Why a Spring or Summer AC Tune-Up Pays for Itself

Air conditioners fail in the heat, because heat is when they are asked to do the most work. A tune-up in the spring or summer catches the small problems before they turn into emergencies.

What we check

• Clean the outdoor unit with an eco-friendly solution
• Inspect the indoor cooling coil and blower components
• Flush the drain lines
• Check operating pressures and amp draw on the motors
• Inspect electrical connections, wiring, and safety controls
• Verify thermostat operation and adjust airflow

The cost of skipping it

A dirty condenser coil forces the compressor to work against higher head pressure — that is wasted electricity every hour the system runs, and heat the compressor was never meant to absorb. Low refrigerant from a slow leak does the same thing. Neither announces itself; the system just quietly costs more and wears out sooner.

What you can do yourself

Change the filter on schedule, keep shrubs and fence panels at least two feet off the outdoor unit, and rinse grass clippings off the coil fins with a garden hose on low pressure. Everything else belongs to a technician with gauges.