Have you heard HVAC contractor ads for an air conditioner tuneup and wondered what all the fuss was about? Tuneups help homeowners get their air conditioners ready for the summer heat, and they should give you peace of mind that your A/C will work as efficiently and durably as possible — even when scorching summer temperatures place extreme demands on the unit. The good news is that tuneups are a cost-effective way to keep your system in good operating condition. Investing in the service every year pays off in terms of lower operating costs and a longer service life for the A/C unit.
How You Benefit from an Air Conditioner Tuneup
Most experts agree that tuneups have a number of benefits:
- Maintain warranty coverage: Many manufacturers void warranties if an A/C hasn’t been serviced. They know that tuneups help the individual components inside the system last longer so the system’s total life span is longer. If you purchased a warranty for your air conditioner, you could risk voiding it if you don’t schedule annual service appointments and keep records of the service.
- Increase the air conditioner’s efficiency: Manufacturers assign an efficiency rating, called a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), to all A/Cs based on tests under ideal running conditions. If conditions are not ideal, the A/C won’t achieve its highest-possible efficiency. Less-than-ideal conditions can include a leaky home or too little insulation, but these conditions also extend to factors such as dirt buildup on the coils and too little refrigerant. Checking for these conditions is something a technician will do during a tuneup to ensure the system operates as efficiently as possible.
- Replace worn components: A technician will inspect the A/C and look for components — such as the refrigerant lines — that show signs of wear and tear. If there’s a leak in the lines and the air conditioner runs on too little refrigerant, the system’s overall efficiency can be greatly reduced. Additionally, hazardous, ozone-depleting refrigerant will escape into the environment. When you replace worn components, your air conditioner will run safely and efficiently, and it will last longer, too. Another bonus: You won’t have to pay for a replacement system as soon.
How the Tuneup Works
The tuneup process itself is fairly simple. All you need to do is call your local HVAC contractor to schedule an appointment that works with your schedule. At the time of your appointment, a technician will arrive at your home with the equipment to diagnose the A/C’s efficiency and clean the individual components. Some tasks are routine for a tuneup:
- Full-scale inspection
- Comprehensive cleaning of the motor, air handler, evaporator, condenser and related parts, such as the ductwork
- Test to diagnose airflow and temperature differential at the duct supply and return
- Test to assess the system’s operational efficiency
- Assessment of the thermostat’s operations
For more information about air conditioner tuneups or to ask about replacing your old A/C, contact Reliable Heating & Air today! We serve metro Atlanta residents with quality cooling and heating equipment as well as plumbing, electrical and home performance services.
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