There’s no getting around it — keeping your home comfortable in the summer and winter can be expensive. And with inflation and the costs of living continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever to think about ways to save money. Hint: an HVAC tune-up can help.

You could turn off the AC this season and swelter to save a few bucks, but that southern heat will have you reaching for the thermostat in no time.

So what’s a homeowner to do? 

It’s no secret that driving your car for years without getting an oil change is a surefire way to end up stranded on the side of the road… 

The same is true with your home’s heating and cooling system. Just like your car needs check-ups to keep it running smoothly, your HVAC system needs maintenance to function at its best.

So the big secret to saving money on your home comfort lies in regular HVAC tune-ups. Read on to learn more about what a tune-up is and how it can help you save money.

What is an HVAC tune-up?

Your HVAC system is made up of complex machinery. Over time, wear and tear take a toll on the components, causing them to work less efficiently or break altogether. 

A tune-up is a preventative measure that helps keep your air conditioner or heater running in top-notch condition.

Tune-ups are usually scheduled twice per year, in the spring and early fall. This allows our technicians to thoroughly inspect and clean your system before the heavy usage of summer or winter.

What to expect from professional maintenance

If you’ve never had an AC or heating system tune-up, you might wonder what the process entails. When you schedule an appointment with Lee Company, one of our expert technicians will come to your home and perform a thorough inspection of your equipment:

• Examining relays, wiring, contacts, and capacitors
• Keeping the condensate drain flowing properly
• Cleaning the evaporator coil and condenser if needed
• Lubricating moving parts 
• Ensuring the condenser motor and fan blades are in good working order
• Checking for refrigerant leaks
• Tightening electrical connections
• And much more

During the entire process, their trained eye will look for any potential problems before they cause bigger, and more costly issues. 

As you can see, a tune-up is much more than just changing a filter. It’s a comprehensive inspection that requires expertise.

How much money can you save with regular tune-ups?

There’s always a cost associated with HVAC maintenance, but the money you spend on preventative care is a wise investment. And it’s much more affordable than repairing a major malfunction or replacing your entire system.

By keeping your equipment in good shape, you can also avoid the expense of high monthly utility bills.

In 2021, 10% of U.S. electricity was used to cool the inside of homes and businesses. That’s a big number, and it doesn’t even account for the electricity used to heat homes in the winter.

It’s estimated that by properly maintaining your HVAC system, you can save up to 30% on your energy bills each year. For the average family, that adds up to hundreds of dollars in savings!

Bottom line: regular tune-ups are a cost-effective way to keep your home comfortable all year long.

Annual HVAC maintenance will extend the life of your system

Your home is a big investment, and your HVAC system is a big part of that. A well-maintained AC unit or furnace can last up to 10-15 years. So why replace your system prematurely when tune-ups can keep it running like new? 

By scheduling yearly maintenance, you are helping your equipment last. 

When you consider the long-term savings, there’s really no reason not to invest in a tune-up.

Other benefits of servicing your HVAC equipment

Beyond saving money, avoiding repairs, and extending the life of your system, there are other benefits to annual maintenance:

Improve indoor air quality

Your HVAC system circulates the air in your home, so it’s important to keep it clean and free of dust, pollen, and other allergens. If your family tends to suffer from seasonal allergies or frequent respiratory infections, regular HVAC maintenance can certainly help.

Avoid untimely breakdowns

Poorly maintained systems are also more likely to break down when you need them the most. In the middle of a heatwave or a cold snap is not the time to find out your air conditioner or furnace isn’t working! That’s when most HVAC contractors are at their busiest and may not be able to get to you right away. By scheduling a tune-up, you can be confident that your system will be ready to go even in extreme weather. 

Maintain manufacturer’s warranty

In order to keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid, you may need to have proof that you’ve been caring for your system as recommended. Many companies require evidence of annual tune-ups in order to honor the warranty.

Keep your family safe

A malfunctioning HVAC system can be a fire hazard or put your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. By having your equipment inspected regularly, can help you avoid these dangerous situations.

Schedule your HVAC tune-up today

Annual HVAC maintenance is an important part of being a homeowner. Don’t wait until your system is broken to call for help. Lee Company’s HVAC maintenance plans make it easy to keep your AC, heater, or furnace performing at peak levels, without breaking the bank!

Contact us today to schedule your HVAC tune-up. We’ll help keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low all year long!