-up?
- Running fine and running efficiently aren't always the same thing. Dirty coils, a weak capacitor, or slightly low refrigerant won't always cause obvious symptoms — they just make the system work harder and cost more to run. The tune-up catches those before they become a breakdown.
- Does maintenance really extend the life of my system?
- Yes. A furnace or AC that gets annual maintenance will typically last 3 to 5 years longer than one that doesn't. It also keeps the manufacturer's warranty valid on newer systems.
- Can I do any of this myself?
- You can change the filter and keep the area around the unit clear. That's the most important thing a homeowner can do. The rest — checking refrigerant, testing the heat exchanger, inspecting electrical components — needs a licensed tech and proper equipment.