When the sweltering Texas heat descends upon your home, having a well-functioning air conditioning system becomes essential. You want to ensure that your AC unit not only keeps your indoor environment comfortable but also operates efficiently to save on energy costs. This is where an air conditioning tune-up checklist comes into play. It’s a preventative measure that can save you from unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and high utility bills. In this guide, we’ll delve into the crucial components of an air conditioning tune-up checklist, shedding light on what it includes, why it’s important, and how it benefits homeowners searching for “air conditioning tune-up near me.”

Enhance Comfort: Your Complete AC Tune-Up Guide

Thermostat Calibration: Ensuring Accurate Temperatures

Thermostat calibration during an HVAC tune-up is a critical step to ensure that your heating and cooling system operates accurately and efficiently. Here’s how thermostat calibration works and why it’s essential:

  • Assessing Temperature Accuracy: The first step in thermostat calibration is to assess how accurately the thermostat measures and displays the temperature in your home. This is typically done by comparing the thermostat’s reading to a highly accurate reference thermometer.
  • Adjusting Temperature Offset: If the thermostat is found to be reading the temperature incorrectly, HVAC technicians will make adjustments to correct this discrepancy. This is often done by changing the temperature offset or differential settings on the thermostat. For example, if the thermostat is consistently reading two degrees higher than the actual temperature, the offset can be adjusted to compensate for this difference.
  • Calibrating Temperature Sensors: Thermostats can have various types of sensors, including bimetallic coils, electronic thermistors, or thermocouples. Calibration may involve adjusting the sensitivity or calibration factor of these sensors to ensure they respond accurately to temperature changes.
  • Verifying Cycle Accuracy: Apart from temperature accuracy, thermostat calibration also involves verifying that the thermostat cycles the heating or cooling system on and off correctly. This ensures that the system doesn’t run excessively, leading to energy wastage and unnecessary wear and tear.
  • Testing Setpoint Accuracy: The setpoint is the temperature you select on your thermostat to maintain in your home. Technicians will check whether the actual room temperature matches the desired setpoint when the HVAC system is running. Adjustments may be made to ensure the system reaches and maintains the desired temperature.
  • Checking for Age and Wear: In some cases, if a thermostat is old or has experienced wear and tear, it may be more challenging to calibrate accurately. In such situations, it might be recommended to replace the thermostat with a new, more precise model.
  • Verifying Proper Operation: After calibration, technicians will perform tests to ensure that the thermostat is operating as expected. This includes checking that it communicates effectively with the HVAC system, registers temperature changes correctly, and initiates heating or cooling cycles when needed.

Inspecting Electrical Connections for Safety

An electrical inspection during an AC tune-up is a critical aspect of maintaining the safety, reliability, and efficiency of your air conditioning system.

Electrical issues can pose a serious safety hazard and lead to system failures. Here’s how we address this critical aspect in our checklist:

  • Checking Electrical Connections: The HVAC technician will inspect all electrical connections in the AC unit, including wires, terminals, and connectors. Loose or corroded connections can lead to electrical issues, reduced system efficiency, and even safety hazards. Any loose or damaged connections will be tightened or replaced as needed.
  • Inspecting Wiring: The technician will examine the wiring throughout the AC system to ensure that it is in good condition. They will look for signs of wear, fraying, or damage that could potentially cause electrical problems or short circuits. 
  • Testing Voltage and Current: Voltage and current measurements will be taken to ensure that the electrical supply to the AC unit is within the specified range. Voltage that is too low or too high can lead to inefficient operation and system damage. Likewise, improper current can strain electrical components. Technicians will make adjustments as necessary to maintain the correct electrical parameters.
  • Checking Capacitors: Capacitors are electrical components that help start and run the motors in the AC system. The technician will inspect these capacitors for signs of damage or weakness. Faulty capacitors can lead to motor failure and system breakdown.
  • Examining Relays and Contactors: Relays and contactors are switches that control the flow of electricity to various components in the AC system. The technician will check these components for proper operation, ensuring that they open and close as needed to start and stop the system.
  • Testing Safety Switches: AC units are equipped with safety switches that are designed to shut down the system in the event of a safety hazard, such as a refrigerant leak or overheating. The technician will test these switches to ensure they are functioning correctly.
  • Inspecting Circuit Boards: Many modern AC systems have electronic control boards. These boards are examined for signs of damage, such as burnt or melted components. The technician will also check for error codes that may indicate system issues.
  • Reviewing Grounding and Bonding: Proper grounding and bonding are essential for electrical safety. The technician will inspect the grounding system to ensure that it is in compliance with safety standards and that there is no risk of electrical shock.
  • Tightening or Replacing Electrical Components: If any electrical components are found to be loose, damaged, or worn out, the technician will either tighten them, repair them or recommend replacements to prevent electrical problems and system failures.
  • Documentation: A detailed record of the electrical inspection findings, repairs, and any recommended actions will be provided to the homeowner. This documentation serves as a reference for future maintenance and safety compliance.

Checking and Replacing Air Filters

Checking and replacing air filters is a fundamental component of any HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system maintenance, including during an AC tune-up. Here’s a detailed explanation of what this process entails:

  • Visual Inspection: The technician begins by visually inspecting the air filter. They will assess the filter’s condition, looking for signs of dirt, dust, debris, or damage. A clogged or dirty filter restricts airflow and reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system.
  • Filter Type and Size: The technician identifies the type and size of the air filter. Filters come in various types, such as fiberglass, pleated, HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air), and electrostatic. The size of the filter must match the specifications recommended by your HVAC system’s manufacturer.
  • Filter Replacement: If the existing air filter is dirty or damaged beyond the point of effective filtration, the technician will recommend and, if approved, replace it with a new one. Regular filter replacement ensures better indoor air quality and prevents strain on your HVAC system.
  • Upgrading Filters: Depending on your needs and preferences, the technician may suggest upgrading to a more advanced filter, such as a HEPA filter or one designed to trap allergens and pollutants. 
  • Cleaning Filter Housing: In addition to replacing the filter, the technician will clean the filter housing or filter rack. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in these areas, reducing system efficiency. Cleaning ensures that the new filter operates at peak performance.
  • Airflow Assessment: After installing a new filter, the technician will assess the airflow through the system. Proper airflow is essential for efficient cooling and heating. They will check for any restrictions or issues that might hinder the flow of air through the system.
  • Filter Maintenance Education: As part of their service, the technician may provide you with information on how often to check and replace your air filter between maintenance visits. This education empowers homeowners to maintain good indoor air quality and system efficiency.
  • Filter Quality and Efficiency: The technician may discuss the importance of choosing high-quality filters. Cheaper filters may need more frequent replacement and offer less effective filtration. Investing in better-quality filters can lead to long-term savings and improved air quality.
  • Customized Recommendations: Technicians may tailor their recommendations based on factors such as the presence of pets, allergies, or the local environment (e.g., high pollen levels). These factors can influence how often filters should be checked and replaced.

Cleaning and Lubricating Key Components

Cleaning and lubricating key components during an AC tune-up is a crucial step to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your air conditioning system. Here’s a detailed explanation of what this process entails:

  • Component Identification: The HVAC technician begins by identifying the key components that require cleaning and lubrication. These components typically include various moving parts within the AC unit.
  • Safety Precautions: Before starting any work, safety precautions are taken. This may involve shutting off power to the AC unit to prevent accidents and ensure the technician’s safety.
  • Cleaning Moving Parts: Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on moving parts like fan blades, blower wheels, and condenser coils. The technician carefully cleans these components using specialized tools and cleaning solutions. Cleaning ensures that these parts operate efficiently and that dirt buildup does not impede airflow or cooling capacity.
  • Condenser and Evaporator Coil Cleaning: The AC unit’s condenser and evaporator coils are critical for heat exchange. Over time, these coils can become dirty, reducing the system’s efficiency. The technician cleans the coils to remove dust and debris, allowing for better heat transfer.
  • Lubrication of Moving Parts: Many AC units have bearings and other moving parts that require lubrication. Lubrication reduces friction and wear, extending the lifespan of these components. The technician applies the appropriate lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
  • Inspection for Wear and Tear: While cleaning and lubricating, the technician inspects the components for signs of wear and tear. If any parts are found to be damaged or nearing the end of their lifespan, they will be noted for replacement or repair.
  • Fan Motor Maintenance: The fan motor is a critical component responsible for airflow. The technician may check the condition of the motor, tighten any loose parts, and ensure that it runs smoothly. Damaged or malfunctioning fan motors can lead to system inefficiency.
  • Belt Inspection and Adjustment: In some AC systems, belts are used to drive components like the blower fan. The technician inspects these belts for wear, tension, and alignment. Loose or damaged belts can cause operational problems and increased energy consumption.
  • Coil Fins Straightening: The technician checks the fins on the condenser and evaporator coils. If these fins are bent or damaged, they can obstruct airflow. The technician carefully straightens any bent fins to improve system performance.
  • Test Run: After cleaning and lubricating the key components, the AC unit is typically tested to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. Any issues discovered during the test run are addressed promptly.

By addressing key areas like thermostat calibration, electrical connections, air filters, and component cleaning, you can enjoy a comfortable indoor environment while saving on energy costs. Contact Ashford Mechanical LLC, for excellence in AC service in Lewisville, TX means you can trust us to provide the best in air conditioning tune-up and maintenance. For homeowners seeking “air conditioning tune-up near me,” we’re here to ensure your AC system performs at its best, even under the scorching Texas sun.