Is An AC Tune-Up Worth It?

If you’ve ever experienced a heat wave, you might remember staying inside your  air-conditioned house, eating popsicles, and watching movies. But what if your air conditioner had broken down, leaving you doomed to grin and bear it through triple-digit temperatures?

To avoid that kind of AC emergency, HVAC professionals recommend servicing your AC unit annually. A simple, annual AC tune-up is an inexpensive way to keep your air conditioner functioning properly, especially during the summer heat.

What Is an AC Tune-Up?

During a maintenance tune-up, a local HVAC professional will conduct a general inspection of your HVAC system, looking at both the indoor and outdoor components of your unit, such as the motors and belts. They’ll check for any dirty or loose electrical connections, leaks, or broken safety features. 

If the air filter (which might be fiberglass, polyester, HEPA, or UV) needs to be changed, they will replace it to prevent any dust from entering your unit or home. They will also confirm that appropriate refrigerant levels are present and that the thermostat is working correctly. Then, the HVAC professional will measure the coolant levels, adding more if necessary. Finally, they will look for any blockages in the air ducts and, if they find any, clean them out.

After the general inspection, the professional will typically clean dirt, pet hair, excess dust, or other debris out of the evaporator and the condenser coils. When these items build up in your AC system, they can get trapped in the cooling fins, which impedes airflow.

The last step of the process is a simple operation test. The HVAC professional will turn on your unit to make sure it is functioning correctly.

How Much Does an AC Tune-Up Cost?

AC tune-ups cost anywhere from $70 to $175, on average. Extended service, which will include both the cooling and heating systems, can run as high as $500. If there are repairs that need to be done, expect to pay $50 to $150 per hour for an HVAC technician. 

If your refrigerant needs to be replaced, you’ll spend $100 to $350 for a refill. All of the other maintenance should be included in the flat rate provided by the HVAC company, but it’s worth asking them for a full run-down of what their tune-up service encompasses.

How Does an AC Tune-Up Help Maintain the Unit?

Yearly tune-ups will help prolong the life of your AC unit and save you money on your utility bills. Here are some of the other benefits to maintaining your AC system: 

Better Energy Efficiency

Regular tune-ups will ensure your unit is working to its maximum potential, using the least amount of energy necessary to cool your home.

Lower Energy Bills

When your unit is in tip-top shape, it’s using the least amount of energy necessary to cool your home, which means that you’ll likely see a drop in your energy bills.

Uniform Cooling

An AC that’s in good condition should cool your home evenly. Regular tune-ups will ensure you don’t have areas in your house where it’s unexpectedly or unpleasantly hotter or colder than others.

Prevents Major Damage

By having a HVAC technician regularly check for minor damage, you can prevent bigger problems from developing. Not only do regular tune-ups save you from an AC breakdown, but it will also help you save money on repairs down the line.

Longer Lifespan

Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your machine, plain and simple. With yearly tune-ups, you’ll catch problems early and be able to diagnose them quickly. Don’t forget: A well-cared-for AC unit can last up to 15 years.

Tips to Maintain Your AC Unit

Aside from hiring a professional to perform an annual AC tune-up, there are a few tasks you can complete to extend the life of your AC unit. 

Change the Filter

You should check and replace the AC unit’s filter once per month. Since it keeps the airflow unobstructed, a clean filter helps the unit run more efficiently and can save you money on your energy bill. According to the U.S Department of Energy, swapping a dirty filter out for a new, clean one can lower your energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent.

Clean the Coils

Using a garden hose and a broom, clear your outdoor AC unit of leaves or other debris that could obstruct the coils and fins. Blocked coils and fins can cause higher energy consumption and may cause the machine to break down.

Trim Nearby Shrubs

To make leaf clean-up easier, trim any adjacent shrubs to prevent them from obstructing the unit, which can restrict the airflow and cause the unit to overwork, leading to a future break down.

Check Your Dryer Vent

To ensure that dryer lint cannot get inside your AC unit and restrict the airflow, note where your dryer vents, and make sure it doesn’t angle toward your AC unit. Duct vents should be at least 6 feet away from the AC unit.

If you suspect your vents are sending lint into your AC unit, consider installing an air deflector to force the debris in another direction or contacting an HVAC professional for advice.

Raise the Temperature

When you know you will be out of the house for a while, raise the temperature on your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees. This tactic allows your unit to take a break and will ultimately prolong its life. In addition, keeping the AC unit on at a more regular temperature can reduce the humidity in your home, which could cause damage to wood flooring and furniture. Several new AC models allow you to program your schedule into the unit so your house will remain at a comfortable temperature when you’re in it, and give itself a break when you’re not . 

Seal Any Openings

Make sure all of your windows and doors are fully sealed, with no gaps or openings. Check your ductwork, too, and ensure it’s sealed correctly. Proper sealing guarantees that cool air won’t escape from your house, helping your unit to expend as little energy as possible to keep your house nice and cool.