If you want your AC unit to keep you cool all summer long without worrying about your it breaking down or your energy bills skyrocketing, an AC tune-up is a good place to start. Ideally, you should perform this tune-up in the spring or fall, but even if you are now just reading this, and it is now summer time, it is never too late to benefit from an AC tune-up.
AC tune-ups can greatly extend the life of your unit, sometimes by as much as 5 years. Extending the life of your AC unit by even a few years is greatly beneficial because replacing a central air system can be quite expensive. But why does my HVAC needs service? It’s not broken.
For many of the same reasons you’d schedule an annual physical, you should make preventive maintenance appointments for your HVAC. They’re a chance to catch and avoid problems that could cause inconvenient breakdowns in the future. An AC Tune-up can:
Improve indoor air quality
Dirty ducts, filters, and other air-handling parts can keep dust, microbes and other contaminants circulating throughout your home. Regular HVAC cleaning may help you alleviate allergy symptoms, numerous respiratory ailments, sore throats and itchy eyes caused by poor indoor air quality.
Enhance energy efficiency
A well-serviced system doesn’t have to work as hard as a neglected one. Proper tuning and cleaning could help you reduce energy waste and keep your equipment running at peak efficiency—a difference you might notice on your utility bill!
Prevent equipment wear and tear
A faulty thermostat, loose connection, clogged blower or other minor equipment problem might not immediately cause your HVAC to fail, but it could shorten its service life unnecessarily.
Spot potential problems
Your HVAC technician will look for warning signs that could develop into costly problems down the road. That could save you not only money but also the inconvenience of losing your AC on a hot summer day.
What’s included in an AC tune-up?
Refrigerant level and pressure checks
If your system has a refrigerant leak, it won’t cool as effectively as it should. Our HVAC technician will check the level and, if it is low, recommended steps to recharge it and fix the leak.
Thermostat calibration
Does your AC cycle on and off more than it should? Do you have to set your temperature lower or higher than normal to achieve a good comfort level in your house? If so, your thermostat may be the culprit. Our HVAC pro will check that your thermostat is registering the correct temperature and is operating properly.
Electrical system inspection
We’ll check your HVAC’s wiring, contacts, capacitors, and relays, tightening connections where needed and looking for trouble signs. Many common AC problems originate in the electrical system (especially the capacitors, which help power the motors in the outdoor fan, compressor, and blower) so it’s important to make sure they’re in top shape.
Evaporator coil and condensate drain cleaning
The evaporator coil is the part of your AC that cools the air flowing through your system. If it gets dirty or moldy, it can’t cool as effectively because the buildup acts as insulation between the coils and the air it’s meant to cool. Our technician will check the coil and the drain as needed to keep them clear.
Cleaning and inspection of the condenser, outdoor disconnect, fan motor and blades
The condenser is the part of the AC system that’s outside your house. We’ll remove any leaves or other debris that have accumulated and make sure the fan blades can turn freely.
Lubrication as needed
Friction causes unnecessary wear and tear and can increase the power needed for equipment to run. We’ll make sure the moving parts in your HVAC aren’t dragging or grinding.
Avoiding air conditioner problems
Just like cars, AC units need and benefit from AC tune-ups. A poorly maintained AC unit can break down when you least expect it, often during a sweltering hot day when you need it most. When you have your unit undergo a tune-up, you are ensuring that it is in peak operating condition. The maintenance professional will also be able to spot any problem areas that may need addressing long before they become a critical or irreversible malfunction. The last thing you want during the height of summer, when HVAC professionals are booked solid, is for your AC unit to break down.
Lowering your utility bills
Did you know that an average a tune-up can save you upwards of 15 percent on your monthly energy bills? The money you save on power alone more than covers the estimated $100 in maintenance expenses. You save money because your AC will not have to use as much energy to cool your home.
Discovering small problems before they become major issues
When you have your unit inspected, the HVAC technician will inspect the entire unit for any problems or potential threats. These problems can be then addressed before they become critical problems. Our professionals are highly trained and can spot both major and minor problems.
When is the last time your AC unit had a tune-up? Have you had to call an AC repair company one or more times in the last three years to service your unit due to a breakdown or malfunction? If so, contact Cooper Heating and Cooling today to schedule an appointment.
Luke Cooper is the General Manager of the Cooper Green team and son of Gary Cooper, owner and CEO of Cooper HVAC. After years in the field, Luke took his talents to management and has helped thousands of Colorado homeowners during hot summers and frigid winters. His decade of experience in the field and guiding the company makes him one of the most knowledgeable individuals in Colorado on HVAC, plumbing, electrical and other home services.
