Is HVAC Maintenance Necessary In Orange County? Signs You Need HVAC Maintenance or a Tune-Up
Despite what many HVAC companies claim, maintenance needs vary by system. The truth is, most heating and cooling systems don’t require much beyond two essentials:
Replacing dirty air filters
Occasional coil cleaning
Depending on your usage, filters may need to be changed as often as every 3 months, or as little as once a year. If you’ve noticed higher electric bills, weak airflow, or reduced cooling performance, your system is likely due for a maintenance or tune-up.
Reduced Air Flow From Your Vents
If the air coming from your vents feels weak, a dirty filter is usually to blame. A clogged filter restricts airflow and can lead to:
Higher energy bills
Poor indoor air quality
Frozen coils and water damage
Overheating or blower motor failure
Tip: Check your filter regularly. If it’s dirty, replace it immediately or have us do it for you—it’s the easiest form of HVAC maintenance you can do yourself.
Higher Than Normal Electric Bills
Wondering “Why is my electric bill so high?” If your utility costs have spiked more than expected during peak summer, your HVAC system could be overworking. Common causes include:
Dirty or clogged coils
Dirty Air Filter
An incorrect refrigerant charge
A failing compressor
These issues force your AC to run longer, wasting energy. Scheduling a professional HVAC tune-up ensures your system runs efficiently, keeping your bills under control.
Reduced Cooling Performance
If your home isn’t staying comfortable, even though your HVAC system runs constantly, that’s a red flag. A healthy system should cool the air by about 18–20 degrees as it passes through. For example, if your thermostat reads 75°F, your supply vents should blow air at around 55°F.
If your system isn’t meeting that standard, it may need professional servicing.
Real HVAC Troubleshooting Example…
One of our clients had multiple companies check their system. Each one said it was “working fine”. Filters were clean, coils had been washed, and refrigerant levels were correct. But the system still couldn’t keep up—on hot days the temperature inside climbed from 72°F to nearly 80°F. Their energy bills skyrocketed while comfort plummeted.
After careful testing, we discovered the compressor was failing. Unfortunately, the only solution was replacing the outdoor unit—but once they did, the difference in comfort and cost was immediate. The electric bill savings and increased comfort made the condensing unit replacement well worth it.
Why HVAC Maintenance Saves You Money
If you’ve noticed weak airflow, rising energy bills, or reduced cooling performance, don’t wait until your system breaks down. Preventive HVAC maintenance can:
Reduce energy costs
Prevent unexpected breakdowns
Improve indoor comfort
Extend the life of your HVAC system
What is the Cost of HVAC Maintenance?
The cost of your maintenance can vary between companies. Some companies offer very cheap prices upfront to get their foot in the door, then try to upsell you on things that you don’t need such as duct cleaning or even a new system. This being said, you can expect to pay for a company’s trip charge, at least 1 hour labor, and any materials that are needed. A range of $150-350 for a thorough maintenance can be expected.
Schedule Your HVAC Maintenance Today
High electric bills don’t always mean you’re using more power—they often mean your HVAC system is working harder than it should. A professional HVAC maintenance service can restore efficiency, improve comfort, and help you save money month after month.
Reach out to Fortt Mechanical today to schedule your HVAC tune-up or to set up a maintenance plan and take control of your comfort and energy costs.
