Seasonal HVAC Maintenance & Tune-Ups, Palo Alto
A system that sits idle for months, then runs hard for a few weeks, benefits from a check before each season. Our tune-ups catch the small things before they turn into no-heat or no-cool calls.
Call 650-460-3483438 Cambridge Ave, 94306
HVAC maintenance in Palo Alto means a cooling check in spring and a heating check in fall, or one combined visit for a heat pump. Each tune-up covers filters, coils, electrical parts, refrigerant pressures, drains and safety controls. Regular maintenance helps protect manufacturer warranties, keeps efficiency up, and catches failing capacitors and clogged drains before the first heat wave.
What’s included
| System | What we do |
|---|---|
| Air conditioner or heat pump (cooling) | Clean outdoor coil, check refrigerant pressures and temperature split, test capacitors and contactor, clear condensate drain, check electrical connections |
| Heat pump (heating) | Verify reversing valve and defrost operation, check auxiliary heat settings, confirm temperature rise |
| Gas furnace | Clean flame sensor, inspect burners and heat exchanger, test igniter and safety switches, check CO and venting |
| Ductless mini-split | Clean filters and coil, inspect blower wheel, flush condensate path, check line set insulation |
| Every visit | Thermostat check, filter change, written report with photos |
When to schedule in Palo Alto
- Cooling check: April or May, before the first warm spell
- Heating check: September or October, before the first cold nights
- Heat pumps: once a year at minimum, twice for heavy use
Why it matters more in a mild climate
In hotter or colder places, problems show up quickly because the system runs all the time. In Palo Alto, a failing part can hide for months, then fail on the first hot afternoon of the year, along with everyone else’s. A tune-up before the season is the best way to avoid waiting in that line.
What you can do between visits
- Change or clean filters every one to three months
- Keep two feet of clearance around the outdoor unit
- Rinse leaves and debris off the outdoor coil gently with a hose
- Pour a cup of white vinegar down the condensate line in spring
- Keep supply and return vents open and unblocked
Our maintenance checklist for Bay Area homes has a printable version.
HVAC Maintenance, step by step
- BookPick a window before the season starts.
- InspectElectrical, refrigerant, airflow, drains and safety.
- CleanCoils, sensors, drains and filters.
- ReportPhotos and notes on anything to watch.
Often paired with hvac maintenance
HVAC Maintenance across Palo Alto and nearby
We’re based at 438 Cambridge Ave and work in every Palo Alto neighborhood. Local notes for each area:
New to us? Start with our overview of HVAC in Palo Alto.
HVAC Maintenance questions,
answered.
Straight answers before you book.
How often should I service my HVAC in Palo Alto?
Once a year for each mode: cooling in spring and heating in fall. A heat pump needs at least one annual visit, ideally two.
Does maintenance affect my warranty?
Many manufacturers require proof of regular professional maintenance to honor parts warranties. Our written report gives you that record.
Do you maintain systems you didn’t install?
Yes. We service all major brands of furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and mini-splits.
How long does a tune-up take?
Usually 60 to 90 minutes per system. Multi-zone mini-split systems take longer depending on the number of indoor heads.
What filter should I use?
A MERV 8 to 11 pleated filter is a good balance for most systems. Higher MERV ratings can restrict airflow unless the return is sized for them.
Let’s make home
feel better.
Tell us what’s happening with your heating or cooling, and we’ll start with the right questions.