Your heat pump is more than the outdoor unit — it’s a complete year-round comfort system: the outdoor condenser, the indoor air handler and coil, refrigerant lines, the reversing valve, ductwork, electrical, and the controls that switch it between heating and cooling. Our maintenance plans service the entire system, not just the unit, so a small issue in one component never drags down the rest. Two tune-ups a year — one focused on cooling, one on heating — catch problems early, optimize efficiency, and prevent failures on the days you need comfort most. Since 1967, our certified technicians have helped Auburn homeowners extend system life through proactive, whole-system care.
A cooling-system tune-up prepares your heat pump system for peak cooling, and a heating-system tune-up readies it for heating. Join our maintenance plan for automatic scheduling and repair discounts.
334-887-9020A heat pump works harder than a standard AC — one system handles both heating and cooling, with parts most units don’t have. Keeping it reliable means maintaining the whole system, not just the outdoor unit. Click any card to read the detail.
Heat pumps must perform in both heating and cooling. One tune-up ensures cooling-mode readiness; the other ensures heating-mode reliability.
A heat pump that works fine in cooling mode can fail completely when it switches to heating mode. The reversing valve, defrost cycle, and heating-mode pressures all need seasonal testing to prevent winter failures.
A maintained heat pump uses less energy in both seasons. Clean coils, correct refrigerant charge, and working components reduce operating costs.
Heat pumps run more hours than standard AC systems because they provide both heating and cooling. Even small efficiency losses compound into significant utility cost increases over a full year of operation.
Maintenance testing identifies failing reversing valves, defrost cycle faults, electrical issues, and refrigerant leaks before they cause complete system failure.
Heat pump failures often happen during peak demand — the coldest winter days or hottest summer days. Seasonal maintenance catches problems during mild weather when repairs are easier to schedule and less urgent.
Proper maintenance extends heat pump lifespan to 15–20+ years. Neglected systems fail sooner.
Heat pumps are complex systems with reversing valves, defrost controls, and dual-mode operation. Regular maintenance keeps all components working properly and prevents premature wear that shortens system life.
Many warranties require annual maintenance documentation. Maintenance proves you’ve maintained the system properly.
Manufacturer warranties often require proof of annual maintenance by a licensed contractor. Without maintenance records, warranty claims can be denied even for legitimate equipment failures.
Year-round comfort depends on the outdoor condenser, the indoor air handler and coil, refrigerant lines, the reversing valve, ductwork, and controls all working together.
A tune-up that only checks the outdoor unit misses where heating and cooling problems actually start — a sticking reversing valve, a weak defrost cycle, low refrigerant, or leaky ducts. We inspect and service the entire heat pump system as one connected whole, so a small issue in any single component never drags down comfort in either season.
Tap either tune-up to see what we check and test across the system.
Check refrigerant charge, test electrical operation, clean condenser coil, verify blower operation, inspect indoor coil for ice or algae, test thermostat cooling function, verify condensate drain is clear, measure system pressures, and provide written report.
Why it matters: Cooling puts the highest demand on your heat pump system. This tune-up ensures the system is ready for peak summer heat.
Best Time to Schedule
Before Peak Cooling
Before cooling season demand peaks and service calls get busy.
Check refrigerant charge in heating mode, test reversing valve operation, test defrost cycle activation, verify heating mode compressor operation, check thermostat heating function, test electrical connections, measure heating pressures, inspect for heat exchanger issues, and provide written report.
Why it matters: Heating mode uses different components and pressures than cooling mode. This tune-up ensures reliable winter heating.
Best Time to Schedule
Before Peak Heating
Before winter cold arrives and heating failures become urgent.
Filter replacement, electrical testing, refrigerant system pressures, airflow verification, thermostat testing, and written condition report with any recommended repairs.
Consistent care: Some maintenance tasks are important in both seasons — filter replacement, electrical connections, and overall system condition.
Standard Tasks
Every Visit
Core maintenance tasks performed during both the cooling and heating tune-ups.
Every tune-up includes a written condition report documenting what we found, what we tested, and any recommended repairs or improvements. This report serves as warranty documentation and helps track your system’s condition over time.
Why documentation matters: Warranty claims often require proof of regular maintenance by a licensed contractor.
Documentation
Written Report
Detailed condition report for your records and warranty protection.
If maintenance finds a problem, we explain the issue and cost to repair. Maintenance plan members receive 15% repair discount. You decide whether to repair now or monitor the issue.
No surprises: We explain what we found and give you options. Maintenance catches problems early when repairs are less expensive.
If Repairs Needed
Your Choice
We explain the issue and cost. You decide whether to repair or monitor.
Join our maintenance plan for automatic two-visit scheduling, priority service, repair discounts, and flat annual pricing. Plan members never worry about scheduling — we call you when it’s time.
Convenience: Automatic scheduling, priority service, and repair discounts make maintenance plans the smart choice for busy homeowners.
Plan Benefits
Automatic
We schedule both tune-ups and call you when it’s time.
Thorough testing, seasonal adjustments, and detailed reporting. Every Spencer heat pump system tune-up follows the same comprehensive process — from arrival through final system test.
Visual inspection of indoor and outdoor units, electrical connections, refrigerant lines, and overall system condition. We check for obvious problems, leaks, damage, or safety concerns before starting detailed testing.
Cooling-system tune-up: test cooling mode operation, pressures, and performance. Heating-system tune-up: test heating mode operation, reversing valve function, and defrost cycle. Each mode requires different tests.
Clean condenser coil, check indoor coil condition, replace filter, clear condensate drain, and clean electrical connections. Physical cleaning is essential for efficient operation.
Measure refrigerant pressures, test electrical components, verify airflow, check thermostat operation, and test safety controls. Make adjustments as needed for optimal performance.
Document findings, test results, and system condition. Explain any recommended repairs or improvements. Provide written report for your records and warranty documentation.
Our maintenance members enjoy priority scheduling, consistent system performance, and the confidence that comes from knowing a trained professional is keeping an eye on their equipment throughout the year.
What’s Included In Our Maintenance Plan?
We know that a new HVAC system or a major repair can be a significant investment. That is why Spencer Heating and Air works with trusted lending partners to make quality comfort accessible to every homeowner. We want you to make the best decision for your home — not the cheapest one because of budget pressure.
Why Consider Financing?
Hover over the section to see the full list. Regular maintenance provides multiple benefits that compound over time — from lower utility bills to fewer unexpected repairs.
Heat pumps are complex systems that work year-round. Proper maintenance keeps them running efficiently, prevents expensive failures, and extends equipment life significantly.
Clean coils, correct refrigerant charge, and proper airflow reduce energy consumption. A well-maintained heat pump uses 10–15% less energy than a neglected system.
Maintenance catches problems early — before they cause complete system failure on the coldest or hottest days when you need comfort most.
Proper maintenance extends heat pump lifespan to 15–20+ years. Neglected systems often fail after 8–12 years, requiring expensive replacement.
Many manufacturer warranties require annual maintenance by a licensed contractor. Our written reports provide the documentation you need for warranty claims.
Clean filters, proper airflow, and working components provide more consistent temperatures and better indoor air quality throughout your home.
Maintenance plan members receive priority scheduling for repairs and 15% discount on all repair work.
At minimum, two annual tune-ups: one for the cooling system and one for the heating system. Join our maintenance plan for automatic scheduling.
Maintenance plan members pay annual flat fee covering two tune-ups plus filter replacement and parts. Non-members pay per-visit. See pricing.
We explain the issue and cost to repair. Plan members receive 15% repair discount.
Not recommended. Heating mode and cooling mode each need seasonal checks. Skipping either season risks failures during that season.
We recommend high-efficiency filters (MERV 11-13) changed monthly during heavy use seasons. We’ll advise the correct size and type.
Typically 1–2 hours. We’ll confirm during scheduling.
Maintenance prevents problems. If your system is failing, repair is needed. Once repaired, maintenance prevents future failures.
No. Most warranties require annual maintenance by a licensed contractor to remain valid.
Heat pumps have different operational modes (heating vs. cooling) that need separate testing. One tune-up checks cooling; the other checks heating. Both are essential for year-round reliability.
Before you rely on heat for the winter, ideally well ahead of the first cold snap. This gives us time to get your heating system ready.
Spencer Heating and Air operates from two convenient locations to serve communities across East Alabama. Whether you live in the heart of Auburn or along the shores of Lake Martin, our team is never far away.
Our Jackson’s Gap location brings Spencer service to the entire Lake Martin region — tailored for lake homes, vacation properties, and the seasonal startup-shutdown cycle that lakefront living demands.
Call Jackson’s Gap Location 256-373-3165Our Lake Martin team understands the realities of lakefront properties — humidity loads, seasonal idle periods, and the fast response a weekend at the lake deserves.
Book Service at Lake Martin Location
For over 55 years, Spencer Heating and Air has set the standard for honest, expert HVAC service in Auburn, AL and the Lake Martin area. Our customers keep coming back because they know they can count on us — for fair pricing, skilled workmanship, and the kind of genuine care that only comes from a family-owned business with deep roots in the community.
Whether you need a brand-new American Standard system, a quick repair, or a comprehensive maintenance plan, we are here and ready to help. Do not settle for anything less than the best — your home and your family deserve it.
Two annual tune-ups keep your system efficient and prevent failures in both heating and cooling seasons. Join our maintenance plan for automatic two-visit scheduling plus repair discounts.
