AC Tune-Up Checklist: Ensuring Your Air Conditioner’s Peak Performance

In a hot place like Houston, it’s critical to maintain your AC unit. Neglecting to change your air filters can make your system work harder than necessary for the same level of output. This puts extra strain and leads to wear and tear long before your AC reaches the end of its 10-year lifespan.

It’s important to schedule an AC tune-up to ensure your air conditioner is always operating at peak performance. But what does an AC tune-up include? The HVAC technician will perform a complete inspection of your AC unit.

You can ask your HVAC maintenance company what they do for an AC tune-up. However, it will generally include some of the following tasks.

Cleaning the Evaporator Coils and Condenser

Your AC unit’s condenser coils get covered with dust and dirt throughout the year. It’s best to leave this job up to a professional who will not damage this delicate part. By cleaning these coils, it will boost your air conditioner’s efficiency while reducing wear and tear.

Similarly, the condenser in the exterior portion of your AC unit is prone to dirt, debris, and grass clippings. The technician will remove the outer casing and ensure the condenser and the other parts contained there are in good condition.

Checking Your Thermostat and Settings

It may sound simple, but an AC professional will know if something is wrong when they check your thermostat and its settings. If your thermostats run on batteries, they will check them and replace them if necessary to prevent the system from having an error.

Inspecting the Air Handler

Your air conditioner’s air handler is the interior portion of the unit that houses the evaporator coils. It also has many other parts that work together to power your machine. During an AC tune-up, the HVAC technician will look for any signs of wear or damage to the hoses and wires. If they find anything concerning, they will let you know what repairs they recommend to keep your AC running right.

Checking Coolant Levels

Your AC system relies on refrigerant to cool the air in your home. When these coolant levels run low, it will struggle to keep up with your desired temperature. Once it runs out, it will only blow hot air into your home. If the technician finds these levels too low, they will recommend adding more coolant.

Inspecting the Condensate Drain Line

The condensate drain line removes the condensation that your air conditioner produces during the cooling process. Your system is equipped with a condensation drain pan and a condensate drain line, which carries this condensation out of the unit and out of your home.

When this line becomes clogged or incurs damage, it can’t remove the water from your unit. Your AC is equipped with a sensor that will shut down the unit if this happens. This is often why many homeowners need AC repair. With an AC tune-up, you stay ahead of the curve by having the line cleaned and maintained, allowing it to remove the water efficiently.

Additionally, an AC tune-up will often include checking and tightening all electrical connections to prevent a malfunction. The technician will check the fan blades and motor to ensure it will continue to power your air conditioner. Every part will be checked thoroughly, and if something is worn or damaged, you will be notified about the need for repairs.

While the best news you can get is that everything is in working order with your AC system, having to make repairs now is better than a system failure.

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