If you have a central air conditioning system, you will want to have your HVAC technician come out for a tune-up. Usually, this is done once a year. Having your system tuned up regularly will help keep it working fluidly. It will reduce your risk of breakdowns and also extend the life of your AC equipment. But if you're like many homeowners, you're probably asking yourself: what, exactly, do HVAC contractors do during an AC tune-up? Here are a few key tasks they generally perform.
Lubricating Moving Parts
The fan associated with your AC unit has a lot of moving parts and pieces. These parts need to be lubricated so they can slide past one another without too much friction. During a tune-up, your HVAC contractor will apply a specialized lubricant to keep everything moving smoothly. This should also help keep your AC system working quietly.
Checking Electrical Connections
If an electrical connection is faulty, not only is your AC at risk of failing, but you may also be at risk for a fire. An HVAC technician will look over these connections and make sure they are all safe. If minor repairs or changes are needed, most HVAC contractors can handle it. If anything major is amiss, they may recommend you have an electrician come fix it.
Cleaning the Outdoor Condenser
The outdoor condenser associated with your AC system is likely to get dirty. Most HVAC technicians will remove the cage and clean it out during a tune-up. This will increase efficiency and give them a chance to look the condenser over, too.
Checking Refrigerant Levels
Most modern AC units are very sturdy and rarely develop refrigerant leaks. But this is still something an HVAC technician will check for. A refrigerant leak can cause your AC to lose efficiency long before it causes it to fail completely. And when leaks are caught early, they are smaller and easier to repair.
Changing the Air Filter
You should be changing your air filter regularly. But your AC contractor will typically do it when they come out, too. You can take this opportunity to ask them whether there is a certain brand or type of filter they recommend for your system.
If you want your AC system to keep serving you well, then scheduling regular tune-ups is a good idea. Your HVAC contractor may do some other maintenance while they are there, but the tasks above are the major ones they tend to focus on. Contact an air conditioning service near you to learn more.
