The ABCs of Scheduling Your Air Conditioning Tune-Up Now To Keep Your System Going Strong
As the number one residential Plumbing and HVAC company in Southern California, Service Champions believes that, if you pay for a cheap and quick AC tune-up, that’s what you’ll get: a cheap and quick tune-up. With the “you’ll get what you pay for,” angle, this results in a very vague once-over which could, therefore, leave problems undetected.
Service Champions’ tune-ups and maintenance, on the other hand, take between 60 and 90 minutes inspecting, assessing and working on every air conditioner. We are thorough in our approach, and the whole system is left sparkling clean.
Every member of our team uses a 26-step checklist of separate operations so that no stone is left unturned. An annual tune-up with Service Champions, covering Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County, leaves every homeowner with peace of mind that every element of their air conditioner has been given some TLC.
But what is included with an AC tune-up? How can you protect your air conditioner or HVAC system in between maintenance appointments? And how can you tell when your air conditioner is crying out for a tune-up? Let’s dig into everything you need to know about air conditioning tune-ups so that your system can operate at its full potential throughout the year.
What Is An Air Conditioning Tune-Up?
Tune-ups are maintenance checks and assessments for your HVAC system. These examinations help discover and identify any issues while they are still small before they grow into more costly problems.
Tune-ups help you avoid sporadic and unexpected breakdowns while improving your system’s efficiency. They also ensure that your system will operate more safely for your family and help increase your unit’s shelf-life. In short, tune-ups result in better household comfort, fewer problems to solve, and fewer pennies to spend.
What Is Included In an Air Conditioner Tune-Up?
There are three core stages involved in an air conditioner tune-up:
- Inspection: All the elements of your air conditioner are inspected carefully to ensure it is working properly.
- Cleaning: Perform a deep clean of your air conditioner’s air filters and any other component that needs to be debris-free for operation and efficiency.
- Tightening: All electrical wiring is not only inspected but also tightened for your family’s safety and efficiency.
More specifically, Service Champions’ air conditioner tune-ups work following a 26-step checklist so we can inspect every aspect of your system’s health. Some of these steps include:
- Deep cleaning of your condenser coils, prevents your system from using more energy than it needs to. As such, you will notice much friendlier energy bill costs after your air conditioner has had a thorough tune-up! Furthermore, showing your condenser coils some much-needed TLC will reduce any wear and tear on your unit.
- Evaluation of your coolant level, to allow your air conditioner to cool the space efficiently.
- Lubricate all moving partsso that your air conditioner does not encounter friction problems, which can require more energy.
- Check and calibrate your thermostat, to make sure your air conditioner is working to the settings your family requires.
- Inspect and assess your ductwork, looking for any possible reasons for energy loss.
- Assess and tighten your electrical connections, to ensure your wiring is safe for your household.
- Evaluate the blower motor’s condition and performanceas well as the blower belt.
How Can I Maintain My Air Conditioner In Between Tune-Ups?
The best way to protect and care for your air conditioner is to book routine and professional maintenance checks and tune-ups at least once a year. However, you can take some steps at home to keep your system in good condition between tune-ups.
1. Change Your Air Filter Every Month
Though the air filter is only one element of your air conditioner, it is crucial. Unfortunately, though, the air filter is often forgotten about. If left neglected, the air filter inside your air conditioner will become clogged with dirt and debris, which prevents airflow and acts as a hindrance to your unit.
In addition, if you do not change your air filter, your indoor air quality will deteriorate, sparking side effects for those with allergies and causing health problems, specifically for young children and the elderly.
You should change your air filter every month if possible. If monthly is not achievable, you should aim to, at the minimum, change the air filter every other month.
This is particularly important for families who have pets or family members with allergies or respiratory conditions.
2. Clean Your Drains and Coils Routinely
Over time, it is easy for the coils and drains to get blocked with dirt, debris, and dust.
This blockage will eventually lead to strained and reduced cooling performance for your air conditioner, which will require significantly more energy to function.
As such, your energy bills will rise. If left neglected and the blockage is extreme, your entire air conditioning system may break down and require an expensive repair.
3. Keep Your Space Clean
We now know the trouble a blockage can cause. When dust and other particles build up inside your air conditioning unit, your machine will struggle to function. The extent of the blockage will impact the level of functionality, but you will be wasting money.
Keep the space clean so that your air conditioning unit can run efficiently and properly. If you have plants or pets, make sure you are keeping them at least 6 feet away from your air conditioning unit.
4. Inspect The Wiring and Electrical Connections
Electrical problems are one of the leading causes of air conditioning unit failures, so, if you can, it is best to discover these problems before they evolve. To do so, you should check your wiring and electrical connections regularly for any signs of corrosion or damage.
If your wiring has been damaged, this could lead to an entire system failure and a hazardous electric shock. This is dangerous for everyone, but specifically for toddlers who enjoy touching things they shouldn’t!
Search the wiring for any signs of deterioration, looking at the compressor in particular. Take a look at the wires and assess whether any fraying or breakages have taken place.
Lastly, ensure all your wires are connected tightly and well-insulated.
If your wiring and electrical connections are not in good condition, they can create a fire hazard. As such, routine inspection is very important for every homeowner.
5. Do Not Block Your Vents or Fans
Vents and/or fans should not be obstructed so that airflow is free and proper. If your vents or fans are blocked, your air conditioner will need to work much harder than necessary. This is not efficient and will be a preventable surprise when your energy bill arrives.
6. Pay Attention To Symptoms Of Low Refrigerant Levels
Adjusting your air conditioning refrigerant levels is a job for professionals. However, you should know the signs of an air conditioner suffering from low refrigerant levels.
Signs that your air conditioner is running on low refrigerant are:
- Weak airflow and/or warmer air blowing through your vents
- Inadequate cooling performance (ie: your space is not cooling down as much as it should)
- Consistent cycling
- A buildup of ice on your refrigerant lines and/or evaporator coils
- Unusual noises like hissing or bubbling coming from your air conditioner unit
How Often Should I Arrange An Air Conditioner Tune-Up?
The frequency of your air conditioner’s tune-ups will depend on its make and model, how often you use it, and the climate of your location. While most experts recommend an annual tune-up at the minimum, if you live in a particularly humid or hot climate, you will likely need more than just one.
This is also true if you use your air conditioner regularly. Take a look at the manufacturer’s guidelines for further information, as the make and model will require different attention.
How Do I Know When My Air Conditioner Needs a Tune-Up?
Every air conditioner should be given a thorough tune-up at least once per year. However, if you have left it longer and you are wondering whether your air conditioner needs a tune-up now, there are five core signs:
1. Your System Is Blowing Out Hot or Warm Air
If your air conditioner blows out lukewarm or hotter air when it is set to cool, you are throwing money out the window (where, in reality, the air might even be cooler!).
There are a number of reasons why this may be happening, but a thorough tune-up from an expert team should put an end to it.
2. Your Air Conditioner Is Making Unusual Noises
Your air conditioner should be felt rather than heard. While professionals can diagnose a problem based on the system’s noises, homeowners find it difficult to translate the noise to a cause.
Tune-ups allow these unwanted noises to be translated into a diagnosis and then be given the appropriate cure.
3. Weak Airflow From Your AC Vents
If the air coming out is cool but is not blowing freely, your air ducts might be leaking or you may have a clogged filter. A tune-up to solve this problem, no matter which is the cause, is a far more cost-effective strategy to take than simply allowing the problem to grow. If left neglected, this will require repairs rather than a few tweaks.
4. Inconsistent Temperature Distribution
If you have noticed that specific areas of your home are hotter or cooler than others, it is time for a tune-up. A professional tune-up will allow professionals to inspect the inner workings of your air conditioner unit so a root cause can be identified and then, of course, repaired.
5. Moisture, Mold, And/Or Odors
Usually, if you have encountered any moisture, mold, and/or odors, there is a good chance that your outside compressor is leaking. It could also be blocked or have a broken drain tube.
With a comprehensive and expert tune-up, these problems can be fixed before they grow into an issue that is both costly to repair and a hazard to your family’s health. If mold spores continue to grow, inhaling them can be toxic for your household.
As such, it is best to act fast when you notice any moisture, mold, or strange odors and book a tune-up to stop the growth in its tracks.
Book Your AC Tune-Up With Service Champions Today!
If you live in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County, book your air conditioner tune-up with Service Champions today. With a thorough 60 – 90 minute service, your air conditioner will receive the protection and care your family deserves.
So, get in touch and book an air conditioning service online today.