Tuning up an air conditioning system at least annually is an important part of keeping it in top condition. Homeowners may wonder what an AC tune-up is and what it entails. Let’s look at what you should know about AC tune-ups.
Reasons for Annual Tune-Ups
All air conditioners, even brand-new ones, begin moving out of their factory specifications the minute you start running them. The initial lubrication around the moving parts, like the fans and the blower motor, degrades. Internal vibrations can cause components to loosen, with the most worrisome being fittings along the refrigerant lines. Even the thermostat’s readings can misalign with the actual temperature and the HVAC’s control system.
These may sound like minor issues, but they add up quickly, even over a single year. Lack of lubrication can make an AC operate noisily. In extreme cases, moving parts can start to grind or stop moving altogether. Loosened fittings can allow refrigerant to escape, leading to decreased AC performance. Eventually, a lack of refrigerant will burn out the compressor because it must work too hard to achieve the target level of cooling. Lining up the thermostat with current indoor conditions and the control unit ensures that your air conditioner will run when it should, reducing wear and tear.
A tune-up also typically includes basic cleaning. The evaporator and condenser coils get dirty, and they often require a professional cleaning solution to prevent continued fouling. It is also a good idea to have our technicians check all your AC filters. You want to ensure the drain lines for water condensates are clear, too.
It is a good idea to check the electrical components. Verifying that contacts, capacitors, and wires are all still in good shape ensures that you catch problems early. Our technicians also verify that each air conditioner is properly grounded. We also confirm that the appliance’s voltage and amperage levels are as close to the manufacturer’s specifications as possible.
Performing System Checks
Much of the tune-up process involves performing system checks. This includes verifying that the AC comes on and turns off when commanded. It also involves monitoring the cooling cycle time. Our technicians will compare the thermostat’s settings and readings to ensure they’re within 2 degrees of the actual indoor temperature. If your home’s thermostat uses batteries, we will make sure they’re fully charged.
We also monitor the airflow rate of the system. Typically, you should expect about 500 cubic feet of airflow per ton rating of the AC unit. We have instruments that help us measure the airflow, and we can check it at multiple locations. This ensures that the AC’s airflow is as balanced as possible to avoid varying warm and cool spots throughout your house.
Our technicians will visually inspect the ductwork and check for leaks. This includes checking the integrity of seals and insulation. We can measure static pressure to confirm that there are no smaller leaks that aren’t visible, too.
During one of the operation cycle checks, we will test the HVAC’s amp draw. Often, aging or failing AC units pull more electricity to make up for increasing inefficiencies. The amp draw provides a clue that something is operating out of spec and forcing the appliance to consume more power.
We will also check the belt tension and alignment. Keeping the belts tight tends to improve motor performance and efficiency, ensuring that the blower motor doesn’t struggle.
Our technicians look for small clues involving the difference in temperature between vents and the air returns. If the air conditioner is operating well, the difference should be 15 to 20 degrees. A narrower difference could indicate that the AC is cooling your house too aggressively. If the difference is higher than expected, your home’s AC might not have enough cooling capacity.
We verify fan speeds and damper settings, too. These are systems that regulate how quickly the air should flow to targeted locations. For example, some people set a cooler bedroom temperature to help them sleep better. We can confirm whether the fans and dampers are doing enough to control airflow and provide a comfortable environment.
Consequences of Skipping Tune-Ups
Even one skipped year of AC tune-ups can reduce your system’s efficiency significantly. Dirty air filters can increase energy consumption by 10%. Fouled coils lead to even worse performance, potentially reducing efficiency by 30% to 40%. Depending on your utility bills, this can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars in extra spending. A typical AC tune-up results in improved efficiency.
One of the sneakier consequences of neglecting tune-ups involves a clogged drain line or pan. Proper drainage is critical because an AC pulls humidity from the air. If the moisture collects, it can pool in your home and cause water damage. Extreme cases of water damage may lead to tens of thousands of dollars in structural repairs.
A poorly maintained AC unit also suffers a cascade of internal strains. Suppose the refrigerant isn’t fully charged. This can cause the compressor to pull harder. Likewise, the heavy pull from the compressor can strain the AC’s capacitors. One problem can quickly trigger thousands of dollars in repairs or even a replacement that might cost more than $10,000.
Benefits
In addition to operating more efficiently, a well-maintained air conditioner should also last longer. The typical cooling system lasts about 15 years. However, neglected ones may last only eight years. Many well-maintained systems can last over 20 years. Tune-ups also give you a few years to start planning and budgeting for replacing your AC.
A properly tuned AC also delivers better indoor air quality (IAQ). Good airflow is essential to circulation, and a well-circulated house generally has superior IAQ. The improved airflow keeps dust from settling in the living space. Airflow also encourages more air exchanges, ensuring that air contaminants cycle through filtration and purification units more frequently.
Many warranties now require professional and well-documented tune-ups. Otherwise, the manufacturer may reject a warranty claim for failure to maintain the system. Insurers also frequently require annual tune-ups before they consider a house’s HVAC system insurable.
Scheduling
Most homeowners schedule at least one tune-up per year, focusing on late spring as the best time. Because of the high humidity levels here in Greenville, SC, our company recommends two tune-ups annually. This is because our regional heat can wear systems out faster. Also, systems often collect more dust and mold due to warmer and more humid air.
A big reason to schedule a tune-up in early fall is to make sure the AC is shut down properly for the winter. The second appointment is a good time for a more thorough coil cleaning. Our technicians can also make sure to cover the outdoor components.
Tuck & Howell, Inc. has been around since 1968. We work on many types of heating and cooling systems, and our technicians can also handle ductwork, indoor air quality, and crawl space encapsulation. Our licensed technicians are available 24/7 for emergencies.
To schedule an AC tune-up for a home in Greenville or a nearby area, contact Tuck & Howell, Inc. now.
