What Happens During a Professional HVAC Tune-Up—Ft. McCombs Electrical Heating and Air
If you live in Northwest Florida, you know that mix of heat, humidity, and seasonal storms means your HVAC system works hard—often year-round. Whether it’s keeping your home cool through blazing Gulf Coast summers or staying cozy during surprise cold snaps, your system needs to be ready when you need it most.
But here’s the catch: even the best HVAC systems degrade over time without proper care.
That’s where a professional HVAC tune-up comes in.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect from a professional HVAC tune-up, why it matters, and how McCombs Electrical Heating and Air ensures your system runs smoothly—season after season.
What Is an HVAC Tune-Up?
An HVAC tune-up is a detailed inspection and service of your heating and cooling system performed by a certified technician. It’s essentially a health check-up for your HVAC unit—helping to catch problems early, improve performance, and reduce the risk of costly breakdowns.
Unlike basic maintenance (like changing an air filter), a tune-up dives deeper. It ensures that every component is clean, calibrated, and functioning at its best.
Why Tune-Ups Are Crucial in Milton, Pace and Pensacola
Living along the Gulf Coast comes with specific HVAC challenges:
- High humidity can overwork systems and encourage mold growth.
- Salt air near the coast can corrode outdoor components.
- Frequent storms and power surges can damage electrical parts.
- Pollen and allergens clog up filters and airflow.
For these reasons, HVAC systems in the Gulf Coast require twice-a-year tune-ups—one before cooling season (spring) and one before heating season (fall).
What’s Included in a McCombs HVAC Tune-Up?
McCombs Electrical Heating and Air delivers more than a checklist—we offer peace of mind. Here’s a breakdown of what our technicians inspect and service during your HVAC tune-up:
1. Thermostat Calibration and Settings Check
- We verify that your thermostat is functioning correctly and matches the actual temperature inside your home.
- If it’s a programmable thermostat, we help ensure it’s optimized for energy savings.
Why this matters: An inaccurate thermostat can cause your system to short cycle or run longer than needed, increasing utility bills.
2. Inspect and Replace Air Filters
- While replacing filters is a homeowner task, we check for the correct size, condition, and MERV rating.
- If filters are clogged or improperly installed, we replace or recommend a better option.
Local tip: In Pensacola and Milton, filters may need replacing more often due to higher pollen and dust levels.
3. Electrical Connections and Voltage Testing
- Loose connections are tightened.
- We measure voltage and current on motors to prevent electrical failures.
Safety alert: Electrical issues are a leading cause of HVAC fires and failures.
4. Lubrication of Moving Parts
- Blower motors, fan blades, and other moving components are lubricated to reduce wear and tear.
What this prevents: Friction can overheat parts, causing noisy operation and early breakdowns.
5. Check Refrigerant Levels and Pressure
- We measure refrigerant charge and top it off if necessary.
- Also inspect for potential leaks or line damage.
Note that high temperatures often push systems to the limit, leading to low refrigerant and reduced cooling.
6. Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils
- Dirty coils reduce efficiency and can freeze up your system.
- We carefully clean both indoor (evaporator) and outdoor (condenser) coils.
Energy savings tip: Clean coils = lower electricity bills.
7. Check System Controls and Startup Cycle
- We test the start-up, operation, and shutdown process to catch any functional hiccups.
- Safety controls and sensors are also reviewed.
Result: Your system starts smoothly, runs reliably, and shuts down correctly—every time.
8. Inspect Blower Components
- We assess the blower assembly, motor, and wheel for balance and debris buildup.
- Cleaning and adjustments ensure consistent airflow.
Why this matters in Florida: Balanced airflow helps control indoor humidity—crucial in places like Milton and Pensacola.
9. Measure Airflow and Duct System
- We check static pressure and ensure that air is moving efficiently throughout your ducts.
- Recommend sealing if we detect air leaks or energy loss.
Did you know? Up to 30% of conditioned air can be lost through leaky ducts.
Benefits of Regular HVAC Tune-Ups
Still wondering if a tune-up is worth it? Here’s what you gain:
- Lower Utility Bills: Well-maintained systems run more efficiently and use less energy.
- Fewer Emergency Repairs: Tune-ups catch minor issues before they escalate into major breakdowns.
- Extended System Life: Cleaning and calibrating components prevents wear and helps your unit last longer.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Removing dust, mold, and allergens from the system means cleaner air for your family.
- Consistent Comfort: Proper airflow, humidity control, and temperature regulation = year-round comfort.
HVAC Tune-Ups Done Right with McCombs
At McCombs Electrical Heating and Air, we’re not just a service provider—we’re your local HVAC experts.
Here’s what sets us apart for residents in Pace, Milton, Pensacola, and nearby communities:
- Fast, friendly service from licensed professionals
- Upfront pricing with no surprises
- Locally focused solutions that consider Gulf Coast climate factors
- Flexible scheduling to fit your routine
- Trusted reputation backed by real customer reviews
We don’t just check boxes. We help you protect your investment, stay energy-efficient, and keep your home comfortable—no matter the season.
When Should You Schedule Your Tune-Up?
If you haven’t scheduled a tune-up yet this year, now is the time. For Florida homeowners, the ideal times are:
- Spring (March–May) before the peak cooling season
- Fall (September–November) before temperatures drop
If your system is over 10 years old or you notice higher energy bills, reduced airflow, or frequent cycling, you may need more frequent checkups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does a tune-up take?
A standard tune-up with McCombs takes about 60–90 minutes.
Q2: Do I need a tune-up if my system is working fine?
Yes. Tune-ups are about preventing problems, not just fixing them.
Q3: Can I perform a tune-up myself?
While you can replace filters and keep vents clear, only a licensed technician can safely test electrical components, refrigerant levels, and deeper mechanical parts. Schedule a professional tune-up now.
Simple HVAC Tips Between Tune-Ups
- Replace air filters monthly (especially in peak seasons)
- Keep the area around outdoor units free from leaves, grass clippings, and debris.
- Use a programmable thermostat to reduce system strain
- Don’t block vents with furniture or curtains
- Watch for signs like strange noises, weak airflow, or inconsistent temps
Conclusion
Your HVAC system is one of the most important—and expensive—appliances in your home. A routine tune-up might seem simple, but it’s one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your comfort, your energy bills, and your system’s longevity.
Service Areas
At McCombs Electrical Heating and Air, we proudly deliver expert HVAC services to communities across Northwest Florida. Whether you need a seasonal tune-up, emergency repair, or full system installation, our team is just a call away.
We Serve:
- Milton, FL
- Pensacola, FL
- Pace, FL
- And surrounding Gulf Coast areas
From residential neighborhoods to commercial properties, we’re committed to providing reliable, energy-efficient solutions that keep your home or business comfortable year-round.
Need a Tune-Up in ?
Don’t wait until your HVAC system fails in the middle of a heatwave. Schedule your professional tune-up with McCombs Electrical Heating and Air today and enjoy worry-free comfort all year long. Call (850) 994-5467 or visit www.mccombselectrical.com to book your service today.