How Often Should Your AC be Serviced, What is Typically Included and What is an Air Conditioner Tune-Up?

Living in Arizona, where air conditioning is essential due to the hot climate, it’s important to regularly service your AC system to ensure it operates efficiently and to prevent potential issues. The frequency of AC service depends on several factors, including the age of your system, how often it’s used, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, a general guideline is to have maintenance performed on your AC at least once a year, and in Arizona, ideally twice a year to prepare for the extreme temperature variations.

An air conditioner tune-up typically involves a thorough inspection and maintenance of your cooling system by a professional HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technician. At Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation we recommend regular maintenance for all systems.  During a Cool Home Membership Maintenance you can expect for a certified technician to:

1. Filter Replacement: The technician will check and replace the air filter (customer provided) if necessary. Dirty filters can reduce efficiency and air quality.

2. Outdoor Coil Cleaning: Evaporator and condenser coils can accumulate dirt over time, reducing the system’s ability to cool efficiently. Cleaning these outdoor coils with water is a standard part of AC maintenance.

3.  Inspect indoor coil depending upon access.

4. Refrigerant Level Check: The technician will check the refrigerant levels to ensure they are within the manufacturer’s specified range. Improper refrigerant levels can affect the system’s performance.

5. Inspect control boards, high voltage and low voltage wiring and contactors for signs of wear, damage or overheating:  regular inspection of integral elements eliminates surprise issues and helps to keep your home climate comfortable.

6. Inspect Ductwork: Leaks or blockages in the ductwork can reduce efficiency. The technician will inspect the ducts for any issues.

7.  Inspect Insulation levels: look for signs of rodents or rodent damage so preventable measures can be taken

8. Tighten Electrical Connections: Loose electrical connections can be a fire hazard and affect the performance of the system. Check main electrical connections (tighten as needed)

9. Check System: The technician will inspect the system temperature split and system static pressure. 

10. Check Moving Parts: Moving parts can wear out over time. Inspect outdoor fan motor and fan blade system along with Inspecting the indoor blower wheel

11. Inspect and Clean Condensate Drain: A clogged condensate drain can cause water damage and affect humidity levels. The technician will inspect and clear the drain with compressed air  and verify the drain line with water. 

12. Inspect Belts and Pulleys: Worn-out belts or pulleys can affect the blower’s performance. The technician will check and replace them if necessary.

13.  Apply UV protectant to exterior of outdoor unit: protecting the exterior of your system from the powerful rays of our Arizona sun. 

14.  Test indoor and outdoor capacitors under load:   capacitors are a critical component of electronic circuits, and their failure can cause equipment malfunctions or safety hazards. Regularly testing capacitors allows potential issues to be identified and addressed before they escalate into major problems.

15.  Check compressor, outdoor fan motor and indoor fan motor:  the technician will check the AMP draw.

16.  Inspect primary and secondary drain pan for signs of rust or leakage: the technician inspects the drain pans to ensure there is no leakage.

Regular AC maintenance not only helps prevent breakdowns but also improves energy efficiency, extends the lifespan of your system, and ensures better indoor air quality. It’s advisable to schedule a professional tune-up before the cooling season begins to address any potential issues and keep your AC system running smoothly.  Contact us to schedule your appointment today!