Without routine maintenance, your AC can lose efficiency, struggle to keep up with rising temperatures, or even break down when you need it most. A professional HVAC tune-up keeps everything running smoothly by cleaning, inspecting, and adjusting key components. It’s not just about preventing breakdowns. It’s also about keeping your energy bills low and extending the life of your system.
Checking and Replacing the Air Filter
Your AC’s air filter is like a shield, trapping dust, dirt, and allergens before they can enter the system and your home. Over time, that filter gets clogged with all the debris it catches, making it harder for air to flow through. When that happens, your AC has to work harder to move air, which can raise your energy bills and wear out the system faster.
During a maintenance visit, the technician will check and replace the filter if needed. If you haven’t swapped it out in a while, you might be surprised at how much buildup there is. Your AC will work better if you keep the filter clean, improve indoor air quality, and even prevent some common problems like frozen coils or weak airflow.
If you have pets or allergies, you may need to replace your HVAC air filters more often than the average homeowner. Some filters last a few months, while others need to be changed every 30 days. If you’re unsure which type is best for your home, a technician can recommend one that fits your needs.
Inspecting and Cleaning the Coils
Your AC’s coils are where the magic happens. The evaporator coil in your home takes in heat, and the condenser coil outside releases it. If either of these coils is dirty, your system won’t be able to cool properly, and you might notice weak airflow or higher energy bills.
The outdoor coil collects dirt, leaves, and other debris, especially after stormy or windy weather. When it’s covered in grime, the AC can’t release heat as quickly, making it work harder to cool your home. The indoor coil can also get dusty; if moisture builds up, it can grow mold or mildew. During maintenance, the technician will clean both coils using special tools and solutions to remove buildup without damaging the delicate fins.
Checking Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant makes cooling possible, and your AC system needs the right amount to function correctly. If the amount of refrigerant in your AC is too low, it won’t be able to cool your home correctly. You may notice warm air from the vents or ice forming on the coils.
A technician will look at the refrigerant levels and look for any leaks. If there’s a leak, it needs to be repaired before more refrigerant is added. Some leaks are easy to spot, while others require special tools to detect. If left unchecked, low refrigerant can cause severe damage to your compressor, which is one of the most expensive parts to replace. Low refrigerant could be why your AC has been running, but your home isn’t as cool as it should be. Catching the issue early can prevent more significant problems and keep your system running at its best.
Inspecting the Thermostat
Your thermostat is the brain of your cooling system, telling it when to turn on and off based on the temperature you set. If it’s not working correctly, your AC might cycle too often, not turn on when it should, or struggle to keep a consistent temperature.
During maintenance, the technician will check the thermostat’s accuracy and ensure it communicates appropriately with the AC. If your home feels warmer or cooler than what’s displayed, it could mean the sensor is off. You might also miss energy savings if you have an older manual thermostat. Programmable and smart thermostats can help you set schedules and adjust temperatures automatically, making your home more comfortable and efficient. If you’re interested in upgrading, this is a good time to ask about options that could work with your system.
Lubricating Moving Parts
Your AC needs to be oiled just like any other machine with working parts so that everything works well. Over time, friction can build up in the motor, fan, and other components, causing unnecessary wear and tear. If they aren’t properly lubricated, these parts can overheat or break down.
A technician will apply lubrication where needed to reduce friction and prevent parts from grinding against each other. This small step can extend the life of your system and keep it running quietly. If you’ve noticed unusual noises, like squeaking or rattling, it could mean something inside your AC needs extra care.
Tightening Electrical Connections
Your air conditioner uses electrical connections to keep everything powered and running correctly. If any of these connections are loose, your system might not work as efficiently, or worse, it could pose a safety hazard.
During repair, the expert will check all the links and wires to ensure safety. They’ll also look for signs of wear, such as frayed wires or burned spots, that could indicate a potential problem. Loose connections can cause your AC to short cycle, which puts extra strain on the system and increases your energy bill.
Inspecting the Drain Line
Your AC also removes humidity from the air. That moisture collects in a drain pan and flows through a drain line. Over time, that line can get clogged with dirt, dust, and even mold, leading to water leaks or humidity problems inside your home.
If you’ve ever noticed water pooling around your AC unit or musty smells coming from the vents, a clogged drain line might be the culprit. A technician will flush the line to remove blockages and ensure the water drains properly.
Keeping the drain line clear helps prevent water damage and keeps humidity levels in check. If the line gets too backed up, it can trigger a safety switch that shuts off your AC entirely. Regular maintenance helps prevent those kinds of headaches.
Testing Your System
After cleaning, adjusting, and inspecting, the technician will test your AC to ensure it’s running correctly. This includes checking the airflow, measuring temperature differences, and listening for unusual noises. If something seems off, they’ll diagnose the issue and recommend repairs.
If your AC has been struggling to keep your home cool, this is the moment when problems become apparent. Weak airflow, warm air from vents, or uneven cooling throughout your home can all point to issues that need attention. A performance test helps catch problems before they turn into full-blown breakdowns. If everything is working correctly, you can rest easy knowing your AC is ready to handle the hottest days ahead.
Call Us Today
Taking care of your AC now means fewer headaches later and prevents unnecessary AC repairs. A well-tuned AC cools your home better, lasts longer, and won’t have to work extra hard to do its job. Regular maintenance keeps everything running smoothly, from cleaning coils to checking the refrigerant and fine-tuning parts so you stay cool without surprises.
We offer indoor air quality solutions, duct cleaning, energy-efficient system upgrades, and expert maintenance services to keep your HVAC system running smoothly all year. If it’s time for your annual AC tune-up, join our Comfort Club for automated reminders and discounts or schedule a service with Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, Generators in Bountiful, UT today.
