What’s Included in an AC Tune-Up?
Unless you’ve watched a technician perform an air conditioner tune-up, you probably are not quite sure what takes place. Is it just an inspection? Is it something you can DIY? The truth is that an AC tune-up involves perhaps dozens of small but important tasks.
One HVAC company might include different items in their AC tune-up checklist than another. We can tell you what we include at Priced Right Heating and Cooling for our AC tune-ups in the Olathe and Overland Park area.
What Does an AC Tune-Up Do?
Maintenance needs can vary by make and model, as well as the age and condition of your air conditioner. The general purpose of an AC tune-up includes:
- Visual inspection
- Cleaning
- Adjusting
- Lubricating
- Testing
- Optimizing
In other words, you need a licensed and experienced HVAC technician to perform AC maintenance because we know what to look for and how to test a cooling system in ways that aren’t obvious to the naked eye.
Our AC Tune-Up Checklist
Here’s a rundown of what’s included in your AC tune-up, at a minimum:
Air Filters: We’ll install your replacement filter or clean a reusable filter.
Coils: We clean the condenser coil and compressor coils for better efficiency, cleaner air quality, and preventative care.
Electrical parts: We check and tighten electrical connections as needed.
Motor parts: We properly lubricate the motor bearings and other moving parts, and adjust the fan blades.
Condensate drain: We flush the AC drain line and align everything so you don’t get messy leaks or a frozen AC later.
System evaluation: We use diagnostics tools and our deep base of human knowledge to check the refrigerant levels, air flow, blower components, amperage, superheat and subcooling, temperature drop, and more.
Thermostat: We’ll adjust the thermostat and replace an old battery as needed.
Our heat pump tune-up looks very similar. Checking for refrigerant loss and cleaning the coils are always the most important parts of your cooling system maintenance.
Do You Need an AC Tune-Up Every Year?
Yes! This is your convenient opportunity to take care of a cooling system during a short, affordable service call rather than waiting for an emergency repair later this summer. But it’s not just about preventative maintenance.
Air conditioners can lose up to 15% efficiency due to reduced air flow alone, according to ENERGY STAR®. Dirty coils, leaky ducts, or a clogged blower motor can make things even worse. AC tune-ups keep your system running at peak energy efficiency and with the best indoor air quality.
If it’s been a year or longer since your last AC tune-up, schedule AC maintenance in Overland Park today. You can also sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan to get your cooling system maintenance now and your heating tune-up this fall.