
Regular air conditioner maintenance – aka a tune-up – is probably the single most important thing you can do to save yourself money and hassle when it comes to your heating and cooling systems.
We’re here to tell you, though, that you don’t know exactly how important they can be.
Despite the warning signs in your system, and despite the energy savings, many people skip their tune-up. And it’s true that your air conditioner will likely continue to run for a long time without a tune-up. Simply operating is different than operating efficiently, though.
You may have seen DIY tune-up videos that more-or-less just have you hose down some equipment and call it a day. While this may be better than nothing (though it can also be dangerous), it’s far from what a licensed technician should be doing during an AC tune-up.
Want to know more? Read on.
Reasons to Get an AC Tune-up
Your air conditioner needs maintenance or it will eventually break down. That alone should be enough to convince you, but it’s far from the only reason to get an AC tune-up.
Here are some of the other reasons:
- Even if you can skip a tune-up without breaking down, your system’s efficiency will decline.
- Particularly with a recently installed system, your manufacturer’s warranty is often dependent on having yearly maintenance from a licensed contractor. Skip this and you void your warranty, which could end up costing you in repairs or replacements.
- Dust, dirt, mold and mildew risk building up over time without proper cleaning of all parts. This can result in odors and issues with your system.
- The life of your system will be reduced over time without regular maintenance. It could be the difference between 10-12 years with normal operation and 15-20 years. The cost savings of this over a lifetime is enormous.
Once you understand the reasons behind getting regular tune-ups, the case for it becomes obvious. It’s like telling someone they should get a good night’s sleep every night. We know it’s better for us and don’t need to be convinced. The only hard part is following through with it.
What’s Included in an Air Conditioner Tune-Up?
A lot more happens in an air conditioner tune-up that you might suspect. Here is a comprehensive list of everything we perform during an AC tune-up, with brief descriptions where the basic description might not explain the entirety of the process:
- Test and inspect contactor for burned and pitted contacts – often a quick replacement of these parts can avoid a full breakdown later.
- Test thermostat for proper operation, calibrate and level – is the thermostat connected to all parts of the system, or only some? Is it properly reading the temperature?
- Clean existing air filter (as needed) – Many tune-ups will include a filter replacement as part of the service as well, while certain filter types require cleaning instead of replacement.
- Test blower motor for proper operation
- Inspect indoor coil – any dents, broken parts, dirt, mold or mildew buildup?
- Flush and treat condensate drain with anti-algae tablets – helps prevent buildups that can cause clogs or odors.
- Clean condenser coils
- Monitor refrigerant for proper operating pressures – refrigerant can leak over time when small leaks form in the refrigerant line. Ensuring optimal pressure is vital to peak operation.
- Inspect safety devices for proper operation
- Inspect electrical for exposed wiring
- Inspect and tighten connections on electrical wiring
- Test capacitors for proper rating
- Test fan blade proper balance and operation – this is separate from the motor, to isolate any problems to the specific part that’s causing the issue.
- Clean interior and exterior systems and remove all debris
- Test service valves for proper operation
- Measure the supply & return temperature differential – are you actually getting the temperatures you should be? If not, we identify why.
- Test ductwork for energy loss – leaks and lapses in insulation can cause energy loss in ductwork.
- Monitor and measure voltage/amp draw
- Inspect wiring connections for the compressor
- Measure blower motor’s amperage and voltage for proper operation
- Inspect electrical disconnect box for proper rating and safe installation
Is this list comprehensive? Honestly, yeah, it can be. Not every step will be needed on every visit, particularly if you work with the same contractor for several years. Other times, special maintenance may be necessary that isn’t listed here. But all of these steps should be performed at some point to ensure peak system performance.
What Does AC Maintenance Cost?
An air conditioner tune-up usually costs between $75 and $200 depending on where you live and the equipment that’s being serviced.
Some can run higher, but these will often come with a new, high-quality filter (not the cheapest ones you can buy at the store). This is equipment replacement in addition to the tune-up, but the price is often treated as one service.
You can also find prices lower than this, but it’s usually when contractors are running seasonal specials or trying to create new business. If a company is offering tune-ups for less than this, they’re likely taking a small financial loss on the appointment.
Here at CABS, we’ll run specials like this occasionally, for example, and it’s largely seasonal. Air conditioner repair and tune-up calls number in the hundreds per day as soon as the hottest weather hits, so we can’t afford to run specials during this busy season. But in the Spring, for example, when it’s just starting to get warm, our schedule is more free and we can afford to reduce the cost slightly for those who want to be proactive about maintenance.
How Often Should Your Air Conditioner Get a Tune-Up?
You should get your air conditioner tuned up once per year.
Ideally, this is in the Spring before you are using your air conditioner daily. If you wait until the summer and your AC isn’t working properly, it could be several days of discomfort before a technician can come out to maintain the system.
Air conditioners and furnaces can be serviced at the same time, and some people opt to do both with a single appointment each year. This is fine too, and it’s far better than not having service, though we usually recommend servicing the furnace in the Fall and the AC in the Spring.
Signs of a Good or Bad Air Conditioner Service Technician
Getting a tune-up is important, but not all tune-ups are created equal. Below is a short list to give you an idea of why this is, and what to look for in a company you use for service.
- A good service tech arrives on time. Yes, delays can happen, so in the worst case scenario they keep you informed with calls and texts to inform you of any delay in advance. If they leave you hanging, though, it’s a red flag.
- A good technician is respectful of your home. This means putting on any protective equipment to avoid tracking mud or dirt, and cleaning up after themselves.
- A good HVAC technician walks you through the process, and explains the services that were performed following your appointment.
- A good air conditioner tech will outline any potential issues with your system, but without pressuring you to purchase something from them.
Your Air Conditioner System Health
There are only a handful of things in your home that will end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars in your lifetime. A car, your windows, maybe a large renovation project, a new roof…
And your heating and cooling system.
That’s why we stress the importance of tune-ups so much: your investment is important. Having trouble with your HVAC system when you shouldn’t have to be dealing with it can cost you thousands of dollars. And it can affect your peace of mind and comfort in your home.
The solution is literally just regular tune-ups. While it’s not a complete guarantee, avoiding the worst of the problems we see with HVAC systems, really is as simple as making that call once a year for each major system (heating + cooling) and having a licensed, trusted contractor inspect and service the equipment.
Has it been too long since your last tune-up? We’re here to help. If you’re in the Sacramento area, give us a call today!