During an HVAC maintenance visit, a technician typically goes through a set of checks that boost comfort and help your system last longer. You might wonder what exactly unfolds when that HVAC professional steps through your door.
In this guide, you’ll learn about each stage of the service and why those tasks matter for your home’s climate control.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before calling an HVAC company, you can take a few simple steps:
- Make sure outdoor units are free of debris and that there is clear access to indoor units and vents
- Check filters; you don’t have to change them yourself just before the visit, but it helps to know the filter size or type for easy replacement if needed
- If you’ve noticed weird noises, odors, or uneven temperatures, write them down to tell the technician
Most appointments take about 60 to 90 minutes for a single system (longer if you have both AC and furnace), so plan accordingly.
Key Steps of the HVAC Maintenance Visit
A professional HVAC maintenance visit usually follows a step-by-step checklist. Here are the typical tasks your HVAC technician may perform:
System Inspection and Startup
The technician starts by turning on the system and observing its operation. They listen for unusual sounds like rattles or squeals, feel airflow from the vents, and look for any visible damage or leaks.
Air Filter Inspection and Replacement
A dirty filter is one of the most common causes of poor performance. As part of maintaining an air conditioner, the technician will look at your HVAC filter and replace it if clogged. Clean filters improve airflow, reduce strain on the blower, and filter dust from indoor air.
In fact, a dirty filter is the most common source of airflow problems. The filter should ideally be changed every one to three months. Your technician may also recommend a replacement schedule based on pets or allergies.
Electrical System Check
The technician will then inspect the system’s electrical components. This includes checking wiring and connections, tightening any loose wires, and measuring voltage or current on motors. They might also examine capacitors and relays to catch malfunctioning parts before they fail.
Coils and Condenser Cleaning
Dust and debris accumulate on your system’s coils, and that can impair heat transfer. The indoor evaporator coil (inside the air handler) is cleaned to restore cooling efficiency, and the outdoor condenser coil (on the condenser unit) is sprayed off to remove leaves and grit.
Refrigerant Level Check
For cooling systems, the technician usually measures the refrigerant charge with gauges. They check for leaks in lines or coils and then recharge the system if needed. Proper refrigerant levels are critical as low refrigerant not only reduces cooling ability but can damage the compressor.
Blower Motor and Fan Maintenance
The blower assembly circulates air through your home, so it needs to be thoroughly serviced. If the blower motor fails or the fan is off-balance, the entire system must work harder, raising energy use and risk of failure.
The technician usually inspects the blower motor for wear or overheating, lubricates its bearings, and checks the belt (if any) for proper tension. They clean dust off the fan blades and the blower wheel. All of this ensures smooth airflow.
Schedule Your HVAC Tune-Up Today
Keep your system running smoothly all year with Home Service Nerds. When you book an HVAC maintenance visit, you’ll get filter checks, coil cleanings, refrigerant tests, and wiring inspections — all handled by our family-owned team. Contact us today, and relax in the knowledge that your home’s comfort is covered.
