What's Actually in an HVAC Tune-Up

A real HVAC tune-up isn't 20 minutes and a filter change. Here's the full 17-point checklist we work through on every Central Kansas maintenance visit — and the corners cheap $49 "tune-up" ads cut.

AC / heat pump tune-up (spring visit)

• Rinse outdoor condenser coil (removes cottonwood, dust, grass).
• Check refrigerant charge with gauges (not by "feel").
• Test compressor amp draw against nameplate spec.
• Test capacitor microfarad rating — a weak capacitor is #1 cause of summer breakdowns.
• Check contactor pitting.
• Test outdoor fan motor amps and rotation.
• Check evaporator coil and drain pan for algae/biofilm.
• Clear condensate drain line (Kansas humidity = biofilm buildup).
• Check blower motor amps and belt tension (if belt-driven).
• Verify supply/return static pressure.
• Change or inspect air filter.
• Calibrate thermostat.
• Test system startup and shutdown sequence.

Furnace tune-up (fall visit)

• Inspect heat exchanger for cracks (safety — CO risk).
• Test flame sensor microamp draw and clean.
• Test ignitor resistance.
• Verify gas pressure at manifold.
• Check flue draft.
• Verify limit switch operation.
• Inductor motor amp draw.
• Blower motor + wheel inspection.
• Confirm proper temperature rise across heat exchanger.

Key takeaway. If a tune-up takes less than 45 minutes, they didn't do it. Real inspections take 60-90 min per system.

Need a hand from a real Central Kansas technician? Call (785) 822-7550 and a Comfort Heating & Air tech will walk you through it — or request service online and we'll follow up the same business day.