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In the world of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry, tune ups for the air conditioning system are essential.
Air conditioning units are complex machines that require regular maintenance to ensure that run smoothly to serve your needs. One can’t run a machine year after year without expecting to ensure its upkeep.
This blog was written by our air conditioning technicians to help you understand what an AC tune up is and why it is essential. Read along to the benefits of annual AC tune ups
Why do you want an AC Tune Up
AC tune ups are comprehensive maintenance services meant to ensure that the air conditioning system performs efficiently with the least amount of breakdowns and or expensive electricity bills.
During tune ups, the air conditioning system undergoes a series of inspections, cleanings, and various adjustments that improve its efficiency and performance, and stave off the need for future repairs.
10 Point Air Conditioner Tune Up Checklist
To give you a better perspective on the process, Apex Pros has put together the essential checklist for AC Maintenance. These are a common list of tasks that will be performed on the air conditioning unit.
- Change the air filters
- Check the thermostat
- Tighten all electrical connections
- Inspect the refrigerant lines
- Clean the evaporator coils
- Keep your AC unit level
- Check and clear the condensate drain line
- Inspect ductwork for leaks
- Inspect cooling coils for frost or ice buildups
- Run the final test on your AC system
By ensuring that these 10 AC Tune Up Checklist items are tested and verified by your AC tech, you can expect to save monthly electricity bills and have uptime when you and your family need it most.
Change the Air Filters
The air conditioning system extracts heat from the outside and conditions it to be a cooler temperature. Before this air is released into the air, it must go through a set of filters to ensure that it is clean. These air filters become overwhelmed with dirt and debris over time. Dirty filters must be cleaned or changed to promote proper operation, good airflow, and optimal efficiency.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is what regulates the temperatures that the air conditioner produces. Our technicians will ensure that the sensors are clean and the batteries are fresh (if necessary). They will also calibrate the thermostat to ensure that it is calibrated to produce the correct temperatures.
Tighten all Electrical Connections
Sometimes the electrical connections of an AC unit become loose, producing excessive noise and causing it to malfunction. A quick tightening of these parts will elevate the overall comfort of the home, allowing it to stay cool.
Inspect the Refrigerant Lines
Air conditioning technicians also take the time to check the system for potential refrigerant leaks. If the refrigerant fluid leaks, the performance of the AC will drop and increase energy costs. A proper AC tune up will find this problem before it grows into an expensive repair or AC unit replacement.
Clean the Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils play an important role in heat absorption, energy efficiency, and overall cooling performance. These coils must be cleaned during regular maintenance checkups so that they continue to play an important role in helping your home stay cool.
Keep Your AC Unit Level
It is essential that the AC unit is standing on level ground as this promotes the proper operation of the compressor and efficient drainage. This also prevents excessive wear and tear on the unit and excessive noise. If the unit is not level, the technician will take the steps to make the necessary adjustments.
Check and Clear the Condensate Drain Line
A clogged condensate drain line often leads to excessive humidity and poor cooling performance. An AC tune up specialist will check this line to ensure it is clean and prepared for peak performance through the cooling season.
Inspect Ductwork for Leaks
Air conditioning technicians also take the time to check the ductwork for leaks as they can hurt the indoor air quality and the system's performance. If caught on time, these leaks can be quickly repaired and promote optimal airflow and an efficient cooling system.
Inspect Cooling Coils for Frost or Ice Buildups
When the cooling coils accumulate a buildup of frost or ice, the airflow will slow down. As a result, the efficiency of the whole AC system will also suffer. An AC tune up will help prevent and troubleshoot this issue, allowing the unit to function properly.
Run the Final Test on Your AC System
Finally, an AC tune up inspection won't be complete without a test run to ensure that the whole AC system is running at peak performance. This test run will allow the technician to listen for any weird sounds and check for any other malfunctions that can come up.
The Benefits of an AC Tune Up
The benefits of an AC tune up are too important to pass up. Benefits include:
Improved Energy Efficiency
Energy costs are largely driven by air conditioning use, especially during the summer months. When your AC unit is tuned up and working as designed, it will use the least amount of energy to cool your home the best way possible without expensive surprise bills.
Enhanced Cooling Performance
All of the cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment performed during an AC maintenance visit help enhance the function of the air conditioner. You will see that it will cool your home quickly and reliably.
Prolonged System Lifespan
It is not a secret that an air conditioning unit is expensive. To avoid an early replacement of your air conditioner, it is suggested to invest in regular AC maintenance services. This is because regular maintenance allows the techs to catch problems early on before they grow into bigger issues that often include replacing your AC.
Reduced Risk of Breakdowns
A lack of maintenance will always lead to an increased risk of breakdowns. Certain components of the air conditioning system such as the evaporator coil, compressor, ductwork, refrigerant lines, air filters, and others require regular cleaning and adjustments to operate properly. If these components aren't serviced or cared for properly, they will require more frequent attention from repair technicians.
Lower Repair Costs
When your air conditioner unit is maintained properly, all of its components will be in optimal condition and the unit won't need nearly as many repairs or recharges of freon. This will save you money in the long run which is always crucial.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
When the condenser coils, ductwork, and air filter are all maintained properly, your indoor air quality will be at its best. Breathing clean air is extremely important because it is a big factor in various upper respiratory health conditions.
Optimal Refrigerant Levels
When your AC unit is tuned up regularly, the refrigerant lines are checked often enough to ensure that this fluid is at the appropriate levels. Refrigerant lines tend to leak at times and regular maintenance will allow for the technician to find and repair the leak quicker.
Enhanced HVAC System Safety
Your cooling system is a complex unit of mechanical and electrical components. These components must be adjusted and cleaned regularly to prevent problems that could lead to safety hazards.
For example, the blower motor must always be in the proper position so that it isn't rubbing against other parts that could ignite a fire. A tech can find any issues and adjust them before they cause safety concerns.
Warranty Compliance
Many manufacturers of AC unit systems have warranties that require regular maintenance in order for the warranty to remain valid. If your AC breaks down to the point of an expensive repair or replacement, the warranty may not cover the costs of the work due to a lack of maintenance.
Peace of Mind
One of the benefits of regular AC tune up services is that you will have peace of mind that your AC will work when it is needed. Every part of the unit will be in the best condition that we can leave it to provide the comfort you require.
Apex Pros Air Conditioning Services
AC Maintenance
Apex Pros offers 5 Star AC maintenance services that will ensure optimal performance for your HVAC system. Our comprehensive inspections will allow you to stay cool all summer long.
AC Repair
Is your air conditioner refusing to work as needed? Our full range of AC repairs will restore the function of your air conditioner to peak performance. No matter the challenge, we will fix the problem quickly and at a quality you can trust.
AC Installation
Air conditioners are always a hefty investment and they must be installed by only the best experts at Apex Pros. Contact us today for a first-class installation that will last you for many years to come.
Schedule AC Maintenance with Apex Pros!
In need of an AC tune up? Get in touch with the air conditioner experts at Apex Pros. With our fine-tuned process, your AC will be prepared to serve you through another cooling season.
Contact Apex Pros today!
FAQ: AC MAINTENANCE
What does an AC tune up include?
An AC tune up service will typically include a thorough inspection, cleaning, and lubrication of all moving parts. The technician will also check the levels of the refrigerant fluid, measure airflow, and inspect the airflow coming through the vents. Lastly, the tech will run performance and safety tests to ensure that the unit is running appropriately.
Are AC tune-ups worth it?
Yes, air conditioner tune ups are generally worth the expense due to the benefits of improved energy efficiency, enhanced cooling performance, and a prolonged system lifespan that everyone will appreciate.
How often should you tune up AC?
It is recommended that an AC tune up is performed at least twice a year, before the spring and fall seasons. This ensures that the unit is prepared to serve you during major weather changes.
What does a tune up consist of cost?
An AC unit maintenance cost is usually between $70-$250 depending on the type of system you're using and its size.
Is the AC recharge kit worth it?
One thing to note about AC recharge kits is that they are only temporary fixes that don't always address the underlying issues of your air conditioning unit. Though they are cost-effective, convenient, and provide a quick fix to your problems, it is important to note that most of air conditioning troubleshooting and repairs must be provided by a professional for long-term effectiveness.
