AC Tune Up Checklist and More for Homes in York, PA

Summer’s coming. Is your air conditioner ready for the job?

The best way to be sure is with an AC tune up in the spring. Like maintenance for your furnace, it’s cheaper and less hassle than having to make an emergency call because something’s gone wrong.

We went into detail here about why an AC tune up is worth the price. But what do you get for it?
Air Conditioning Maintenance

In this article, we’ll go into the checklist we use for each maintenance visit. We’ll also dive into a few of the items on there. Then, we’ll quickly review why it’s worth the money.

That’s a lot to take in. Most of these boil down to inspecting mechanical and electrical parts to make sure nothing is worn-out or broken. We clean out the system, getting rid of any dust, dirt, grime, or garbage that can affect its performance.

And, we’ll go over a few more key points here.

Lubricate All Moving Parts

You’ve heard the phrase “the squeaky wheel gets the oil.” Well, we oil it before it makes a sound.

Lubricating all the mechanical or moving parts means they’re less likely to wear down and break. And, the system uses less electricity when everything’s working smoothly.

Confirm Refrigerant Levels

First of all: If you need a refrigerant recharge, there’s a problem somewhere. That coolant fluid runs in a closed loop, so it should never run out. Low levels indicate a leak.

It’s something to keep in mind in case someone ever offers to “top off” your system or only do a recharge. If you go for it, that tech will only be back later when you inevitably need more.

And, it’s a bigger deal right now for older units.

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In most cases, we can fix the problem and add refrigerant liquid. But, units more than a decade old use R22 Freon, which isn’t easy to find anymore.

Starting 2010, all new ACs used a different coolant, and the EPA began phasing out R22. Today, there’s still some supply out there. But, manufacturers don’t make it anymore, so it’s hard to find and often expensive.

As a result, it’s usually more cost-effective for you to replace an older unit with a leak than to repair it and pay extra for the recharge.

An AC that uses R22 is already more than a decade old. So, you’re likely better off investing in a new unit anyway. It’ll last longer and will use less energy. But, if it comes to this, we’ll talk you through the options.

Calibrate the Thermostat

You’d be surprised at how many cooling or heating issues stem only from a thermostat not working correctly. The problem can be anything from someone not changing the settings from season to season, to inaccurate temperature readings.

People are pleasantly surprised when we just tinker with their thermostat rather than hit them with a big repair bill for their air conditioner. But, there’s still no reason to go through a few uncomfortably hot days in the summer.

So, an AC tune up includes making sure your thermostat is getting the right readings. It’s an essential first step in keeping your home cool all summer.

We touched on a few of the ways you benefit from preventive maintenance already. But, here’s a closer look:

Fewer Breakdowns

By catching problems early on, we prevent your system from breaking down later in the season. Maybe you made it through last summer with a misaligned fan or worn-out belt. But, those problems will only get worse.

And, they’re likely to cause more damage in the process. Plus, the cost of an inspection and tuneup is much less than getting it fixed during peak times.

In the dead of summer, you may have to pay extra for priority service. Otherwise, it’s first-come-first-served, and the best HVAC companies will have backlogs.

Lower Energy Bills

An optimized AC system requires less electricity to do the job properly. When all the parts are in great shape, all the electrical components are firing, and all the mechanical elements are moving easily, you need less power overall.

And, using less power means paying less each month on your electric bills.
Air Conditioning

Better Comfort

A well-running AC doesn’t just save you money and hassle. It also makes you more comfortable all summer long.

Fortunately, your central air won’t break down the moment there’s a problem. But, the bad news is that as things get worse, it won’t do nearly as good a job as it used to.

You may notice problems such as weak airflow, excess humidity, or some rooms never getting cool enough. These are often subtle at first, so you might not even pick up on them for a while.

So, instead of spending most of your summer sticky and hot, make sure your system is all set before the warm weather rolls in.

AC Maintenance Near York, PA

Air Comfort Technologies is the reliable, trusted HVAC company for all your AC maintenance and repair needs in and around York, PA. We’ve been around for more than 50 years and have an A+ BBB rating and plenty of five-star reviews to show for it.

Call or email us today to set up an appointment.