Most HVAC professionals suggest scheduling an air conditioning tune-up once a year. You may be more familiar with the concept of an automobile tune-up. The idea works similarly with an AC, which is also a complex machine with many moving parts. Basically, it means an expert technician is providing maintenance service and an inspection.
An AC tune-up has many benefits, from helping your HVAC system run more reliably, lowering utility bills, and improving equipment life expectancy. It can avoid bigger repairs and save money over the life of the system. But what does the process of tuning up your air conditioner entail? To answer this question, we’ll now provide an overview of the process.
What AC Maintenance Service Includes
A maintenance technician will usually start with the basics. They often first look at the thermostat and whether it’s working and set correctly. Lowering the temperature a few degrees enables them to evaluate how your AC responds.
Next, the inspector will most likely check the air filter. If the filter is dirty, it will be replaced. This is one of the simplest but among the most important AC maintenance tasks. A clogged filter will restrict airflow, reducing performance and forcing the unit to work harder. It can also risk contaminating the unit and the air in your home with dust and dirt.
Other steps to an air conditioning tune-up include:
System Inspection
The AC inspection is a vital part of a tune-up. A visual look at key components lets the technician find signs of wear or damage. When inspecting an air conditioner, a contractor will:
- Check Refrigerant Levels: A professional has the equipment to measure the coolant in your AC system. Low refrigerant levels will prevent the unit from cooling the air properly or at all. The compressor can also overheat and burn out. If necessary, the technician will recharge the refrigerant and check for and seal any leaks.
- Clear the Condensate Drain: Condensation forms as your AC cools the air. It’s collected by a condensate drain pan and drained by a small pipe that carries water away. This water can build up if there’s damage or a clog. Most systems have a sensor that shuts them down if this happens. Otherwise, a condensate backup can cause major water damage to the AC and your house.
- Examine the Condenser Unit: The technician will open the housing to check the fan motor, switches, valves, refrigerant lines, run capacitor, and electrical connections. In addition, they’ll clean the interior and exterior of the condenser while ensuring the area around it is clear of debris and encroaching trees and plants.
Clean the Coils
Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils is important because dirt can easily collect on them and interfere with heat transfer. The evaporator coil in the indoor unit absorbs heat to cool the air. The condenser coil releases this heat outside so the cycle can repeat. Dirty coils can become damaged due to freezing, overheating, or increased wear. An AC professional has the tools to clean them safely and effectively to avoid damage.
Replace Worn-Out Parts
An air conditioning tune-up allows a technician to find parts that are no longer functioning properly. Aside from the capacitor, commonly replaced parts include the contactor, relay, blower wheel, fan motor, fan blades, motor belts, and corroded evaporator coils. Replacing these parts can prevent excess wear and damage to other components and prevent a total system breakdown.
Other Air Conditioning Tune-Up Steps
Your local AC contractor will complete several other steps during a maintenance call. During an annual AC tune-up, they will:
- Assess the start-up and cooling process
- Examine and test safety controls
- Measure system airflow
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Check and tighten electrical connections
- Measure motor voltage and amp draw
- Check for and mitigate microbial growth
- Make sure all parts are securely connected
After inspecting, cleaning, adjusting, and possibly repairing your AC unit, the technician will review their findings and what they have done. They can provide suggestions on how to improve efficiency and estimate how long until the system may need to be replaced. But before leaving, they’ll ensure your AC is ready to provide reliable cooling all summer.
Schedule an AC Tune-Up with Grasshopper Today
At Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, our NATE-certified technicians provide air conditioning tune-ups throughout Clifton Park, NY, and surrounding areas. Our team will verify whether your unit is operating normally and correct any minor issues they find. The components of your AC system will be inspected and cleaned. To schedule AC maintenance, submit your request online or call (518) 240-3807 today.
