🌞 Air Conditioner Tune-Ups: What They Include and Why They’re a Must

Ah, summer in the Treasure Valley—sunshine, barbecues, and… a broken A/C? Let’s avoid that last one. If you’ve ever experienced the sweltering heat of an Idaho summer with a malfunctioning air conditioner, you know it’s no joke. But here’s the good news: a simple A/C tune-up can keep you cool all season long.

🛠️ What Exactly Is an A/C Tune-Up?

Think of an A/C tune-up like a wellness check for your cooling system. It’s a proactive way to ensure everything’s running smoothly before the mercury rises. Regular maintenance not only keeps your home comfortable but also helps your system run efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and preventing unexpected breakdowns.

🔍 What’s Included in an A/C Tune-Up?

At Access Heating & Plumbing, our comprehensive AC tune-up covers:

• Electrical Connections: We inspect and tighten all electrical components to ensure safe and reliable operation.

• Air Ducts and Hoses: We check for leaks or blockages that could hinder airflow.

• Filters: Replacement of standard, HEPA, or UV filters to maintain air quality.

• Refrigerant Levels: We measure and top off refrigerant to optimal levels.

• Thermostat Testing: Ensuring your thermostat accurately controls your home’s temperature.

• Coil Cleaning: We clean the evaporator and condenser coils to improve efficiency.

• System Test: A full operational test to confirm everything is functioning as it should.

These steps align with industry standards for AC maintenance, as outlined by ENERGY STAR.

What to Expect From An AC Tune-Up

Prior to the Air Conditioning Tune-Up

• Prior to your tune-up, our A/C technician will contact either through a text or call to let you know he is on the way and provide an updated estimate of his arrival time. Our technicians normally call from a protected number, so if your phone has caller ID, make sure you are prepared to answer if the number comes through as unknown.
• When you speak to your Access technician, feel free to let them know the best place to park. Our technicians are happy to back into your driveway or even park on the street – whatever is best for you and your home.
• If you have any pets in the home, we ask you to please put them away prior to the technician arriving, for your pets’ safety, and for our own. For most air conditioning inspections, our technician will be inspecting both inside and outside your home, so it’s always the safest to have your pets secured before we arrive.
• This time of year, part of the inspection includes cleaning the coils of your outdoor A/C unit. If you haven’t already, it might be a good idea to turn your water valve back on for your outside hose bibb as the technician will most likely ask to use your hose to clean your outdoor unit.

During the Air Conditioning Tune-Up

• When the AC technician arrives, advise him of any issues or concerns you have with your unit before he starts, to ensure the inspection tune-up is as helpful as possible.
• Although our technician will be focusing on the outdoor unit, he will ask where your thermostat(s) is (are) located, as well as other parts of your heating and cooling system. Be prepared to show the technician where your furnace or air handler are located as well. The technician will need to know where these are located as the tune-up includes inspecting your indoor coils, blower, and operating system.
• The tune-up also includes an inspection of your outdoor unit. If there are any areas in your yard that you don’t want disturbed, for example new grass or a garden, let the technician know beforehand so they can make sure to avoid them. We take pride in respecting your home – inside and out.
• During the 21-point efficiency tune-up, our technician will complete a 21-point checklist that includes inspecting the overall operating status of the unit, inspecting the refrigerant charge, ensuring that the drain line is clear, checking terminals and wiring, as well as inspecting your system’s capacitor and cleaning your outdoor coil.

After the Air Conditioning Tune-Up

• At the conclusion of the air conditioning tune-up, our technician will provide an overview of the work performed, answer any questions you may have, and bring up any areas of concern that were discovered. This can help you become aware of performance problems with your air conditioning system that you didn’t know existed.
• Our A/C technician will also clean up his work space, remove any packaging and equipment that was brought in, and leave your home in the same condition he found it.

💡 Why Regular AC Maintenance Matters

• Prevent Breakdowns: Catching issues early can prevent costly repairs down the line.

• Improve Efficiency: A well-maintained system uses less energy, reducing your utility bills.

• Extend Lifespan: Regular tune-ups can prolong the life of your AC unit.

• Maintain Warranty: Many manufacturers require annual maintenance to keep warranties valid.

• Enhance Comfort: Consistent maintenance ensures your home stays cool and comfortable.

The air conditioning inspection itself will take 35 minutes to an hour. The timing can depend on the location of the equipment and what the technician might find during the inspection.

📅 When Should You Schedule a Tune-Up?

Spring is the ideal time for an AC tune-up. Scheduling maintenance before the peak summer heat ensures your system is ready to handle the workload. Plus, HVAC professionals often have more availability in the spring, making it easier to book an appointment.

Schedule Today To Avoid Longer Wait Times

Your furnace is a major investment, and we want to make sure it’s safe and reliable, so you stay warm and comfortable at home. Get your furnace checked now, and avoid longer wait times for service when it’s cold outside. Our team is ready to help — call today to schedule!

Don’t let a malfunctioning Air Conditioner melt your summer. Contact Access Heating, Air & Plumbing at (208) 855-2444 or fill out our online form to schedule a service. Our commitment is to ensure your home remains cool and comfortable throughout the summer.

Call (208) 855-2444

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