Simple, straight talk about what we do, why it matters, and exactly what you get.
When your HVAC is happy, your home feels right, your bills stay sensible, and breakdowns are rare. That’s what our planned maintenance is built to deliver—without gimmicks.
Our Plans (clear and simple)
- One-time Tune-Up: $79
Includes a free air filter and a full cooling or heating check (your choice). - Annual Plan: $219
Two visits per year (Spring Cooling + Fall Heating) with a new air filter each visit. Pay annually, quarterly, or monthly by card—whatever’s easiest.
Member perks: priority scheduling on breakdowns, 15% off repairs, photo reports, and transparent, flat-rate pricing. All parts and repairs include our 1-year warranty; motors can be upgraded to an extended 5-year warranty for $300.
How we schedule and communicate (no guessing windows)
- We book your appointment and enter your home and equipment info into our CRM.
- You get a text/email with your ETA window.
- Your technician sends an “on our way” text about 30 minutes before arrival.
- After the visit, you receive a photo-rich report and any estimates right to your phone/email.
Spring Visit: Cooling Tune-Up (what we actually do)
- Filter: Replace with the correct size and MERV rating.
- Indoor coil care: Rinse/hose as needed and clear the condensate drain so it flows freely.
- Electrical checks: Measure voltage and amp draw on the compressor, condenser fan, blower motor, and controls; inspect the disconnect, PCB/logic boards, and all connections for heat marks or looseness.
- Refrigerant charge: Verify by subcooling and superheat (explained below).
- Airflow & static pressure: Measure to confirm your ducts aren’t choking the system (more below).
- Blower: Clean wheel as needed; verify fan speeds match the equipment tonnage and duct design.
- Delta-T across the coil: We look for about 20–22°F difference between return and supply air—your sign that the system is removing heat efficiently.
- Pan treatment: Add condensate pan tablets/capsules to discourage odor, slime, and microbial growth.
- Ducts & insulation: Inspect for leaks, crushed runs, missing insulation, and sizing that doesn’t match tonnage.
- Safety & mounting: Confirm the unit is properly secured and serviceable.
Fall Visit: Heating Tune-Up
If you have a gas furnace (including ultra-low NOx and condensing models)
- Filter: Replace.
- CO safety: Test with a certified CO analyzer; visually inspect the heat exchanger.
- Ignition & flame: Clean flame sensor, verify ignition sequence, and check burners.
- Gas pressure: Check inlet and outlet pressure so the furnace hits the correct temperature rise (typically 30–60°F across return to supply) without over-fueling or overheating.
- Electrical: Amp draw on inducer and blower, check boards, wiring, safeties (pressure switch, rollout, high-limit).
- Ducts & returns: Inspect and measure static pressure again; confirm airflow is on target.
If you have a heat pump or electric heat
- Heat pump charge: Verify charge in heating mode and confirm proper defrost operation.
- Heat strips (aux heat): Test and ensure they’re not over-running (they use a lot of kWh—we tune controls to minimize unnecessary strip heat).
- Thermostat: Verify staging/lockout settings so you get efficient heat first, strips only when needed.
Plain-English Explainers (because knowing “why” matters)
Static Pressure (the system’s “blood pressure”)
Air moves through your ducts; static pressure tells us how hard the blower has to push.
- Why it matters: High static = noisy vents, strained motors, higher power bills, poor comfort, and reduced equipment life.
- What we measure: We use a manometer at the return and supply to see total external static. Most residential systems are happiest around ≤ 0.5 in. w.c.
- Fixes: Add/resize returns, correct filter size, repair leaks, remove kinks, and right-size ducts.
Subcooling (for charging in cooling mode)
Liquid refrigerant leaving the outdoor coil should be a few degrees below its condensing temperature—this is subcooling.
- Why it matters: Enough subcooling ensures solid liquid reaches the indoor metering device for efficient cooling (not foam or flash gas). Too low can mean undercharge; too high can point to restrictions or overcharge.
Superheat (also for charge verification)
Vapor refrigerant leaving the indoor coil should be a few degrees above its boiling point—this is superheat.
- Why it matters: Proper superheat protects the compressor (no liquid floodback) and confirms the coil is boiling refrigerant effectively. Low superheat can risk compressor damage; very high superheat can signal low charge or poor airflow.
Temperature Rise (heating) & Delta-T (cooling)
- Cooling ΔT: We aim for ~20–22°F drop across the indoor coil. Too low? Could be low charge, blower too fast, or high humidity. Too high? Restricted airflow or coil issues.
- Heating rise: Furnaces are designed for a specific temperature rise (often 30–60°F). Too high risks overheating/short life; too low can mean under-firing or too much airflow.
Amps & Volts (electrical health)
- Amp draw tells us how hard motors and the compressor are working. High amps = heat, stress, and early failure.
- Voltage that’s too low or too high can damage motors and electronics. We check at the disconnect and across key components.
Surge Protection
A small device that absorbs voltage spikes before they fry circuit boards, ECM motors, and inverter drives. One power blip can cost more than the protector itself.
Refrigerant Leaks
Low charge = poor cooling/heating, iced coils, and high power bills. We inspect for oil stains, run electronic leak detection, and discuss repair vs. replacement honestly.
Thermostats & Zoning
A miswired or failing thermostat can undo a perfect tune-up. We verify calibration, batteries, and settings. If you have zones, we test dampers and the zone board to be sure each area gets the right airflow.
Split systems vs. package units vs. heat pumps (quick guide)
- Split system: Indoor air handler/furnace + outdoor condenser/heat pump. Most common in homes.
- Package unit: Everything in one cabinet on the roof or slab—common in the Valley.
- Heat pump: Heats and cools with refrigerant; very efficient when sized and set up correctly.
We service all of them, including ultra-low NOx gas furnaces and high-efficiency inverter systems.
Ducts, insulation, and why your SEER depends on them
Even a 20-SEER system won’t perform like one if ducts are undersized/leaky or the attic is under-insulated. Our maintenance includes a reality check on duct size, sealing, insulation, and returns. When airflow is right, comfort improves and kWh drop.
If we find a problem…
You’ll get a photo-documented estimate in your inbox with clear, flat pricing. Common items include:
- Run capacitors, contactors, motors, boards
- Duct sealing/upsizing, added returns, filter upgrades
- Refrigerant leak testing/repairs and proper re-charge
- Surge protection, UV lights, IAQ upgrades
- Smart Wi-Fi thermostats and zoning fixes
Need flexibility? Repairs, replacements, and upgrades can be financed.
Why our customers stick with the plan
- Systems last longer and break down less
- Homes feel even and steady in every room
- Lower utility bills because the system isn’t fighting dirty coils, bad airflow, or wrong charge
- Priority service and 15% off repairs keep surprises manageable
Ready to get on the schedule?
Choose $79 one-time or the $219 annual plan (two seasonal visits + filters). We’ll lock in your spot, text your ETA, and send everything—photos, notes, estimates—straight to your phone or email.
Caledonian Mechanical, Inc.
Proudly serving Fresno County and the Central Valley with honest maintenance, clean workmanship, and numbers you can trust.