Central Indiana summers are hot, hot, hot! And, if you don’t have a properly functioning air conditioning system, it can be both excruciating and potentially dangerous. That’s why making sure your air conditioner is properly maintained before the temperatures rise can make a huge difference. Read Star Heating & Cooling’s comprehensive guide to air conditioning maintenance below, and learn about the benefits of giving your air conditioning unit a tune-up this Spring.
Benefits of Air Conditioner Tune-Ups
Your air conditioner goes through regular wear and tear like any other appliance, so it’s always a good idea to have it thoroughly checked by an HVAC technician before you need it on a daily basis. We recommend scheduling an air conditioner tune-up appointment early in the spring. By doing so, you will enjoy the following benefits:
- Peace of Mind: A professional AC tuneup greatly decreases the chances of a breakdown when your cooling system is needed the most. Plus, you’ll be saving money on parts and repairs when you identify and correct small problems before they become big problems.
- Energy Cost Savings: A properly maintained HVAC system will use less energy and save you money on your monthly utility bills.
- Good For Your Health: A clean air conditioning system will circulate cleaner air and improve your home’s overall indoor air quality.
- Extends the Lifespan of Your Air Conditioner: Keeping your AC system on a routine maintenance schedule will extend the life of your air conditioner, giving you a financial cushion for the next time you need to make the investment in a replacement unit.
What’s Included in an AC Tune-Up?
Now that you know the value of preventative maintenance, let’s take a deeper look at what you can expect when a qualified HVAC technician comes to your home to deliver tune-up services.
Clean And Inspect Condenser And Evaporator Coils
The HVAC technician will inspect the condenser coils, condensate drain, and evaporator coils for any signs of corrosion, damage, or blockages. Any issues should be addressed immediately to ensure the air conditioner is working efficiently.
Check The Performance Of The Blower Motor And The Condition Of The Blower Belt
The technician should inspect the blower motor for any signs of wear or damage. The blower motor is essential for pushing the air through the ductwork and into the home. An HVAC expert will tighten any loose connections and make sure that all moving parts are properly lubricated during air conditioner maintenance.
Check Refrigerant Level And Pressure
Refrigerant levels are key to providing your home with the cool air it needs during the hot and humid months of summer. Low refrigerant levels can cause a loss in efficiency, as well as other issues with the system. An HVAC technician can check your refrigerant levels and recharge the refrigerant if it’s low.
Inspect Electrical Connections
Your HVAC system runs on electricity, so if there are any loose or bad connections, it will negatively affect your cooling system’s performance. During a tune-up, an air conditioner professional can identify and tighten any loose connections to ensure energy efficiency and a consistent flow of power to your system.
Ensure Proper Clearance Around The Outdoor Unit
Proper clearance around your outdoor AC unit ensures good airflow to the system as well as easy access for an HVAC contractor for tune-ups and repairs. Most manufacturers recommend 12-24 inches of horizontal clearance and at least 60 inches of vertical clearance.
Check or Replace the Air Filter
A clogged air filter can reduce the efficiency of the system and lead to other issues. An HVAC technician should clean or replace the existing air filter to ensure that it is not clogged and is allowing the proper amount of airflow.
Check the Thermostat
It is important to make sure that the thermostat is correctly calibrated and set to the correct temperature. There’s an issue if your thermostat is set to “Cooling Mode” and warm air is coming out of your vents.
Test the System
The technician should perform a test of the air conditioning system to ensure that it is running correctly and is cooling the space as it should. Do not let your HVAC contractor leave without running your system through this process.
Keep Your Central Indiana Air Conditioner Running With Preventative Maintenance From Star Heating & Cooling
There is so much value in keeping your air conditioner on a regular maintenance schedule, and with Star Heating & Cooling, you can increase that value by taking advantage of our Memberships. Our Memberships include two annual maintenance visits (with automatic reminders for when it’s time to schedule an appointment), priority scheduling status, savings on diagnostics, 15% off all unit repairs, and the peace of mind that comes with hiring Star’s trained professionals.
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your air conditioner running properly for as long as possible. Why not make that short-term investment in your home’s heating and cooling system? Contact Star today to schedule an AC tune-up.