ac tune up

What’s Actually Included in an AC Tune Up? Don’t Get Shortchanged

Are your energy bills becoming uncomfortably high?

If the answer is yes, there’s a good chance your HVAC system is no longer operating efficiently.

See, a unit that’s in tip-top shape won’t need to expend a lot of energy to cool your home.

A good way to keep your system in that mode is to invest in regular AC tune-ups. Beyond lowering your energy bill, tune-ups can also:

Of course, this is only true if your HVAC technician performs a complete AC tune-up.

Want to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth?

Here’s an AC maintenance checklist that every Mesa, AZ technician should follow!

Conduct a Visual Inspection

The first thing the HVAC technician will do is look around for any noticeable issues with the unit.

This includes quick visual inspections of both the indoor and outdoor units.

Some of the things they’ll be looking out for are:

  • Visible signs of wear and tear
  • Puddles of water around the outdoor unit
  • Accumulated dirt on the condenser coils
  • Loose or frayed electrical wires

Examine the Condensate Drain Line

When refrigerant gas passes through the evaporator, it turns liquid. It’s the job of the condensate line to deposit any excess moisture outside.

That’s why you often see a light drip coming out of the outdoor unit.

If the line is clogged, the fluid will remain in the condensate pan.

If left unchecked, this can lead to overflowing or mold growth.

Your technician will inspect the drain line and, if necessary, flush it out to restore normal function.

Check the Refrigerant

If the AC unit isn’t blowing cold air, the technician will check its refrigerant levels.

The refrigerant is what absorbs heat from the air and turns it into a refreshing cold breeze.

If your AC is running low on it, this process can’t take place.

In general, recharging the refrigerant isn’t part of the tune-up process.

Your expert will inform you of the situation, but the decision to pay for the service is yours.

That said, this is definitely a task you should leave to the pros.

Inspect the Condenser Fan Motor

All HVAC tune-up services include taking a closer look at the condenser fan motor.

This is one of the hardest-working parts of your AC unit.

If it fails, your air conditioning unit will simply stop working.

During the tune-up, the HVAC mechanic will listen for unusual noises coming from the condenser unit.

For instance, a buzzing sound can indicate that the fan motor is near the end of its life or needs emergency repairs.

Check Electrical Wiring

Another thing that will stop your AC from turning on is the lack of electricity.

Your HVAC expert will take a look at the unit’s electrical connections and tighten them if needed.

They’ll also do the following:

  • Check for exposed or frayed wires
  • Examine the system’s voltage output
  • Inspect the contactors for burned contacts
  • Check the circuit breaker and fuses

Examine the Blower Belts

If you have a belt-driven HVAC unit, the technician will look at the condition of the blower belts and pulleys.

The regular wear and tear can make the belts loose, which can lead to reduced airflow or frozen coils.

This issue is particularly common if both the AC and the furnace use the same blower motor or if you use your HVAC daily.

Either way, the technician will recommend replacing the belt if it shows signs of deterioration.

Inspect the Capacitor

Examining the capacitor is also among the essential AC tune-up tasks.

When you turn on your AC unit, the capacitor provides the energy that kickstarts the fan motor.

If the capacitor fails, your AC is unlikely to start at all.

If your AC has started stuttering when turning on, the capacitor may be starting to fail.

This can place a further strain on the rest of your system.

Your HVAC mechanic will inspect the capacitor for signs of wear and recommend a solution.

Check the Ducts for Leaks and Dirt

When it comes to maximizing AC efficiency, it’s hard to overstate the importance of solid ductwork.

Beyond reducing airflow, dirty ducts allow dirt and bacteria to blow into your home and contaminate your indoor air.

Your HVAC expert will do a quick inspection of your ductwork to check for dirt buildup and leaks.

Duct sealing usually isn’t part of a routine check-up.

Instead, they’ll likely suggest scheduling a duct sealing appointment.

Lubricate Moving Parts

HVAC systems include plenty of moving parts, such as:

  • Fan motors
  • Motor bearings
  • Ventilation shafts

These parts must be regularly oiled to stay efficient.

Without lubrication, the added friction will wear all moving parts out much faster.

Before applying lubrication, your technician will first clean off dirt and grit from the parts that need it.

Look at the Thermostat

Every annual air conditioner check also includes inspecting the thermostat.

A faulty thermostat can cause many AC issues, from short cycling to uneven temperatures.

Even so, many homeowners never see it as a potential culprit.

If the temperature on the thermostat doesn’t match the actual room temperature, the technician will determine why.

If the problem does lie with the thermostat, the easiest solution would be to replace it.

Schedule an AC Tune-Up in Mesa Today!

With so many services included in an AC tune-up, it makes sense to schedule it at least once a year.

Otherwise, minor issues could turn into major ones, upping the cost of repairs once you do get a technician to look at your system.

At Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating, we offer a full suite of AC services in Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ.

With 30 years of experience, we know what it takes to do it right, do it on time, and at a fair price!

During AC tune-ups, our technicians follow a 53-point inspection plan that includes every service mentioned above and a lot more.

Contact us now to schedule your maintenance check!

Looking for an HVAC Contractor in Gilbert?
Choose Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating for expert HVAC services. Our skilled team specializes in reliable installations, repairs, and maintenance to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Call (480) 571-7219 or request service online now!