An AC tune-up is a routine maintenance service that ensures your air conditioner runs at top efficiency, especially before long use on extremely hot days. It improves performance and prevents minor problems from becoming major repairs.
Aside from knowing what an AC tune-up is, you may be wondering what an AC tune-up entails. A skilled service expert will thoroughly inspect your unit and conduct the following tasks:
- Inspect the condenser and clean the coils and fans for better, more efficient cooling.
- Check electrical parts, including wires, capacitors, and contacts, to ensure the unit turns on.
- Flush the condensate drain to remove collected moisture and clogs.
- Replace damaged, faulty, or nearly failing components to avoid breakdowns.
- Check refrigerant levels, add as needed, and monitor for leaks—low refrigerant means less cold air produced.
- Adjust fan balance for better heat dissipation.
- Change or clean the air filters to improve air quality.
- Assess start-up and cooling cycles; an AC that turns off and on at short intervals indicates operational issues.
- Lubricate all moving parts to slow down wear and tear due to friction.
What Are the Signs You’re Due for a Tune-Up?
Most individuals overlook the need for a home AC tune-up, especially when their cooling equipment is operating as intended, albeit inefficiently or improperly. Keep an eye out for the following signs, which indicate that a service is overdue.
Rising Energy Bills
A sudden increase in your home’s energy use without increased activity or the addition of new appliances could indicate that your air conditioner is drawing more electricity than usual. As appliances age, they become less energy efficient, and your air conditioner is no exception.
Routine maintenance, such as tune-ups, can improve efficiency by ensuring no blockages, accumulated debris, or malfunctioning components that cause your air conditioner to work harder and waste more energy.
Lack of Cold Air
Is your AC blowing out room temperature or warm air instead of cold air? Before considering a full unit replacement, perhaps all you need is an AC maintenance tune-up.
A professional technician will clean the condenser coils since dirt and debris accumulation reduce the ability to transport heat outside, causing your AC to work inefficiently. They will also take inventory of the refrigerant and check that it isn’t leaking from the unit.
Weak Airflow
Poor airflow from your AC could be due to several reasons. Dirty filters, a faulty fan, or blocked registers prevent cooled air from being pushed out and distributed properly throughout your home. Having a licensed technician clean and inspect your air conditioner regularly ensures comfort throughout the season.
Odd Noises
Loud, strange sounds, such as buzzing, rattling, or whirring, indicate something is amiss with your AC. It may be from loose parts, obstructed blades, leaking refrigerant, or a failing compressor. Whichever the reason for the racket, hearing these noises, apart from the usual humming, signals your AC is due for a tune-up.
Foul Odor
A musty smell coming from your air conditioner is annoying and alarming. Such unusual odor is often due to persistent dampness or an unaddressed source of moisture like wet filters, a clogged condensate drain, or fungal growth nearby.
A pungent smell may be from trapped or decaying organic matter in your AC. If the odor persists despite cleaning and freshening up your home, it may be time for your air conditioner’s routine checkup.
Is AC Tune-Up Necessary?
Those who ask what an AC tune-up is usually follow up with another query—is it necessary? Yes, it is. And here’s why.
Routine maintenance reduces the likelihood of sudden breakdowns. During a tune-up, the technician will check for small issues that can develop into extensive, costly problems. Early detection and preventive repairs stop such troubles.
Another benefit of regular AC tune-ups is improved energy efficiency and lower utility bills. After the service, your unit doesn’t have to work harder to maintain the right indoor temperature and consumes less power. With less strain, your AC is also more likely to last longer.
The lesser-known reason to schedule regular AC tune-ups is to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty. Most manufacturers only allow customers to call on the product guarantee if they can prove the unit received routine maintenance by certified technicians.
How Often Should You Get an AC Tune-Up?
It’s best to schedule one annually, particularly before the cooling season. Even if your AC is working fine, you still need a tune-up to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.
Keep Your Cool with an AC Tune-Up
Once you know the answer to “What is an AC tune-up?” the next step is to call a trusted cooling contractor like OyBoy Heating and Cooling to have it done. Our trained technicians will perform a comprehensive check on your unit to ensure you’re cool and comfy throughout the season.
