Do I Need an AC Tune-Up in Boise, ID?
It’s always a bit nerve-wracking to turn your air conditioner on for the first time of the season. You wait for it to kick on, then verify that the air blows cold. After that, it’s time to see if the unit still cools your house as it should. Ideally, everything works great, but what if it doesn’t?
If your air conditioner doesn’t cool as it should, blows weakly, or makes noise, you may think about replacing your AC. Before you do that, stop and consider an option that isn’t so drastic. It could be that your system just needs an AC Tune-Up. That’s a much faster, less expensive alternative!
Why Should I Get an AC Tune-Up?
Under normal conditions, your air conditioner should last ten years, maybe longer. Yes, even with those hot Boise, ID, summers. However, to make that happen, you’ll need to have your unit serviced once a year. If your air conditioner is less than ten years old, it’s better to have a professional technician look at it before you get a replacement. They can do the maintenance required for the AC tune-up and diagnose any other problems.
These tune-ups are helpful for a few reasons. Maintenance ensures your air conditioner will work efficiently to cool your house, and it may lead to lower utility bills. Most importantly, your air conditioner will last longer with this regular maintenance.
Finally, check the warranty on your air conditioning unit. It is often the case that customers must have regular maintenance done to keep the agreement and its conditions valid.
What Happens During an AC Tune-Up?
Your annual air conditioner service is a bit like having your car tuned up and given its routine service. Over time, certain things wear out, evaporate away, or get dirty. An AC tune-up is similar to having your fluids checked and filled, your oil and filter changed, your spark plugs replaced, and a general inspection. In terms of your air conditioner and an AC tune-up, the unit will receive an inspection, and we will also complete with the following:
- Verify there is adequate refrigerant
- Make a note of and fix any safety issues
- Inspect for cracks or leaks
- Replace or clean the unit filter
- Clean the coils and fins
- Tidy up the area around the unit
- Check that the thermostat is functioning correctly
There may be other minor adjustments or repairs that can be easily made during this process. However, if any major issues are uncovered, the HVAC technician will need to speak with you about those before taking action.
When Is the Best Time to Get an AC Tune-Up
You may not notice that there is anything wrong with your air conditioning unit until you turn it on for the season. If something goes wrong, homeowners often wait for service with no air conditioner in the hot Boise, ID, weather. To avoid this situation, you should aim to schedule your AC tune-Up before that stifling weather hits. You will have plenty of time to set the appointment and have any service work done.
Should You Get an AC Tune-Up or Replacement?
Your air conditioner technician is the best person to tell you whether you should invest in an AC tune-up and maintenance or replace your unit altogether. Here are a few things that can go wrong.
Some Rooms and Floors Are Cool; Others Are Not
You need an inspection to determine why things are cooling unevenly. An inefficient unit won’t cool the whole house, resulting in warmer air rising to the top floor of your home. Problems with your vents and ductwork could mean some rooms get cool air, but not others.
Leaking AC Unit
If your air conditioning unit is leaking refrigerant or water from the compressor, that could mean a major repair is needed. If it is a new unit or under warranty, you could consider getting it repaired. Otherwise, you might need to have the unit replaced.
Unit Doesn’t Respond to the Thermostat
You turn the air conditioner switch on, adjust the thermostat, and the unit doesn’t turn on. That’s worrying, but it may not be a major issue. Yes, your AC unit could be in bad shape, but there might simply be an issue with the thermostat itself. Your repair tech will let you know.
Odors And Noises
These are things that need to be dealt with right away. A broken part that isn’t fixed right away might be noisy at first but also causing lots of internal damage. If it is caught early, you might just need some maintenance. However, there’s a chance that the unit needs to be replaced.
Rising Utility Bills
If your utility bills skyrocket when you begin using your air conditioner, it’s time for a service appointment. Sometimes, a tune-up is all you need. If there’s something else wrong, the tech will talk to you about major repairs or a unit replacement.
How Do I Find AC Services Near Me?
TSS Home Comfort can help you with AC tune-ups, repairs, and replacements. Let us help you beat the Boise, ID, heat. Give us a call or contact us for more information.
