If you want to get maximum performance and efficiency from your air conditioning unit this summer, schedule a spring tune-up of your AC system. Depending on the type of AC system you own, your spring tune-up includes inspection and maintenance of the following five parts.

Your AC system contains moving parts in the blower motor, compressor, and other areas. During an AC tune-up, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) specialist will lubricate some of the parts to keep them from breaking down due to friction. They will also replace or repair any worn, damaged, or missing parts.

Some of the parts the technician will look at include the AC belts, bolts, screws, nuts, fans, and blowers. Your technician will look for corrosion, rust, and other problems with these parts.

The HVAC specialist will also look at your AC compressor during a spring tune-up to check for proper operation. They’ll check the drainage pan and plug, clean them, and put them back in place. All drainage and condensate lines are also checked for blockages, mold, and wear.

HVAC specialists will start, run, and stop your AC system during the spring tune-up to ensure the electrical control sequences operate as intended. The specialist will check to make sure the heating and AC systems can’t run simultaneously.

Your HVAC pro will inspect wiring and electrical connections for shorts, detachment, and other issues that could affect the performance of your AC system. Loose and corroded terminals are cleaned and/or refastened.

The specialist will also tighten up all loose electrical connections and replace any frayed or worn electrical wires. During the electrical part of the AC inspection and tune-up, the specialist measures the voltage and current running to motors to ensure the AC unit receives the right amount of power to run efficiently and safely.

Your AC unit contains both indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser coils that must be kept clean of dust, insects, and debris. If you change your HVAC filter on schedule, you protect the coils from excess dirt and dust.

Even with routine filter changes, condenser and evaporator coils in AC systems get dirty. During an AC tuneup, your HVAC specialist will dust and clean out the coils to help your AC unit run efficiently. After cleaning, the specialist checks the airflow through the coils.

Coil fins can be compressed by foreign objects and rodents. Compression of coil fins lowers the coils’ ability to work effectively. The HVAC specialist will check coil fins for compression and restore the coils to working condition using a tool called a fin comb.

During a spring AC tuneup, the HVAC specialist checks both the interior and exterior AC units for dirty coils and coil compression. External coils may be damaged by falling limbs or clogged with leaves. Any dirty or damaged fins will be cleaned and restored.

If the area around your exterior AC unit must be cleared of adjacent foliage growth or clutter to increase the unit’s efficiency, your HVAC specialist will let you know.

When your AC system requires refrigerant for cooling, your HVAC specialist will bring the type needed by your system to your tune-up just in case you need a refrigerant refill. The HVAC specialist knows that you must have the manufacturer’s specified refrigerant product and refrigerant charge for your AC system to work the most efficiently.

The HVAC specialist checks for leaks in the system and then checks the level of refrigerant remaining in the AC refrigerant lines. The specialist may need to flush or repair the refrigerant lines and connections before adding more product to your AC unit.

Refrigerant should never be overcharged into your AC system. Too much refrigerant can damage your AC system and cause leaks. If you don’t need refrigerant at your spring AC tune-up date, your HVAC specialist can give you an estimate of your expected recharge date in the future.

uring a spring AC tune-up, the HVAC specialist checks your thermostat for issues including where the thermostat is located. If your thermostat is located in an area that interferes with the operation or efficiency of your AC system, the HVAC specialist may suggest ways to remedy the issue.

For example, if direct sunlight hits the thermostat, it may kick on more often. However, you may be able to block the sunlight from the thermostat with drapes or a plant, so you don’t need to pay to relocate the thermostat.

The controls, wiring, and calibration of your thermostat will be checked during a spring tune-up. The precise services included with the thermostat checkup depend on the type of thermostat that’s installed with your AC system. Your HVAC specialist can also recommend thermostat settings that keep you cool and reduce energy costs.

Beat the summer rush for AC services in the Greater Seattle, Washington, area by contacting the HVAC experts at AirGanic today. Schedule your spring air conditioning tune-up, and enjoy a cool, comfortable summer knowing your system is in tip-top shape.