Stay Cool and Comfortable With an AC Tune-Up

There is nothing worse than your air conditioning going out on a sweltering summer day. With no AC, heat will quickly permeate throughout your home, making it unbearably uncomfortable for you and your loved ones. In these conditions, it can be impossible to relax, sleep, or get anything done around the house. However, you can prevent all of that torment with a simple annual AC tune-up from a trusted HVAC company.

Why an Annual AC Tune-Up Is Important

If you use an air conditioner to cool your home during the hotter weather, the wear and tear it endures can reduce its useful lifespan. Just like people need a check-up each year to stay healthy and strong, an AC system needs an annual tune-up for a long life of solid performance.

A yearly AC tune-up can prevent significant damage to the unit and extend its lifespan by several years. If you perform maintenance throughout an air conditioner’s lifetime, that unit should last a good 15 years.

Tuning your AC unit each year can also keep it working efficiently. It can prevent:

• Clogged air ducts
• Broken thermostats or safety elements
• Dirty filters
• Low coolant or refrigerant levels

Not only can any inefficiencies in your air conditioner’s operation make it feel less comfortable in your home, but it can also raise your costs due to high electric bills. An AC tune-up can help provide uniform cooling and greater energy efficiency. This, in turn, can lower your energy bills.

How an Annual AC Tune-Up Can Save You Money

A simple, yearly AC tune-up can help save you up to 15% on energy bills each month. It will also save you the cost of buying a new air conditioner much sooner than expected. Consider that tuning-up your AC unit each year might cost around $70 to $100 each time. Compare that against around $5,000 to buy a new unit.

Also, keeping your AC unit well-maintained will, in turn, help maintain its warranty.

What an AC Tune-Up Entails

During an AC tune-up, an HVAC professional will examine how the unit performs in each of its modes. They will assess the unit’s condition and determine if it needs any obvious repairs or adjustments. Then, they will cut off the power to perform a more thorough inspection.

During this inspection, the professional will examine all components of your air conditioner. This includes those located both inside and outside of your house. Among them are key components like belts and motors. Technicians will also:

• Look for leaks, broken safety features, and loose or dirty electrical connections
• Clean or replace the air filters
• Check that all coolant and refrigerant levels are good and add more if necessary
• Make sure the thermostat is working right and fix or replace it if needed
• Examine the air ducts for any blockages and, if they find any, clear them out
• Ensure all connections between individual physical parts are secure
• Search the run capacitor for any bulging or strange colors or markings
• Examine the evaporator for blockages, clean it, and, if applicable, add a self-rinsing cleaner
• Clear the condenser coils of any excess dust or debris, like dirt and pet hair
• Check the condensate drainage system and clean it

An HVAC professional can give you an estimate of how much time the AC tune-up will take and how much it will cost. That is provided it does not need any repairs or parts replaced. Once the professionals have completed the tune-up, they will give you a written report. This report will summarize the inspections and tests performed and their respective results. The report will also list the technician’s resulting recommendations. How extensive an AC tune-up from a particular HVAC professional can be will vary. So, be sure you know exactly what services your technician will perform during an AC tune-up before you schedule one.

When to Have an AC Tune-Up

The best way to make sure you stay on top of maintaining your AC unit is to schedule your tune-up at the same time every year. Most importantly, do not forget to get it done before it is too late. The best time to perform an AC tune-up is during the spring, before you need the unit for the greatest usage during the summer. You may also want to schedule a second AC tune-up sometime while the season is at its height if:

• You live in a particularly warm climate.
• You are experiencing a particularly hot summer.
• You tend to use your AC unit a lot.

There are also certain signs to look out for that can signal it is time for an AC tune-up, including:

• The airflow from your cooling vents is lighter than usual.
• The AC unit is either switching on and off rapidly or running nonstop.
• The air conditioner is not keeping up with rising temperatures outdoors. This, in turn, increases indoor temperatures to greater than normal.
• Your energy bill has jumped up suddenly and inexplicably.

Make sure to schedule an annual AC tune-up with your local HVAC professional as soon as possible because they book up fast. The last thing you want is a popsicle melting onto your lap inside of your own home on a 100-degree day outdoors.

Tips for Maintaining Your AC Unit

Between annual AC tune-ups, there are several things you can do to keep your unit operating efficiently. The following tasks might help you avoid needless repairs later:

• Change air filters regularly.
• Raise your thermostat when you won’t be home for a bit.
• Seal any gaps in windows, doors, and ductwork.

Scheduling a tune-up with a professional HVAC company will help ensure your air conditioner will run efficiently for many years to come.