As springtime comes around, it is that time of year to call up your local, trusted HVAC specialist to schedule that annual tune-up for your air conditioner system. As you make the call to make the appointment, you may be wondering just what exactly is on the checklist to get this completed?
You have been told by your warranty, the person who sold you your AC unit, as well as your trusted HVAC specialist, like Autumn Mechanical, that it is important to stay on top of your annual tune-up, or preventative maintenance. The big, main reason is so that your AC system is fully functional to its potential.
So let’s get down to the meat of the subject, what exactly is ticked off that mental checklist that all HVAC specialists follow to complete a tune-up?
During the time of your tune-up, which can take up to an hour and a half to complete, there are several things that your professional will not only check up on, but also do.
- Thermostat – Making sure that your thermostat is functioning correctly, as it controls how long the AC runs as well as the temperature you wish your home to be at.
- Air Filter – They will go take a look at the air filter to ensure that there is no buildup and that the air is flowing through without any disruptions.
- Evaporator Coils – They will clean the coils of any dirt and debris to help prevent any buildup from forming. This helps prevent compressor failure and makes sure that it functions efficiently.
- Condensate Pan – Checking to make sure that there is not clog in the pan will help prevent any water damage or mildew growth. They will also check to make sure that there are no cracks in the pan or loose fittings that can cause leaks.
- Blower Motor and Wheel – Cleaning these will help keep a steady air flow and make sure that the entire system is running efficiently and prevent compressor failure.
- Motors and Bearings – Your professional will then generously lubricate all equipment that rotates to make sure that it runs smoothly and does not fail.
- Belts, Pulleys, and Alignments – Checking to make sure that no belts or pulleys have slipped and that everything is correctly aligned will help save you money as well as a costly energy bill.
- Electrical Consumption – Checking this will help make sure that your AC system is running at optimum performance as well as protecting the equipment.
- Visible Wear – Checking for visible wear can help avoid having to schedule a repair or service call down the road.
- Panels – They will make sure that all panels are securely shut so that the system will operate properly.
- Electrical Connections – This helps ensure that your AC gets the potential lifespan expected and also ensures safety for you and your family.
- Disconnect Switch – Making sure that they are not worn and could become overheated and blow can prevent from service damage.
- Temperature – Checking the temperature across the coils will help ensure that you are getting your full potential with comfort in your home.
- Condenser Coil – If this coil is dirty, this can cause your refrigerant’s pressure to raise drastically which will raise your energy cost.
- Condenser Fan Motor – Making sure that this is stable and functioning properly helps prevent you from having to make any service calls down the road, therefore saving you money. Also making sure that the amp is working properly helps give you maximum performance.
- Condenser Fan Blades – Making sure that these are not vibrating will help prevent a service call and any damage that could happen to the unit.
- Reversing Valve – Having this operate correctly helps prevent any waste in energy.
- Crankcase Heater – If this is not working correctly, it could cause your compressor to fail.
- Relays and Contactors – If these are loose or worn down this can lead to either or both motor and compressor failures.
- Capacitors – If they are bad, can lead to compressor and motor failure.
- Safety Devices – Making sure all of these are functioning correctly will help make sure everything is operating safely.
- Time Delay – Testing this will ensure that the AC unit does not try starting when there has been a disruption in power.
- Defrost Assembly – If it is not operating properly it can cause a loss of heat and even shorten the life of the compressor.
- Controls – Making sure these are fully functional will help save money, extend the AC’s life, and prevent any failures in the future.
- Refrigeration Meter – Having this checked will make sure that there is not decrease in cooling capacity and prevent any increases in fuel costs and shortening the unit’s life.
- Pressures and Gauges – The compressor can shut down if the refrigerant charge is not working.
- Noise and Vibration Levels – This just promises comfort and extends the life of your equipment.
- Compressor Amp – Promises full potential of performance.
From there your professional will complete the tune-up by making the final tests on operations, checking the water flow, and waxing the outdoor unit to protect it against weather.
Now bare in mind that some of these steps may not need to be done because it fully depends on the type of system you have. There are ones that function on water pumps and others that function on heat pumps. Be sure to speak to your professional if you have any specific questions or concerns about the process.
If your air conditioning system is not operating correctly or is in need of its annual maintenance to prevent potential issues, please contact us today to schedule your appointment. Do not be strand in the blasting heat of Houston, Texas summer without a cool home.
Autumn Mechanical
18812 Tomato St.
Spring, TX 77379
(713) 864-8368
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