Is an HVAC tune-up worth it? Absolutely. This reasonably priced treatment keeps you from having a lot of problems later. In this article, we will tell you everything about an AC tune-up, so continue reading this article.
What Is an AC Tune-Up?
A local HVAC expert will perform a general examination of your HVAC system during a maintenance tune-up, looking at both the indoor and outdoor parts of your unit, such as the motors and belts. They will look for any leaks, damaged safety features, or unclean or loose electrical connections.
To stop dust from entering your unit or house, they will replace the air filter, which may be made of fiberglass, polyester, HEPA, or UV. They will also validate that the thermostat is operating properly and that the refrigerant levels are suitable. The HVAC expert will next check the coolant levels and add extra as necessary. Finally, they will clean the air ducts for any obstructions they may be facing.
After doing a general check, the expert usually cleans the evaporator and condenser coils to remove any dirt, pet hair, surplus dust, or other debris. When these things accumulate in your air conditioning unit, they may become stuck in the cooling fins and obstruct airflow.
A simple operation test is the final step of the procedure. Your unit will be turned on by the HVAC specialist to ensure that it is operating properly.
How Much Does an AC Tune-Up Cost?
The average cost of an AC tune-up ranges from $80 to $165. The cost of extended service, which covers both the heating and cooling systems, might reach $550. Expect to pay an HVAC expert $60 to $170 per hour if repairs need to be made.
If you need to replace your refrigerant, a refill will cost you between $120 and $400. It’s worth asking the HVAC firm for a detailed breakdown of what their tune-up service entails, but all other maintenance should be covered by the flat charge they’ve offered.
Is an HVAC Tune-Up Worth It?
Yes, HVAC tune-up is priceless. Your HVAC system is a sophisticated piece of equipment that works a lot, just like your car. It contains numerous important moving parts that deteriorate with time. Your HVAC system doesn’t function at its optimum when it’s neglected and worn down, just like your car.
Consider these advantages when deciding whether an HVAC tune-up is worthwhile:
Wear and tear problems are fixed when you get an HVAC tune-up. Additionally, your specialist inspects your system to search for any additional issues that can lead to a malfunction. Early problem-solving prevents a breakdown and more serious damage from happening.
You can’t get the cooling you require when anything breaks.
What value do you place on the comfort of your family? Additionally, air conditioning repairs, particularly unplanned ones, are not always inexpensive. You can keep these costs at bay with an HVAC tune-up.
A tune-up for your HVAC system improves performance and reduces energy usage.
Better comfort and decreased energy costs are the immediate results. The cost of your tune-up and other expenses may be covered by the difference in your energy bills during the upcoming cooling season.
An HVAC system that is properly maintained lasts longer and provides more years of service.
A new HVAC system is pricey. Shortening the life of your system due to carelessness might cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in premature replacement costs.
Tune-Up vs. Emergency Repair
Even though you can take your air conditioner for granted, it puts in a lot of effort throughout the year for several months. Additionally, because your AC is a complicated system with numerous parts, it’s crucial to ensure everything is operating properly and that any possible issues are caught early. If you don’t, you can discover overnight that your air conditioner isn’t cooling or that it’s leaking outside, forcing you to pay for a costly emergency air conditioning repair.
Regular air conditioner maintenance is comparable to having your car’s oil changed and inspected once a year. Both are proactive strategies instead of the reactive strategy of acting only when compelled to do so by a breakdown. Furthermore, both offer advantages that greatly surpass their costs.
How Often Do I Need An AC Tune-Up?
A yearly AC tune-up is typically advised. The best time is in the spring because technicians are less busy then than during the summer heatwave.
Depending on several factors, you could require a tune-up more frequently.
How frequently do you use the air conditioner? Your air conditioner will be used less frequently if you spend a lot of time away from home at work or are away at the cottage during the summer. Continuously running air conditioning will probably require more frequent maintenance. The frequency can also depend on your system’s age. In general, air conditioners endure 10 to 15 years. It will often require more care as it gets closer to the top age limit.
Benefits of AC tune-ups
1. Repairs are frequently more expensive than routine maintenance
While we can’t promise your AC won’t break down or experience any problems throughout the summer, we can give it a thorough inspection to make sure everything is in working order and nothing has to be replaced. Preventative maintenance helps to avert problems and is almost usually less expensive.
Preventive maintenance is required if your unit is older. A professional tune-up guarantees that the system is functioning correctly, that no outdated or “about to break” parts need to be replaced, and that it will work when you need it most. A professional evaluation of your older system can identify any potential problems and provide advice on system or unit replacement.
2. A tune-up improves performance and lowers cooling costs
Your A/C system might lose 5% of its working efficiency annually without routine maintenance, which means your home doesn’t cool as effectively as it would if the unit were clean and maintained.
If you do not regularly tune up your AC, you could end up with higher expenses, put yourself at risk for unplanned, expensive repairs, and experience uncomfortable heat!
