AC maintenance is critical to extending the lifespan of your air conditioner, making it run more efficiently, and helping save money on utility bills. The cost of AC maintenance will vary somewhat depending on how thorough your regular AC tune-ups are, which components are inspected, and which services are provided. All things considered, the cost of air conditioner tune-up services will normally range from $100-$200 dollars, and it’s worth paying that price to save money in the long run. It’s important, though, to make sure you’re paying for a legitimate service that will actually help your air conditioner last longer and work more efficiently.
Is the Cost of AC Maintenance Worth It?
Yes, it’s worth it to pay for AC tune-ups, but only from an HVAC company, you trust. Most HVAC technicians are trustworthy because they value their reputations within their communities. You can generally tell whether or not a company is legitimate by checking their reviews and seeing what others are saying about them. Thanks to online reviews, it’s easier than ever before to see how reliable a company is and what kind of service they provide. If a company has a reputation for being dishonest, that will quickly become apparent in its reviews on Google, Yelp, and other platforms.
Beyond checking the reviews, you can use your best judgment about whether or not the recommended repairs seem valid after your AC tune-up. For example, your system generally doesn’t need serious work if it’s still cooling the house properly and without using too much energy. The exception to that might be if you notice unusual smells or noises, especially in conjunction with poor cooling or rising energy bills. If everything seems normal in your home, you might want to be skeptical about expensive repair claims like the following:
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- The AC coils are leaking or damaged (especially if this goes beyond a minor refrigerant leak).
- The blower motor is failing or is about to fail.
- The compressor is failing or is about to fail.
Mechanical issues like that are certainly possible, but it’s most likely that you would notice a problem if that were happening. If your HVAC company tells you that your air conditioner is in need of an expensive repair, ask them additional questions about why that hasn’t impacted your utility bills or the temperature in your home. Unless they can give you an especially satisfactory answer, it might be time to get a second opinion. When getting a second opinion, don’t start by saying what the other questionable technician has already said. Simply ask for routine AC maintenance or an inspection and see if the second company reaches the same conclusion about your system.
What Are the Benefits of Regular AC Tune-Ups?
Simply put, an AC tune-up should include an inspection, some cleaning, and basic maintenance for your entire air conditioning system. The benefits of AC maintenance are that you will be able to detect and address small issues before they turn into larger problems. Catching things early allows you to save money by avoiding mechanical failures or other repairs that could come at a high price. Sometimes even small adjustments can prevent problems from spreading and ensure that your AC continues to run as efficiently as possible. If you get your air conditioner maintained on a regular schedule, you’re likely to recuperate the cost on your utility bills and by avoiding larger repairs.
How Often Should I Get an AC Tune-Up?
Most air conditioning units should be cleaned and given minor maintenance at least every couple of years. As your unit starts to get older, it may be a good idea to get it checked on every year or even every six months. There are also some things you can do yourself to help make sure that it stays in good condition.
For example, you can make sure the part of the unit outside your house is clean and free from debris. It’s also important to make sure you’re changing your filters before they get too dirty. Even if you do those simple tasks, it’s important to get a professional to your home to provide a more in-depth inspection.
How Expensive Should an AC Tune-up Be?
If you’re offered an AC tune-up at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Ask what’s on their checklist to make sure it includes all of the key areas mentioned below. If the tune-up isn’t thorough enough, it’s not worth any amount of money. The company may not do a good job, or they might just be trying to get into your home so they can make expensive recommendations. As long as the checklist is thorough and the company has good reviews, you can count on them to do a good job.
What Does AC Maintenance Include?
There might be a slight variation in what your AC tune-up includes depending on the type of equipment you have and the company that performs your service. That said, there are certain things that should appear on just about any checklist. Most reputable HVAC companies will include the following nine things on their AC tune-up checklist:
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- Check the air filter and replace it if it has become too dirty.
- Check for leaks in the ductwork and the unit itself to ensure that the treated air can make it into your home as intended.
- Clean the outdoor air conditioner unit to remove any debris that may have gotten inside.
- Clean the condensing coil in the outdoor unit and the evaporator coil in the indoor unit to ensure efficient heat transfer.
- Check the fan to ensure it’s moving as it should.
- Check the refrigerant lines for leaks, and add refrigerant if needed.
- Check the drain system and clean it out if needed.
- Inspect the blower, clean it, and adjust if necessary.
- Inspect electrical components like the capacitor.
After your AC maintenance is complete, the technician should be able to give you a report. Some companies write their reports up, and others will simply discuss the tune-up with you. At the very least, you should expect feedback about the services performed, things to keep an eye on, and what you can do to maximize your air conditioner’s performance.
If the technician identifies any problems, you may be presented with an estimate for repairs. In that case, your technician should be willing and able to walk you through all of your options and provide a professional opinion. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you have your doubts.
Get the Best AC Maintenance from the Pros at Superstition Cooling
The best thing you can do for your AC maintenance is to hire an HVAC company in Phoenix you can trust. Here at Superstition Cooling, we take pride in providing reliable AC tune-ups for residents of Apache Junction and the rest of the East Valley area. We live and work here, so our reputation means everything to us. Every time we get called to perform regular AC maintenance, we look at it as an opportunity to help keep our neighbors comfortable. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Image Credit: By Andrey_Popov