What is an AC Tune-Up? Why AC Maintenance is Important

May 12, 2020

family time

Your air conditioner is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable, but like any piece of equipment, it needs regular care to stay efficient. That’s where routine maintenance comes in. So, what is an AC tune-up, and why does it matter? It is a thorough inspection and service that helps your system run smoothly, lowering energy bills and preventing costly breakdowns. Without it, small issues can quickly turn into expensive repairs or even a full system failure.

At A.J. Perri, we understand the importance of keeping your AC in top shape. Our expert tune-ups are designed to extend the life of your system, saving you money and stress in the long run. Keep reading to learn how regular AC tune-ups can benefit you and why they’re worth the investment. Let A.J. Perri help your family stay comfortable with an AC tune-up today!

What is an AC Tune-Up?
Why AC Maintenance is Important
What’s Included in an AC Tune-Up?
Best Time for Scheduling an AC Tune-Up
How to Know if Your AC Needs a Tune-Up
DIY vs. Professional AC Tune-Ups
Are AC Tune-Ups Worth It?
Cost of an AC Tune-Up
Ready for a Tune-Up? Call A.J. Perri Today to Schedule a Service

What is an AC Tune-Up?

An AC tune-up is a professional maintenance service designed to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently. During a tune-up, a technician thoroughly inspects and cleans key components, such as coils, filters, and thermostats. They also check for any signs of wear or potential problems that could lead to costly repairs down the road.

Regular tune-ups address these issues early, prevent major breakdowns, improve system performance, and extend the lifespan of your AC unit. Tune-ups are a proactive care approach ensuring your system runs at its best, keeping your home cool and comfortable all summer.

Why AC Maintenance is Important

Did you know an average home’s heating and cooling system runs over 2,000 hours yearly? With such heavy use, it’s clear why AC maintenance is important—it helps improve energy efficiency, lowers energy bills, prevents breakdowns before they happen, and keeps the air inside your home cleaner by reducing dust and debris buildup.

Some homeowners avoid regular tune-ups because they assume they’ll be expensive. However, maintenance now can prevent much more costly repairs in the future and reduce the likelihood of needing emergency services.

Regular tune-ups are often required to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty, protect your investment, and keep your AC system running smoothly for years to come.

What’s Included in an AC Tune-Up?

When you schedule an AC tune-up with A.J. Perri, you’ll receive comprehensive HVAC maintenance services for every season that ensure your system runs efficiently. But what does an AC tune-up include?

Our expert technicians follow a detailed 21-step precision process that covers essential tasks to maintain your system, including:

Check and top off refrigerant levels: Ensures your AC has enough refrigerant to cool effectively, preventing common problems like uneven cooling or frozen coils.
Clean evaporator and condenser coils: Dirty coils reduce efficiency, forcing your system to work harder and increasing your energy bills. Cleaning them restores proper heat exchange.
Inspect and tighten electrical connections: Loose or damaged connections can lead to system malfunctions and even pose a safety risk. We make sure everything is secure and in working order.
Replace standard 1” air filters: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and decrease your system’s performance. We’ll replace it to ensure clean air flows smoothly.
Lubricate moving parts: Motors, bearings, and other components need lubrication to reduce friction and wear, helping to extend your AC’s lifespan.
Test thermostat calibration: We check that your thermostat accurately reads the temperature to ensure your home is cooled properly.
Inspect ductwork for leaks or blockages: Ensures air is distributed evenly throughout your home, avoiding problems like uneven cooling.
Check system controls for proper operations: We verify all controls function correctly to prevent potential breakdowns.
Measure airflow: Ensuring proper airflow helps your system maintain consistent temperatures and improves overall comfort.

AC Tune-Up Basics

At a minimum, make sure the AC tune-up you schedule with an expert includes the following:

By performing these detailed tasks, we prevent costly breakdowns and help your system run more efficiently. At A.J. Perri, we stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, giving you added peace of mind.

You can trust that we will do whatever it takes to ensure your system is running well and correct any problems to your satisfaction.

Best Time for Scheduling an AC Tune-Up

Now that you know what an air conditioning tune-up is, let’s review the best time to schedule one. The ideal time to schedule an AC tune-up is in the spring, just before the weather heats up and your system is heavily used. By servicing your air conditioning early, you ensure it’s running efficiently when needed.

Scheduling a tune-up before the summer rush also helps you avoid the high demand for repairs during peak season and reduces your risk of unexpected breakdowns.

We always recommend annual tune-ups to keep your system in top condition year after year. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and emergency repairs and extends the life of your current AC, saving you time and money.

Call your local HVAC expert to schedule your AC tune-up!

How to Know if Your AC Needs a Tune-Up

There are several signs your AC system is overdue for a tune-up, including common issues like:

Uneven cooling: If some rooms are colder than others, it could indicate airflow problems or an issue with the system’s performance.
Strange noises: Sounds like banging, rattling, or hissing mean that parts are loose or components are wearing out and need immediate attention.
Rising energy bills: If your energy costs have increased without a change in your usage, your system may be running inefficiently and need a tune-up.
Weak airflow: If your AC is running but seems weak, it may signal a blockage or an issue with the fan or ducts.
Unpleasant odors: Musty or burning smells can indicate mold growth or electrical issues that require a professional inspection.
Frequent cycling: If the AC turns on and off more frequently than usual, it may be short cycling, which can strain the system.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a tune-up to prevent larger problems and keep your system running smoothly. Preventing the issues above are only some reasons why AC maintenance is important, and A.J. Perri in New Jersey makes it easier than ever to schedule a maintenance service. Just give us a call at to get started.

Call AJ Perri for a Tune-Up Now

DIY vs. Professional AC Tune-Ups

As a homeowner, there are a few basic AC maintenance tasks you can handle yourself to keep your system in good shape. For example, you can regularly replace your air filters, clean the area around your outdoor unit, and check your thermostat settings. These simple steps can help improve airflow and maintain efficiency.

However, hiring a reliable professional like A.J. Perri is essential when it comes to more detailed maintenance, like checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, or inspecting electrical components. Attempting complex tasks alone can easily lead to mistakes, void warranties, and pose serious safety risks. Professionals have the expertise and tools to ensure everything is done correctly, preventing costly repairs and keeping your system running at its best.

Are AC Tune-Ups Worth It?

Absolutely! Regular AC tune-ups are a smart investment that pays off in the long run. By scheduling routine maintenance, you can significantly improve your system’s energy efficiency, lowering monthly energy bills. What else is an AC tune-up good for? It catches small issues early, preventing costly repairs and reducing the chances of sudden breakdowns.

Tune-ups also extend the life of your air conditioner, delaying the need for a replacement. Plus, many manufacturers require regular tune-ups to maintain warranty coverage. Overall, the cost of a tune-up is minimal compared to the long-term savings and peace of mind it provides.

Cost of an AC Tune-Up

The cost of an AC tune-up can vary based on several factors unique to your system and situation, including:

Type of AC system you have
Age of the unit
Additional repairs needed
Location and service provider rates

Though costs can fluctuate, regular tune-ups help prevent bigger, more expensive repairs and extend the life of your AC unit, making it a wise investment.

Ready for a Tune-Up? Call A.J. Perri Today to Schedule a Service

Regular AC tune-ups are essential for maintaining your system's efficiency and longevity. By scheduling routine maintenance, you can prevent costly breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and ensure your home stays comfortable year-round.

Now that you know why AC maintenance is important, trust the experts at A.J. Perri to provide thorough, professional tune-up services that keep your system running smoothly. Contact us today at (732) 733-2548 or schedule a visit online for all of your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs.