What Does an AC Tune-up Include?
Tasks included in an AC tune-up vary according to the professional you hire and the type of system you have. Here is a standard checklist for a tune-up:
- Clean or replace air filter (if the unit has one).
- Check the airflow of the evaporator coil and use a special cleaning agent to clean the coils.
- Flush the drain lines to combat mold and mildew.
- Inspect and test all electrical wiring connections, check the safety and appropriate rating, and test capacitors, valves, and fan blades.
- Check the blower motor to ensure amps and voltage are working correctly.
- Clean and test all duct work and check refrigerant level.
- Test and calibrate the thermostat. Measure temperatures coming from all returns.
- Lubricate all moving parts. Check all bearings for wear and tear.
- Inspect the caulk 5 on a window unit.
- Inspect and repair the electrical parts. Measure amp and voltage draw on the condenser.
- Look for worn or loose motor belts or pulleys and repair where appropriate.
- Remove any debris in or around the compressor, condenser, and fan. Brush any bent coil fins back into shape.
- Check airflow of blades and blower wheel.
How Often Should You Get Your AC Serviced?
You should have your AC unit serviced at least once a year. However, HVAC technicians may steer you to bi-annual maintenance in some areas. If you live in hotter climates, your system will likely get much more use, leading to earlier wear and tear. Having service twice a year helps you stay on top of minor repairs before they turn into major problems. Bi-annual service can catch any possible defects within the warranty period.
Technicians also recommend that older units have bi-annual service to help them operate as efficiently as possible and reduce the risk of breakdown.
7 Tips for Maintaining Your AC Unit
1) Change your filter.
The simplest and most effective way to keep your AC running smoothly is changing your filter once a month. By regularly changing your filter, you reduce a lot of the burden on your system. A dirty or clogged filter makes your air conditioner work much harder than does a clean filter. Changing your filters regularly is easy on your budget and easy on your system as well. It will lower your utility bill and extend the life of your AC.
2) Keep your coils clean.
The AC coils and fins on the outside of your unit need to be kept clean and clear of obstructions. Leaves and other debris sometimes accumulate around your unit. If obstructions are present, your unit must work harder to function than it should. You can clean your unit with a regular garden hose and a broom. Do not use a pressure washer, as the strong spray could cause harm to your system. A little bit of housekeeping in this regard goes far toward keeping your air conditioner working optimally.
3) Keep surrounding shrubbery trimmed.
If you have planted shrubbery around your unit to hide it from view, be sure to leave adequate space around it for the unit to function without obstruction. A quick trim will do the trick.
4) Ensure your dryer vent is not angled toward your AC unit.
Lint from your dryer exhaust can cause problems for your unit. Ensure that lint cannot get inside the vents of your air conditioner by simply angling your dryer vent elsewhere.
5) Adjust your thermostat.
If you are away for long periods every day, adjust your thermostat to a higher temperature for the time you are away. This will lessen the amount of time your unit has to work each day and will lengthen its life cycle. An additional benefit will be a lower utility bill each month. Some newer thermostats allow you to pre-program your thermostat to match your schedule so that your home will still be cool when you arrive. Optimizing your system’s usage will maximize its life in the long term.
6) Check your ductwork and seal open spaces.
Make sure all your doors and windows are properly sealed to help keep your home cool. Perform a visual inspection of your ductwork occasionally to be sure it is sealed correctly. If the ductwork is not properly sealed, cool air will escape before getting into your home. The less cool air that escapes your home, the less your unit will have to work.
7) Schedule an annual tune-up with an HVAC professional.
A trained HVAC technician can detect most problems before they become major ones. A typical tune-up will include various tests to ensure your unit’s internal parts are functioning correctly, as well as a filter check, and a refrigerant charge if needed. Your technician will likely also clear the drain, and clean your unit thoroughly inside and out.
AC Maintenance in Magnolia, TX
With over 30 years of experience in the air conditioning and heating business, the team at Autumn Mechanical has built a trusted reputation throughout the communities of Houston. Our air conditioning services include, but are not limited to, residential/commercial AC and heating, repair, service, installation, maintenance, and heat pump equipment repair.
Whenever you are looking for high-quality air conditioning and heating services at a day affordable price, we can help! We service and replace both commercial and residential HVAC systems in order to bring you the ultimate climate control. Autumn Mechanical proudly serves the Greater Houston area, including Briarpark, Midtown, Sugar Land, Cypress, Pearland, The West University Place, The Heights, Spring, Willowbrook, Houston, Spring Branch, and The Woodlands. Don’t hesitate, give us a call today to find out what we can do for your home or business.
Autumn Mechanical
18812 Tomato St.
Spring, TX 77379
(713) 864-8368
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