A lot of homeowners aren’t sure what actually happens during an AC tune-up. They know they’re supposed to get one, and they’ve heard it extends the life of the equipment. But beyond that, it can feel like something of a mystery. We’d like to demystify it.
Here’s what our technicians actually check and do when they come out for an air conditioning maintenance visit in Monmouth County.
Inspection of the Outdoor Condenser Unit
The technician starts outside. The condenser cabinet is opened and inspected for visible damage, debris buildup, and corrosion. The fins are checked and straightened if needed. The condenser coil is cleaned, which is one of the most impactful parts of the visit. A dirty condenser coil makes the system work harder to reject heat, which reduces efficiency and puts stress on the compressor. The fan motor and blade are inspected as well.
Electrical Component Check
Capacitors, contactors, and wiring connections are all checked. Capacitors are the most commonly replaced component in an AC system, and a weak capacitor often fails at the worst possible time. If you’re not sure what a capacitor does or why it matters, we wrote a dedicated post on exactly that topic. Catching a capacitor that’s reading low during a tune-up is far preferable to a breakdown in the middle of August.
Refrigerant Level Check
The technician checks the refrigerant charge. If the system is low, that’s not something that gets topped off and left alone. Low refrigerant means there’s a leak somewhere in the system. Our technicians will let you know what they find and what the options are for addressing it properly.
Indoor Air Handler Inspection
Inside the home, the evaporator coil and air handler are inspected. The coil is checked for cleanliness and for any signs of ice formation or moisture problems. The blower motor and wheel are inspected. Drain lines are checked and cleared if needed. A clogged condensate drain can cause water to back up and overflow, a headache our plumbing team occasionally gets called in to assist with when damage has already occurred.
Airflow and Temperature Measurement
The technician measures the temperature difference between the supply air coming out of your registers and the return air going back into the system. This split is a reliable indicator of how well the system is actually cooling. If the numbers are off, it tells us something and gives us a direction to investigate.
A Note on Timing
Ideally, an AC tune-up happens in the spring before the heat of summer sets in. That’s when the schedule is most flexible and when there’s still time to address anything that comes up. Our membership program includes a spring AC maintenance visit as part of the annual service, along with a fall heating visit and a range of other benefits. It’s the best way to stay on top of it without having to think about scheduling it yourself each season.
To schedule a tune-up or learn more about our membership program, call Rostron Premium Home Services at 732-374-9949. We serve all of Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey.
