Living in Florida means relying on your air conditioner for much of the year. With high humidity and extreme summer heat, even a few hours without air conditioning can become uncomfortable and dangerous.
Scheduling a professional AC tune-up can help you stay ahead of problems and beat the heat this summer. M&S Air Conditioning in Leesburg, FL, offers professional AC tune-up services to ensure your cooling system is ready for the onslaught of summer heat.
A pre-summer AC tune-up ensures your system works effectively and efficiently. More importantly, it helps extend the life span of your air conditioner. This guide can help you understand the steps involved in a professional AC tune-up appointment.
The Importance of Regular AC Maintenance
Heat indexes can easily rise over 100 degrees in Leesburg during the summer. Florida’s climate can place added pressure on your cooling system, leading to increased wear and tear. Professional maintenance does more than keep you cool; it protects indoor air quality and reduces cooling costs. Regular maintenance also helps you avoid expensive breakdowns that lead to dangers.
Skipping professional AC maintenance can lead to dirty coils, refrigerant leaks, loose electrical connections, and safety hazards. We can help you avoid these problems and ensure your AC works efficiently for as long as possible.
Steps Involved in a Professional AC Tune-Up
Our licensed HVAC technicians use their expertise and specialized tools to conduct a thorough inspection. We perform testing and cleaning tasks to keep your air conditioner working effectively. Here is what a typical tune-up includes.
Thermostat Testing and Calibration
Your thermostat controls when and how long your air conditioner operates. Our technicians will verify your thermostat settings and programming to ensure accuracy.
Testing ensures your thermostat communicates properly with your air conditioner. Improper communication can result in short cycling and other issues. We will calibrate your thermostat to ensure your air conditioner responds appropriately.
Refrigerant Level Check and Leak Inspection
Air conditioners cannot transfer heat properly without the right refrigerant level and pressure. Low levels cause your AC to work harder, which can lead to frozen lines.
We will check your refrigerant level and pressure. Additionally, we will inspect your refrigerant lines and evaporator coil for signs of leaks. If you have low levels, we will recharge your refrigerant in compliance with EPA standards.
Inspect and Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils
Evaporator and condenser coils are vital parts of your air conditioner. Dirty coils can reduce your system’s efficiency and cooling power. The indoor evaporator coil is more likely to develop mold and dust buildup. Removing the buildup helps your evaporator coil work more effectively.
We will clean the outdoor condenser coil to remove grime and debris from leaves, grass clippings, twigs, and soil. A dirty condenser coil can lead to lost efficiency, increased energy consumption, and premature system failure. In addition to cleaning, we will also inspect the coils for signs of corrosion or damage. You should have your coils cleaned at least once a year for the best performance.
Inspect the Ductwork
We offer ductwork services to help keep your system cooling more efficiently. The US Department of Energy estimates leaky ductwork can waste up to 30% of your cooled air.
Our technicians will check your ductwork for leaks by testing the airflow force and pressure levels in various sections. If our inspection reveals problems, we can offer ductwork cleaning, sealing, and repairs. M&S Air Conditioning uses duct blasters and infrared cameras to find ductwork leaks.
Tighten Electrical Components and Perform Testing
Electrical problems are one of the leading causes of air conditioner breakdowns. We will inspect your system’s wiring for signs of damage that could cause electric shocks or fires. Over time, the vibrations from your air conditioner can cause the connections to loosen. Our technicians will tighten the connections to ensure continuity.
Testing the voltage across the system, including the capacitors and relays, ensures your air conditioner has the power it needs to operate safely and effectively. Catching these issues early will protect your family and prevent frustrating and expensive breakdowns.
Inspect the Blower Motor and Fan Operation
The blower motor drives air through your cooling system. We inspect the blower motor’s components, including the bearings and belts. Our technicians also check the fan blades for signs of damage.
Additionally, we test the airflow output to ensure the fan starts and stops correctly. Lubricating the moving parts can extend the life span of your blower motor and is a crucial part of regular maintenance. Fan issues can cause unusual noises and poor air circulation. With proper care, blower motors can last up to 20 years.
Flush the Condensate Drain Line
In Florida’s humid climate, air conditioners extract a significant amount of water from the air. As a result, your condensate drain line works overtime to drain the fluid from your system and carry it away from your home.
Over time, moisture in the line can cause mold growth that slows or stops condensate drainage. Clogs can cause water to back up into your home, triggering an emergency shut-off. Our technicians will flush and clear the drain line to ensure its proper performance.
System Performance and Safety Inspection
After the inspection and cleaning, our technicians will run a complete system test. We allow the air conditioner to run through a full cycle while we test the following:
- Cool air output
- Startup and shutdown timing
- Overall system performance
- Abnormal noises or odors
Most air conditioners have safety switches and shut-offs. Float switches shut off the system when they detect rising water levels in the condensate pan. Additionally, some air conditioners have wet sensors that perform the same task in a different manner. Testing the function of these sensors and switches ensures safe operation.
Professional Report and Recommendations
Our HVAC technicians will complete the AC tune-up in your Leesburg home and provide you with a written report of their findings. The report includes information on recommended repairs or upgrades as well as a suggested maintenance plan.
We recommend keeping a copy of this report for your records. It will help keep your manufacturer’s warranty in good standing. Additionally, the report will help you track your system’s condition and plan for future service needs.
When to Schedule an AC Tune-Up in Florida
The best time to schedule professional air conditioner maintenance is in early spring. However, if your system has not received maintenance in over a year or you notice signs of problems, schedule it right away.
Pay attention to these signs that may mean your air conditioner needs service:
- Weak airflow
- Hot spots in your home
- Lack of cooling
- Frequent cycling
- Strange noises or smells
- Leaking refrigerant
- Frozen coils
- Unexpected shutdowns
- Increasing electricity bills
Even if your air conditioner appears to be running smoothly, scheduling regular maintenance is always beneficial. Protect your investment and ensure your comfort by adhering to your maintenance schedule.
M&S Air Conditioning offers a range of HVAC services, including installation, maintenance, and repairs. We also provide ductwork services and 24/7 emergency repairs. We stand behind our work 100% to ensure your family’s comfort. Contact our knowledgeable HVAC technicians at M&S Air Conditioning to schedule an AC tune-up in Leesburg.
