In May, a loose wire or a clogged drain line doesn't look like much. In August, the same small problem can shut your whole system down.
That's the case for a spring tune-up in one line. It finds the small stuff while the weather is mild and the fix is still cheap.
Why spring is the time
You'd check the oil and tires before a long drive across the desert. Your AC is about to make that trip, running almost nonstop for months after a quiet winter.
A planned visit in spring costs less, in money and in stress, than an emergency call in peak season. It's also easier to get on the schedule before the summer rush.
What we check on a tune-up
The exact list depends on your system. A tune-up from us usually covers these six things:
- Coils. We clean the indoor and outdoor coils. Dirty coils make the system work harder and use more power.
- Refrigerant. We check the charge against the maker's spec. Too little or too much cuts efficiency and can damage the compressor.
- Electrical parts. We tighten the connections and measure the voltage and current on the motors.
- Thermostat. We make sure it reads the temperature right and talks to the system the way it should.
- Drain line. We flush it clear, since a clog can cause water damage and shut the system down.
- Airflow. We check that every room is getting the cool air it needs.
What you get out of it
Fewer surprises in July
This is the big one. A system that's been checked is less likely to quit in a heat wave.
Lower power bills
A clean system doesn't have to work as hard to cool your house. Here, where the AC is a big part of the bill, that adds up.
Cleaner air
We change your air filter during the visit. That means less dust and pollen moving around the house, which matters once haboob season starts.
More years from the system
Regular care helps the system last longer, so you can put off the cost of a new one. Book HVAC maintenance at least once a year, best in spring, and your whole setup works better for longer.
Sometimes a tune-up turns up a worn part, or a system near the end of its life. When it does, we walk you through repair and replacement side by side, with the price of each, and you pick. No pressure.
Weighing a new system? Our cooling systems page covers heat pumps, central air and smart thermostats. Everything else we do for Valley homes is on our residential HVAC page.
Common questions
How often should my AC get a tune-up?
At least once a year. Spring is best, so the system is ready before the heat.
Is a tune-up just a filter change?
No. We clean the coils, check the refrigerant, test the electrical parts, check the thermostat, flush the drain line and check the airflow. We change the filter too.
Will a tune-up lower my power bill?
A clean system doesn't have to work as hard to cool your house, so it uses less power to do the same job.
What happens if you find a problem?
We explain it in plain words and give you the price before we fix anything. If the system is getting old, you'll see the cost of a repair and of a new system, and you decide.