Seasonal HVAC Tune-Ups in Denver Tech Center

In townhomes and condos, a clogged condensate drain can leak into a neighbor's unit. We clean the trap, flush the line, test the condensate pump if there is one and check any overflow switch. This is one of the most valuable parts of a tune-up in attached housing. If water has already stained the drain pan or the closet floor, we trace where it came from and tell you whether the fix is a cleaned trap, a re-sloped line or a new pump.

In Hampden South and Southmoor Park homes, we test draft at the furnace and water heater, inspect the flue connector and look at gas connectors. Split-levels often have airflow issues between floors, so we check returns and damper settings.

Many of these houses have their second or third furnace and an air conditioner of a different age. The report notes the age and condition of each piece, which helps if you are planning a remodel, a sale or a replacement in the next few years. Humidifiers on these furnaces get a new pad and a valve check each fall.

Condensers close together on shared pads recirculate hot air and collect debris. Our spring visit cleans the outdoor coil, tests the capacitor and contactor, checks refrigerant readings and the temperature drop across the indoor coil, and clears the drain. Older R-22 units get a look for oil at fittings.

Cottonwood fluff and leaves from the greenbelts and landscaped common areas around DTC collect against condenser coils, and lawn crews sometimes pile clippings against units. We wash the coil from the inside out and note any fin damage. If your condenser shares a pad with neighbors, we identify yours in the report so the HOA's landscaping crew and future technicians know which unit is which.

Check filters monthly. EPA guidance for smoky days is a MERV 13 filter where the blower can handle it. If equipment is on a roof or in a shared mechanical room, we confirm access with the HOA before the visit.

In condos with in-unit fan coils or air handlers, filters can be odd sizes in hard-to-reach slots. We write the size on the report and show you how to change it, since a skipped filter is one of the most common reasons for frozen coils and drain overflows in attached homes.

When a home with gas appliances or an attached garage is sold, or gets permitted appliance work, Colorado requires CO alarms within 15 feet of the bedrooms; we check yours are present and in date. Schedule heating service around September and cooling in April or May. Tune-ups need no permit. Our tune-up checklist covers every step.