Arizona is famous for its striking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique Southwestern cuisine. Given its arid desert climate, Arizona is also notorious for its scorching summers. According to the National Weather Service, the past five Arizona summers have seen a significant increase in extreme heat. In Maricopa County, each summer during this period had an average of 40 days with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The past summer also boasted the longest-ever heatwave, with 113 consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.
Not only can such temperatures feel uncomfortable, but they can also wreak havoc on your HVAC system. Scheduling an AC tune-up prior to summer is essential for preparing your unit for peak usage and preventing breakdowns. A look at the significance of pre-summer HVAC tune-ups can help you make an informed decision for your home.
What’s an HVAC Tune-Up?
An HVAC tune-up is a complete servicing session designed to ensure that your equipment is in excellent working condition. The standard tune-up consists of three main phases: inspection, cleaning, and troubleshooting or corrections. Inspections can include thoroughly checking the air conditioner and ductwork. A technician may also check refrigerant levels, assess the unit’s airflow, and inspect the HVAC control board. After completing preliminary inspections, the tune-up may include various types of cleaning. The tune-up may also include cleaning evaporator and condenser coils, cleaning the unit’s blower and fan assembly, or cleaning the HVAC system’s condensate drain.
Finally, the troubleshooting or servicing portion of a tune-up is designed to help boost the unit’s performance. This phase can include measuring system efficiency, testing calibration, examining electrical connections and wiring, and checking all safety controls and switches. A technician can make corrections in any problem areas. For instance, the technician may lubricate all motors, bearings, hardware, and other moving parts to minimize friction and prolong equipment life. The technician may also replace an outdated thermostat with a programmable or smart device and correct any duct issues to ensure adequate cooling during the summer months.
What Are the Reasons to Get an HVAC Tune-up Before Summer?
It’s critical to schedule your HVAC tune-up prior to the weather heating up for the summer. Benefits of completing the tune-up before summer include improved efficiency and savings, increased equipment lifespan, improved indoor air quality, and reduced risk of noise pollution and emergency repairs.
Improved Efficiency
One of the most significant reasons to get an HVAC tune-up is to improve system efficiency. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), around 93% of homes in the Arizona region rely on air conditioning to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. AC usage increases substantially during the hottest months of the year. By examining your entire unit and correcting any issues before summer arrives, an HVAC technician can ensure that your system runs smoothly when you need it most. Well-serviced HVAC units are also less likely to suffer from short cycling and other efforts that put a strain on your equipment. This improved efficiency can reduce overall energy consumption and have a positive impact on your utility bills.
Increased Lifespan
Regular tune-ups can also extend the lifespan of your HVAC unit. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a well-maintained air conditioner has a life expectancy of around 15 years. However, neglecting maintenance can result in worn or dirty parts that can gradually leave your system in disrepair. As your unit works harder to compensate during extreme temperatures, the months of neglect can result in unexpected malfunctions that necessitate repair or replacement. Scheduling routine tune-ups lowers the likelihood of premature replacements and helps your equipment live up to its full potential. Since HVAC hardware is a large investment that can easily exceed five figures, it’s important to remain up to date with tune-ups as a preventative measure rather than having to replace your equipment prematurely. The right upkeep allows your equipment to run properly throughout its operable life.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Improved indoor air quality (IAQ) is another central benefit of remaining current with HVAC tune-ups. Contaminants such as dust, debris, and allergens can naturally accumulate in HVAC equipment like air conditioning units during normal operation. Tune-ups help remove the worst of these contaminants and pollutants. If you neglect recommended tune-ups, however, your AC unit may recirculate airborne particles such as dirt and debris throughout your home. Poor indoor air quality can exacerbate allergies and other respiratory conditions. This may pose a significant problem if you’re stuck indoors when the temperatures outside well exceed 110 degrees. A tune-up removes dirt and pollutants from areas like ducts, filters, and the blower assembly so that you can breathe cleaner and fresher air. You can also ask your HVAC technician about installing an air purifier or filtration system to further improve your indoor air quality.
Decreased Likelihood of Emergencies During Peak Season
The sweltering summer is often a peak season for unit breakdowns and emergency repairs. Problems such as overheating, low refrigerant levels, and malfunctioning outdoor condenser units are all common causes of HVAC emergencies in Arizona. With temperatures that can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit for months on end, air conditioning is a necessity for most Arizona residents. Loss of air conditioning is a certifiable emergency for anyone with health conditions.
A tune-up can help you avoid untimely emergencies by identifying and fixing potential issues while it’s still early in the year. Reduce the risk of scheduling problems or emergency fees by staying one step ahead of any defects with your HVAC unit. Regular tune-ups are the best way to save time, money, and stress so that you can get through the summer with peace of mind.
Warranty Compliance
It’s common for HVAC manufacturers to require consistent tune-ups to remain compliant with their contract warranty. If a homeowner fails to schedule recommended tune-ups, this neglect can render the warranty null and void. Once this happens, the contract may no longer cover any defects or breakdowns even if your equipment still falls within the warranty period. Scheduling your tune-up before each summer can help you maintain a consistent record of compliance so that you can retain the coverage guaranteed with your HVAC equipment purchase.
Reduced Noise Pollution
The hottest days of summer often involve spending more time indoors to remain safe from the unbearable heat. If you remain home for extended periods, you may notice that older HVAC systems get louder and louder over time. This happens as the equipment loses efficiency and accumulates debris like dust and grime. HVAC units can also make unusual sounds as aging parts strain to perform during heatwaves. Any noise pollution from loud HVAC units and equipment can result in inconvenience and reduced quality of life at home.
Scheduling an AC tune-up can help mitigate this noise pollution through maintenance. By lubricating dry equipment and replacing old mechanical parts, a technician can streamline your HVAC system so that it performs its job without disrupting your household. If you notice particular noises such as rattling or knocking, a technician can identify the source of the defect before it causes major damage to your system.
Contact Us Today
Scheduling an HVAC tune-up is the best way to make sure that your system is ready to beat the blistering heat. If preparing your equipment for the summer feels overwhelming, there’s no need to worry. The experts are here to help. A/C & Plumbing Doctors provides professional HVAC tune-ups for houses in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding areas. Our Service Agreement plan makes it easy to remember to schedule and includes tons of other money-saving perks.
We offer inspections and servicing of air conditioners, ductwork, condensers, and more. Our technicians work with central HVAC systems as well as ductless mini-splits. We’re happy to upgrade your thermostat or install air purification so that your house remains fresh throughout the summer. Contact A/C & Plumbing Doctors today for all of your HVAC needs.
