Although homeowners are advised to give their air conditioners a visual examination every once in a while, the reality is that there’s only so much a layperson who doesn’t have a background in HVAC maintenance or access to specialized tools can do.
For this reason, HVAC companies in Cherry Hill, NJ, and the region frequently urge their clients to book a yearly AC tune-up even if their cooling system appears to be in good condition. Professional AC technicians know what to look for, and are able to detect and address issues the average homeowner isn’t equipped to handle.
But what exactly is included in an air conditioner tune-up service? What are the essential benefits AC maintenance provides and can it prevent major AC breakdowns? We’ll be answering some of these questions in the following article. Keep reading to learn more.
What does an AC tune-up include?
The average residential air conditioner should receive a tune-up at least once a year. It’s generally recommended to have this done during spring to avoid scheduling problems and make sure your cooling system is ready for the summer.
A typical AC tune-up service includes:
Detailed interior component assessment
Your AC technician will remove the front panel from both your air conditioner’s indoor and outdoor units and thoroughly examine the internals. Their primary goal here is to look for signs of damage or wear, such as frayed wires, cracked hoses, corrosion, water damage, etc. They will also use this opportunity to check the air filters and replace them if necessary.
Clean the condenser & evaporator coils
The evaporator and condenser coils absorb indoor heat and disperse it into the outside air. Without professional cleaning, they will eventually become dirty, forcing your AC to work harder and expend more power to achieve the same level of performance.
Check refrigerant levels
All air conditioners use special chemicals called refrigerants to collect heat from indoor air and transfer it outside. Refrigerant levels go down over time and need to be refilled in order to enable the AC to do its job. As a part of an AC tune-up, the technician will check current refrigerant levels and refill them if they’re low.
Keep in mind that HFC-based refrigerants are being phased out due to their negative ecological impact, with the most popular of these being the R-22 Freon. If your AC uses Freon, and you’re running low on it, you may be unable to get a refill and should start thinking about replacing your unit.
Thermostat setup & inspection
The HVAC technician will carefully check your thermostat to ensure it’s performing correctly and is installed in an optimal location. If needed, they will replace the batteries and even the entire thermostat if it turns out it’s faulty.
Condensate line examination
Finally, your HVAC professional will look at the AC’s condensate drain line to ensure your cooling unit disposes of excess condensation the way it’s supposed to. If it turns out your condensate drain line is clogged or damaged, the technician will take the required steps to address the issue.
Where in Cherry Hill, NJ, and beyond can I schedule an expert AC tune-up?
Looking for a crew of reputable HVAC specialists who can meet your heating and cooling need? If so, you can’t go wrong by contacting Allied Experts. Our company has a long and successful history in the HVAC industry with over a decade of industry experience and a long list of loyal customers.
Get in touch with us today. Whether you’re located near the Cherry Hill Trails or in one of the nearby communities in New Jersey, our team is just a quick phone call away.