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You wouldn’t drive your car for years on end without getting it tuned up, right? Even though your air conditioner doesn’t have quite as many moving parts and pieces, it needs routine maintenance just as your car does. With summer about to be in full force, now is the time to get that tune up done, lest you find yourself stuck in the sweltering heat without your trusty AC. You have invested significantly in your HVAC system and performing preventive maintenance will protect both your investment and your comfort. What is AC Tune Up and Why Do I Need One? The details of a home air conditioner tune up may vary based on the type and brand of your system, but the basic approach is the same for all air conditioners. An HVAC service professional will carefully inspect every part of your system, and test its operation. The technician will measure the intake air temperature and compare it to the temperature of the cooled air, check system pressure, and Freon levels. He will inspect all accessible aspects of the system’s wiring, relays, and capacitors, as well as the system’s disconnect, tightening anything that is loose. Next, the tech will inspect the condenser motor and its blades, and lubricate it as needed. The coils, condenser, fins, tubing, and drain line will be inspected and cleaned as necessary of any debris that may restrict air flow. Finally, the thermostat calibration will be checked and adjusted if necessary. Anything not in proper working order will generally be addressed with you before repairs are undertaken. When Do You Need To Tune Up Your AC? Your AC needs to be inspected and tuned up annually by a professional. Request that the tech also perform a “duct traverse,” which involves checking air flow levels in the ducting throughout your home. If you live an area of high humidity, also request that the tech add an algae preventative. During the summer months, you can also check your unit periodically to ensure that dirt or debris does not accumulate and block air flow. Hose off the unit’s condenser coils regularly as well. Cut away any vegetation that has grown up around the unit. And of course, be sure to change your filter at least once per month, or more often if you have pets or live in a particularly dusty area. Finding an HVAC Pro to Tune Up Your AC Many licensed, local HVAC companies offer a home air conditioner tune up and maintenance service. Ask the AC repair company what services are provided in their tune up, so you can compare levels of service and pricing. Be wary of very low pricing for this service. Although the cost of an AC tune up will vary, expect to pay somewhere in the range of $70 to $100 for a comprehensive tune up. Low cost tune ups may not provide all the testing and checking that will ensure a cool, comfortable summer at your home.
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AC repair, air conditioning repair, AC maintenance, air conditioning maintenance, new air conditioning, new HVAC, HVAC maintenance,
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