We’ve all been there: it’s a beautiful, warm, and sunny spring day in Wisconsin. We're driving down the road with the windows down and the radio up. All of a sudden, the music stops, and we hear, “Get your AC tune-up today!” Naturally, what do we do? We change the channel and ignore those annoying ads. Now, technically, you can ignore those ads and forget all about the AC tune-up for a little while, but just like anything, if you do not maintain it, there comes a breaking point. The purpose of these maintenance plans, or tune-ups, is to catch any issue before it becomes a big headache and to extend the life of your unit. This will actually save you time and money in the long run. When it comes to residential air conditioning repair, regular maintenance is key to avoiding costly issues.
So, what does having an AC tune-up consist of? I will explain what a typical tune-up looks like and what you should expect. But first, let’s talk about money! AC tune-ups can vary in price. You will see pricing range from $50.00 to $200.00 per unit. Factors that can affect pricing include the type of units and what is being done. If someone says they are going to clean the condenser but does not talk about or perform any of the other services listed below, you should be on the lower end of that range. If you have a package unit and are receiving full service, you would most likely be looking at the middle to upper end of that price range.
Here is what you can expect during an AC tune-up:
Condenser Cleaning
After a long year in Wisconsin, the AC condenser is typically pretty dirty. You may be saying, "Who cares? It doesn’t affect the whole system if there is a little dirt and grime." The problem with not cleaning the condenser is that it can start to build up dust, dirt, grime, etc., and not allow proper airflow across the coil. The coil is hidden behind the fins, inside the fins are aluminum tubes that have refrigerant or gas running through them. If the space between the fins is blocked up, it will not allow proper airflow and will result in the unit running warm. Not only does it leave you feeling uncomfortable, but it also puts stress on the compressor. If too much stress is put on the compressor, it can hit its breaking point. Note: Compressors tend to be one of the more expensive parts to change out.
Electrical Component Check
As units run over time, they can have components that either wiggle themselves loose, start to wear out, or no longer work at all. Looking over the small parts like contactors, fan motors, capacitors, fuses, etc., is important. While some of these components may be good to go, others may not be running as optimally as they should. Sometimes the smallest component could be the reason your AC goes out, and you end up needing to place a service call and spend way more than if it was caught during the tune-up. This is especially true in residential air conditioning repair, where timely attention to these small components can prevent major inconveniences.
Checking Pressures
Checking the system pressures is also important. This is done by hooking up gauges and turning the system on to see the PSI of the refrigerant that is in the compressor. Each unit has a required amount. If the pressures are too low, it can mean there is a leak in the system. If the pressures are too high or “overcharged,” it means the system can start to run warm. Whether the pressures are too low, or too high, it can bring down the efficiency of the unit and cause the unit to also work harder.
Leak Check
AC systems are what we call “closed systems.” This means that you should never have to “add gas/refrigerant.” If you are told that you need to add gas/refrigerant to a system, it means there is a hole somewhere that needs to be fixed. The best way to test if there is a leak is to perform a leak check using a leak detector. The leak detector will sound if and when a leak is found. The leak check is important because sometimes you cannot see where the leak is coming from. For example, it could be in the coil, the part that is hidden by the fins. With leaks, you may never know you have one unless you have a leak check done. Or, in the worst-case scenario, when your space is not cooling because the unit let out too much refrigerant/gas.
Filter Change
This is something that you, as a business owner or homeowner, should be taking care of on a regular basis, but sometimes in life, we all forget to take care of things like this. It is really important to change filters throughout the year to allow for proper airflow to the system. If filters are too dirty, they can constrict the airflow to the system and mess with the pressures, making your space warm. Something to note is that each unit can have a different size filter, so most technicians will not carry them. However, if you have them on hand, ask if they will be willing to swap them out for you while they are there.
At the end of the day, it is best to have your AC maintained to eliminate the chances of being without AC in the middle of summer. Regular maintenance ensures that your system is operating at peak efficiency, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. It will keep your system running better for longer, improve indoor air quality, and help maintain a comfortable living environment. Investing in routine tune-ups can also extend the lifespan of your unit, providing peace of mind and long-term savings on your energy bills. Whether it's for residential air conditioning repair or general maintenance, keeping up with these checks is a small effort that goes a long way in ensuring comfort and efficiency.
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