A common question we hear at Ernst Heating & Cooling is, “When should I schedule my HVAC tune-up?” Let’s face it. Here in the Metro East area, we ask a lot of our heating and cooling systems. Frigid winters call for trusty heat. Scorching summer temperatures and high humidity beg for a reliable air conditioning. Regular maintenance plays an important role in keeping these machines running smoothly.
While there isn’t a single magic date, the general consensus among heating and cooling professionals, including your trusted team at Ernst Heating & Cooling, points towards the “shoulder” seasons – spring for your air conditioner and fall for your furnace. Read on to find out why this timing is optimal – and why you shouldn’t panic if you’ve skipped your spring AC tune-up.
Spring: Preparing for summer comfort
When you finally turned off the AC in the fall, you probably didn’t give it much thought until the warm weather arrived in the spring. This long period of dormancy means your unit could have shifted over time or developed loose connections or frayed wires. Dust and debris can take residence, ready to wreak havoc when you switch on the AC. Scheduling a tune-up in spring offers several key advantages:
- Proactive problem detection: Our certified technicians can identify and address minor issues – refrigerant leaks, dirty coils, worn belts – before they escalate into costly breakdowns during the peak of summer. Catching these problems early can save you significant headaches and expenses down the line. Plus, you have the peace of mind knowing you’ve done everything you can to keep your family cool.
- Optimized efficiency: A well-tuned AC unit runs more efficiently. This means it will cool your home more effectively while consuming less energy, leading to lower utility bills throughout the summer. A dirty or poorly maintained system must work harder to achieve the same level of cooling.
- Extended lifespan: Regular maintenance is crucial for prolonging the lifespan of your HVAC system. It makes sense. When you address wear and tear and ensure that all components are functioning correctly, you may be able to prevent premature failure and get the most out of your investment.
- Improved air quality: You may not be able to see what’s in your indoor air, but you can certainly feel it. Dust, pollen and other airborne contaminants can cause irritation and allergies. During a tune-up, our technicians will clean or replace the air filters, which will help clear the air.
- Scheduling convenience: Spring tends to be a less busy time for HVAC companies compared to the peak summer and winter seasons. This often means more flexible appointment times and quicker service.
Fall: Gearing up for winter warmth
Similarly, fall is the ideal time to schedule a tune-up for your furnace, boiler or heat pump. This ensures it’s in top working condition before the cold Midwest winters arrive. A fall tune-up offers comparable benefits to a spring AC tune-up, focusing on safety, efficiency, and reliability during the heating season.
But what if summer is already here? Is it too late for an AC tune-up?
Absolutely not! While spring is the ideal time, summer is definitely not too late to schedule an AC tune-up. Here’s why:
- Preventing mid-season breakdowns: Even if summer is in full swing, a tune-up can still identify and fix potential problems that could lead to a system failure during the hottest days. Summer is just beginning here in your Metro East neighborhood. A mid-summer AC breakdown can be incredibly uncomfortable and even dangerous.
- Restoring lost efficiency: If you didn’t get a spring tune-up, your AC unit might already be running less efficiently due to accumulated dust and minor wear. A summer tune-up can help restore some of that lost efficiency, lowering your energy bills for the remainder of the season.
- Addressing existing issues: If you’ve noticed any unusual noises, weak airflow, or inconsistent cooling, a summer tune-up is essential to diagnose and resolve these issues before they worsen. Ignoring these signs can lead to more significant and expensive repairs.
- Better late than never: Even a tune-up performed in the summer offers benefits in terms of system performance and longevity compared to no maintenance at all. It’s always a good time to invest in the health of your heating and cooling system.
The Ernst Heating & Cooling Difference
At Ernst Heating & Cooling, we understand the importance of regular maintenance. We also know that it’s easy to neglect these important appointments. That’s one of the many reasons why we offer the Ernst Comfort Plan. When you sign up for the Ernst Comfort Plan, you’ll enjoy two precision tune-ups each year, with priority scheduling and a 15 percent discount on any repairs you need. You don’t have to worry about setting up the appointments on time – we’ll reach out and schedule them automatically. We believe the Ernst Comfort Plan pays our customers back in better heating and cooling, higher energy efficiency and peace of mind.
Don’t wait for the discomfort of a malfunctioning heating or cooling system. Whether it’s spring, fall, or even the middle of summer, contact Ernst Heating & Cooling today at 618-217-1836 to schedule your professional tune-up. You can also request your appointment through our online portal. Investing in regular maintenance is an investment in your comfort, your wallet, and the longevity of your equipment.