Regular maintenance helps your air conditioner run more efficiently and can catch small problems before they turn into bigger repairs. We recommend having your AC serviced once a year, ideally in the spring before the summer heat.
What's Included in an AC Tune-Up
- Test the capacitor and contactor
- Clean the outdoor condenser coil
- Check the indoor evaporator coil
- Flush the condensate drain line and test the float switch
- Check refrigerant pressures
- Check the compressor and fan motors
- Measure the temperature of the air coming out of the vents
- Tighten electrical connections
- Check the air filter and thermostat
After the tune-up, you'll get a written copy of the readings so you have a record of how your system is running.
Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance
- Fewer breakdowns during the summer
- Better efficiency
- Better humidity control
- Longer system life
- Small problems found early
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that an air conditioner's filters, coils and fins need regular maintenance to keep working efficiently. You can read more on the Department of Energy website.
When to Schedule Your Tune-Up
April and May are the best months. Summer heat can show up early in North Texas. In 2011, the first 100 degree day at DFW came on June 13, according to the National Weather Service. Once the heat arrives, HVAC companies across Tarrant County get busy fast.
AC Maintenance Tips
- Change your air filter every one to three months
- Keep plants and fences about two feet away from the outdoor unit
- Rinse grass clippings and leaves off the outdoor unit with a garden hose, with the power off
- Make sure the condensate drain line outside is dripping in the summer
- Replace the thermostat batteries once a year
Many older homes in Haltom City have small yards, and the outdoor unit often sits close to a fence or shrubs. Keeping that area clear helps the unit get the airflow it needs.
Furnace Maintenance
If your home has a gas furnace, we also recommend a heating check in the fall. We clean and check the burners, ignitor and flame sensor, inspect the heat exchanger and flue, and test for carbon monoxide. Learn more about heater and furnace repair.
AC Tune-Up FAQs
How often should I have my AC serviced?
Once a year in the spring for most air conditioners. Heat pumps run all year, so they benefit from a visit in the spring and the fall.
How long does a tune-up take?
About an hour for one system.
Will a tune-up fix an AC that isn't cooling?
No. If your AC isn't cooling, you need a repair visit. Call us and tell us what the system is doing.