As spring settles in and temperatures begin to rise, it’s the perfect time to get ahead of the summer heat by scheduling a pre-season HVAC inspection. Just like your car needs routine maintenance before a long road trip, your air conditioning system needs a check-up before it’s working overtime. At Harts Plumbers, Electricians & HVAC Technicians, we recommend adding an A/C tune-up to your home spring cleaning checklist to ensure your system runs efficiently, reliably, and safely all summer long. A little preparation now can save you from repair costs, high utility bills, and personal discomfort.
“Having a tune-up performed on your A/C unit should be added to a homeowner’s spring projects checklist,” Richard Hart, owner said. “While you’re doing your spring cleaning and sprucing up your yard, you should also make sure your A/C is ready for the hot summer ahead.”
Why Pre-Season A/C Maintenance Is a Spring Cleaning Must
Your A/C unit worked hard last summer—and if it’s been sitting idle during the winter, it may need some attention before powering through another cooling season. Skipping your annual HVAC tune-up can lead to:
- Higher energy bills
- Unexpected breakdowns
- Reduced indoor air quality
- Voiding your manufacturer’s warranty
During the colder months, parts like belts, motors, and electrical connections can loosen or degrade. Dirt and debris can also collect on the coils and filters, reducing airflow and efficiency. If left unchecked, these small issues can become big problems when your system kicks on for the season.
Scheduling pre-season A/C maintenance isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about protecting your investment, improving comfort, and avoiding emergencies during the hottest months of the year. Here’s why a spring tune-up for your air conditioning system is so important:
1. Avoid Surprise Breakdowns
The last thing any homeowner wants is for their A/C to break down during a summer heatwave. A pre-season inspection gives a Harts HVAC technician the chance to spot worn-out parts, clogged filters, or refrigerant issues before they lead to a full system failure. It’s proactive peace of mind.
2. Boost System Efficiency
Dust, pollen, dirt, and debris can accumulate in your system during the off-season. A spring tune-up ensures your A/C is clean and fine-tuned to operate at peak performance—cooling your home faster while using less energy.
3. Lower Energy Bills
An inefficient system has to work harder to cool your home, which means higher utility costs. Routine maintenance can improve airflow, calibrate your thermostat, and optimize refrigerant levels—helping you save money all summer long.
“A well-maintained A/C unit runs more efficiently, which leads to lower energy consumption,” said Hart. “With electricity rates going up by as much as 20% in many parts of the country, anything you can do to keep costs down is important.”
4. Extend Equipment Lifespan
Your A/C is a major investment. Regular check-ups prevent unnecessary wear and tear on components, extending the life of your unit and preventing costly replacements.
5. Improve Indoor Air Quality
Dirty filters, coils, and ductwork can circulate allergens and contaminants through your home. A spring inspection clears out the buildup, so you and your family can breathe easier when the A/C is on.
6. Maintain Warranty Coverage
Many A/C manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance to honor warranty claims. A documented spring tune-up ensures your warranty remains valid if a major repair is needed down the line. Along with the manufacturer warranty, Harts offers a Forever Warranty™ on major installations, on which regular maintenance is also required.
As an example, from the owner’s guide from a national air conditioner manufacturer states:
Your system requires maintenance and repair by a properly trained service technician. “Do‑it‑yourself” repairs on an in‑warranty unit may void your warranty. Other than performing the simple maintenance, you should not attempt to make any adjustments or repairs to your system.
Simple A/C Maintenance You Can Do on Your Own
You can perform simple maintenance tasks, on your own, such as:
- Replace the air filter(s): When replacing your filter(s), always use the same size and type that was originally supplied or consult with your HVAC Technician for recommendations. Be sure to replace it with the arrows pointing in the direction of the airflow. Where disposable filters are used, they must be replaced every month with the same size as originally supplied. Clean or replace your filter twice a month during seasons when the unit runs more often. Ask your HVAC Technician where the filter is located in your system and how to service it.
- Maintain free outdoor coil airflow: Efficient operation of your system depends on the free flow of air over outdoor unit’s coil. Do not plant flowers or shrubbery right next to the unit. Also, make sure that nothing is stacked against the sides of the unit or draped over it.
- Clean the finish: To ensure the longevity of the outdoor unit appearance, clean the exterior finish with soap and fresh water. For stubborn grease spots, use a household detergent. Do not use lacquer thinner or other synthetic solvents as they may damage the finish. For the Puget Sound area, a monthly fresh water rinse is recommended.
Important to remember: DO NOT make any adjustments or repairs to your system. Always consult the owner’s manual or contact Harts HVAC Technicians to assist with questions or problems with the A/C unit before doing anything yourself. When in-doubt give Harts a shout. Professional pre-season A/C maintenance is a small investment that delivers major benefits. It keeps your system running efficiently, helps you save on energy costs, ensures your warranty isn’t voided, and gets you ready for whatever the summer weather brings. Bi-annual inspections are included with the Harts Home Care Plan.
Join the Harts Home Care Plan for Worry-Free HVAC Maintenance
Before you schedule your spring HVAC tune-up, consider becoming a member of the Harts Home Care Plan—our exclusive membership program is designed to give you year-round peace of mind when it comes to your home’s essential systems. With the Home Care Plan, you’ll receive:
- Bi-annual HVAC tune-ups (spring for A/C, fall for heating)
- Save 10% on all service work up to $500
- Priority scheduling for seasonal maintenance and emergency services
- No trip fee (except to the islands)
- Free plumbing safety check (annually)
- Free sewer safety check (annually)
- Free electrical safety check (annually)
- One year warranty on all repairs
- $100 Loyalty Voucher for services once a year
- Annual rebate voucher
When you’re a Harts Care Plan member, your spring A/C inspection is already built in, making it one less thing to worry about. And since members get front-of-the-line scheduling, you won’t have to compete for service when the rush hits on the first hot day of the year.
Beat the Rush: Schedule Before the Summer Surge
In addition to all the reasons listed above, one of the smartest reasons to schedule A/C maintenance in the spring is to get ahead of the seasonal rush. As temperatures climb and more people switch on their air conditioning for the first time in months, HVAC companies quickly book up with calls.
By scheduling early, you avoid long wait times and have more flexibility in appointment options. You also give yourself time to handle any unexpected repairs or part replacements before you’re relying on your A/C every day.
The reality is this: the first hot days of summer reveal hidden problems—from refrigerant leaks to electrical failures—that went unnoticed during the winter. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get prompt service, especially during peak demand when HVAC technicians are fully booked.
Scheduling a Harts HVAC pre-season maintenance ensures your system is cleaned, tested, and ready to go—so you’re not caught off guard by strange noises, weak airflow, or worse, a system that won’t turn on when you need it most. It’s a simple step that can prevent breakdowns, extend the life of your equipment, and keep your home cool and comfortable from the first warm day onward.
Avoid the heat and the hassle—schedule your pre-season inspection now and enjoy a cool, comfortable summer without interruption.
Thinking About a New Air Conditioner Upgrade? Ask About the Harts Forever Warranty
If you’re in the market for a new A/C system, being a Harts Plumbers, Electricians, & HVAC Technicians customer offers even more value. Eligible systems installed by Harts and maintained annually are backed by our Harts Forever Warranty—coverage that lasts as long as you own your home. That means:
- Your investment is protected year after year
- You stay comfortable and covered without stress
Whether you’re scheduling a seasonal A/C tune-up or preparing for a full system upgrade, the Harts Home Care Plan is the best way to protect your comfort, save money, and keep your HVAC running smoothly year after year.
Complete Your Spring Cleaning Checklist with Peace of Mind
Don’t wait until the first heatwave to find out your air conditioner isn’t up to the task. By scheduling your pre-season HVAC maintenance in the spring, you’re taking a smart step toward avoiding breakdowns, lowering energy costs, and keeping your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
From improving system efficiency to extending the life of your equipment, an early inspection pays off in more ways than one. And with the added benefits of our Harts Home Care Plan and the Forever Warranty for qualifying new systems, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your comfort is covered—season after season, year after year.
Book your spring A/C tune-up today and enjoy a worry-free summer with help from the experts at Harts Plumbers, Electricians & HVAC Technicians. With locations in Tacoma, Seattle, Renton, Olympia, serving the entire Puget Sound area, our technicians ready to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient—no matter what the forecast says.
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