What Does An Air Conditioning Tune-Up Actually Do?

March 22, 2010

Your air conditioning system has many moving parts and just like your car needs to be serviced on a regular basis to keep it working reliably, safely and efficiently. You don’t want to be stuck on the hottest day this summer waiting for the service technician (during their busiest time) to come fix your air conditioning unit, when a simple tune-up could have prevented the need for this emergency service call. Below are the 21-point checks that we make during an Air Conditioner Service call and how they benefit you:

1. Check and calibrate thermostat.  An improperly calibrated thermostat affects not only your comfort but your operating costs as well.
2. Clean or replace filter (standard 1” filter) as needed.  Dirty filters decrease the efficiency of your system and reduce the comfort your system can provide. If your air filter is restricted it causes your unit to waste energy and shortens the life of your compressor.  (Compressors are very expensive to replace!)
3. Monitor volts/amps on fan motor.  Ensures optimum performance and protects your equipment.
4. Lubricate and inspect bearings for wear.  Improperly lubricated rotating equipment will eventually fail.
5. Inspect indoor coil, if accessible.  Dirty evaporator coils decrease system efficiency and can lead to compressor failure.  (Remember, compressors are expensive to replace!)
6. Inspect condensate drain.  A plugged condensate drain can cause expensive water damage.
7. Inspect condenser coil.  Dirty condenser coils raise refrigerant pressures increasing electrical costs.
8. Monitor operating pressure of refrigerant.  Blockage or improper operations of metering device reduces cooling capacity, increases fuel costs, and shortens system life.
9. Inspect safety devices for proper operation.  Keeps unit in safe operating condition.
10. Inspect disconnect box for proper rating/installation.  A worn, overheated disconnect box blows fuses; potentially dangerous.
11. Tighten all electrical connections.  Extends life of your system and ensures safety.
12. Test/Inspect contactors for burned and/or pitted contacts.  Worn contactors and loose connections can lead to motor and compressor failure.
13. Inspect electrical for exposed wiring.  Keeps unit in safe operating condition.
14. Test and inspect capacitors.  Bad capacitors lead to compressor and motor failure.
15. Inspect fan blade.  Prevents costly service calls and prevents damage to unit.
16. Check condenser coil for heat removal operation.  Ensures optimum performance and protects the equipment.
17. Inspect service valves for proper operation.  Extends the life, saves money, and prevents failure.
18. Measure temperature difference: supply/return.  Temperature difference indicates production and capacity of unit.  Also affects comfort level.
19. Inspect ductwork for energy loss.  To ensure optimum performance.
20. Monitor compressor for proper amperage, volt draw and wiring connections.  Ensures optimum performance and safety; protects equipment.
21. Lubricate all moving parts.  Improperly lubricated rotating equipment will eventually fail.