Professional HVAC Maintenance Services in Ann Arbor & Washtenaw County
Regular HVAC maintenance is the most cost-effective way to ensure reliable heating and cooling, lower energy bills, and extend your system's lifespan. Ann Arbor HVAC Pros connects you with licensed, experienced HVAC contractors who provide comprehensive preventive maintenance services throughout Washtenaw County.
Our network of trusted HVAC maintenance professionals services all types of heating and cooling systems, including gas furnaces, central air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, boilers, and hybrid systems. Regular maintenance prevents 95% of HVAC breakdowns and saves homeowners hundreds of dollars annually.
💰 Maintenance Saves Money
Studies show that regular HVAC maintenance reduces energy costs by 15-20%, prevents 95% of major breakdowns, extends equipment life by 5-10 years, and maintains manufacturer warranty validity. A $150-200 annual tune-up prevents thousands in emergency repairs and premature replacement costs.
What's Included in HVAC Maintenance?
Comprehensive HVAC maintenance varies by season and system type, but typically includes:
- Complete System Inspection: Visual examination of all components for wear, damage, and proper operation
- Air Filter Replacement: Installing new, properly-sized air filters
- Thermostat Calibration: Testing and adjusting thermostat accuracy and programming
- Electrical Testing: Checking voltage, amperage, and all electrical connections
- Safety Control Testing: Verifying all safety switches and controls function properly
- Blower Cleaning: Cleaning blower assembly and checking belt tension
- Burner/Heat Exchanger Inspection: Examining for cracks, corrosion, and proper combustion (furnaces)
- Coil Cleaning: Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils for maximum efficiency
- Refrigerant Check: Testing refrigerant levels and checking for leaks (AC/heat pumps)
- Condensate Drain Service: Cleaning drain lines to prevent clogs and water damage
- Ductwork Inspection: Checking for leaks, disconnections, and airflow issues
- Performance Testing: Measuring temperature differentials and system efficiency
- Carbon Monoxide Testing: Safety testing for dangerous CO leaks (gas systems)
- Lubrication: Lubricating motors and moving parts as needed
Furnace Maintenance (Fall Service)
Annual furnace maintenance should be performed every September or October, before heating season begins. Furnace tune-ups include:
- Heat exchanger inspection for cracks or damage
- Burner cleaning and flame adjustment
- Ignition system testing (pilot light or electronic igniter)
- Gas pressure testing and gas valve inspection
- Flue and venting inspection for proper draft
- Blower motor and belt inspection
- Safety limit switch testing
- Carbon monoxide testing around furnace
- Thermostat calibration and battery replacement
- Air filter replacement
Air Conditioner Maintenance (Spring Service)
Annual AC maintenance should be performed every April or May, before cooling season. AC tune-ups include:
- Condenser coil cleaning (outdoor unit)
- Evaporator coil inspection and cleaning (indoor unit)
- Refrigerant level check and leak testing
- Compressor testing and electrical measurements
- Capacitor and contactor inspection
- Fan motor lubrication and testing
- Thermostat calibration
- Condensate drain cleaning and treatment
- Air filter replacement
- Ductwork inspection for leaks
- Temperature differential testing
Average HVAC Maintenance Costs in Ann Arbor
HVAC maintenance costs in the Ann Arbor area are affordable, especially compared to emergency repair costs. Here's typical pricing:
HVAC Maintenance Pricing
- One-Time Furnace Tune-Up: $100 - $200
- One-Time AC Tune-Up: $100 - $200
- Combined Furnace + AC Tune-Up: $150 - $300 (done separately, spring and fall)
- Annual Maintenance Plan: $150 - $350/year (includes both heating and cooling)
- Heat Pump Maintenance: $120 - $250 (more complex than standard AC)
- Ductless Mini-Split Maintenance: $100 - $200 per indoor unit
- Commercial HVAC Maintenance: $250 - $800+ (depending on system size)
What's Included: Most maintenance visits include inspection, cleaning, testing, minor adjustments, and air filter. Major repairs, replacement parts, and refrigerant are additional charges.
Benefits of Annual Maintenance Plans
Many Ann Arbor HVAC contractors offer annual maintenance agreements that provide significant advantages:
- Cost Savings: Plans cost less than paying for individual tune-ups
- Priority Service: Members get priority scheduling for service calls
- Repair Discounts: 10-20% off parts and labor for repairs
- No Overtime Charges: Some plans waive after-hours emergency fees
- Scheduled Reminders: Contractor reminds you when maintenance is due
- Extended Warranties: Some manufacturers require maintenance for warranty coverage
- Peace of Mind: Know your system is maintained by professionals
Signs Your HVAC System Needs Maintenance
Even if it's not your scheduled maintenance time, call for service if you notice:
- Rising Energy Bills: Heating or cooling costs increasing without explanation
- Uneven Temperatures: Some rooms too hot or cold
- Strange Noises: Rattling, grinding, squealing, or banging sounds
- Frequent Cycling: System turns on and off more than usual
- Reduced Airflow: Weak air coming from vents
- Bad Odors: Musty, burning, or unusual smells
- Visible Rust or Corrosion: Signs of deterioration on equipment
- Yellow Pilot Light: Should be blue (furnaces)
- Ice Formation: Ice on AC refrigerant lines or outdoor unit
- System Age: Haven't had maintenance in over a year
DIY Maintenance vs Professional Service
Some HVAC maintenance tasks homeowners can do themselves, while others require professional expertise:
- DIY Tasks: Monthly air filter changes, keeping outdoor unit clear of debris, cleaning supply/return vents, checking thermostat batteries, ensuring vents aren't blocked by furniture
- Professional Tasks: Electrical testing and repairs, refrigerant handling, gas line and combustion testing, carbon monoxide testing, internal component cleaning and lubrication, system calibration and adjustments
While DIY tasks help, they don't replace professional maintenance. Only licensed technicians have the training, equipment, and experience to properly maintain HVAC systems.
When to Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Optimal maintenance timing for Michigan homes:
- Fall (September-October): Schedule furnace maintenance before heating season
- Spring (April-May): Schedule AC maintenance before cooling season
- Heat Pumps: Twice yearly maintenance (spring and fall) since they provide both heating and cooling
Avoid scheduling during extreme temperatures when contractors are busy with emergency repairs. Off-season scheduling often means better availability and potential discounts.
How Long Does HVAC Maintenance Take?
Typical maintenance visits take 60-90 minutes for thorough inspection and service. More complex systems (multi-zone, commercial, heat pumps) may take 2+ hours. If problems are discovered, technicians will provide repair estimates before proceeding.
What Happens During a Maintenance Visit?
Here's what to expect when a contractor arrives for maintenance:
- Introduction: Technician introduces themselves and confirms work to be done
- System Access: You show them to your HVAC equipment location
- Inspection: Technician performs comprehensive multi-point inspection
- Cleaning: Components are cleaned as needed
- Testing: System is started and all functions tested
- Recommendations: Technician reports findings and suggests any needed repairs
- Questions: You discuss concerns and ask questions
- Documentation: You receive written report of service performed
Why Choose Local Ann Arbor HVAC Contractors?
Local contractors offer advantages for ongoing maintenance:
- Familiar with your system from previous visits
- Build long-term relationships and prioritize loyal customers
- Available quickly if problems arise between visits
- Understand Michigan climate demands on HVAC systems
- Maintain detailed service history of your equipment