July 17, 2023
Whether summer’s around the corner, the cooling season is months away, or you skipped your last AC maintenance call, a professional should inspect the unit. You might not think about it. But an AC tune-up has many perks. It can prevent an AC breakdown on the hottest day of the year and prolong its life expectancy, but only if done regularly. Service Champions is a leading AC services professional in your area. We’ll now explain when and how often you should schedule an AC tune-up in San Jose.
Most HVAC professionals suggest an annual AC tune-up. The best time to schedule it is in the spring. Therefore, your AC will be ready to go before the busy summer season, when it may take time for a repair technician to reach your home.
Air conditioners are prone to wear and tear and need to be cleaned and adjusted. A tune-up allows a technician to inspect the unit, lubricate moving parts, and check for low refrigerant, dirty coils, leaks, excessive dirt, and other issues that can reduce performance and increase the rate of wear.
We’ve seen air conditioners that haven’t been checked in several years. This gives minor issues time to strain larger parts of the system. The longer you wait, the more damage that can occur and the more costly repairs tend to be.
Consider AC maintenance and a tune-up twice a year if you live in a hot, humid climate. Older units should also receive more frequent tune-ups.
Your best bet is to have an AC tune-up in San Jose pre-scheduled. Therefore, you won’t forget to call your local AC contractor. But you should have the unit checked out before then if you notice:
Hot air blowing from your AC
The air temperature doesn’t match the thermostat setting
Reduced airflow from vents
A sudden increase in your electric bill
Excess condensation on the unit
The unit makes unusual noises
Your home is more humid than usual
An AC tune-up takes about an hour to complete, or longer if any issues must be addressed. A routine tune-up generally entails the following:
Cleaning or replacing the air filter
Checking and, if necessary, charging refrigerant levels
Inspecting and tightening electrical connections
Checking the blower fan, belts, and other moving parts
Cleaning the indoor and outdoor condenser coils
Cleaning the condensate drainage system
Measuring the temperature difference in the supply and return
Inspecting, cleaning, and adjusting blower components
Checking the run capacitor and contactor for any issues
You can maintain your AC system in-between tune-ups by checking and changing the filter often, cleaning the coils with a broom and garden hose, and trimming shrubs around the outdoor unit. Raising the temperature on the thermostat a few degrees when you’re not home, can reduce strain, while sealing gaps or openings around windows and doors and in ductwork can reduce air leakage and energy consumption.
Specializing in installation, repairs, and maintenance, Service Champions is a leading AC service company in Northern California. Our whole-home maintenance value plan includes an annual AC tune-up and safety inspection. You’ll get a reminder when it’s time for your next maintenance call. To schedule your next AC tune-up in San Jose, call 833-600-0991.