The Importance of An Annual Tuneup For Your AC System

In a world that seems to be getting hotter by the day, one couldn’t help but think that of all the inventions of the last hundred years or so, nothing can beat the impact the air conditioner has made in our lives.

Then again, we can say the same thing about every man-made machine that supports our way of life. We depend on them so much we have to do whatever we can to keep them running optimally, including regular tune-ups. Surely enough, our AC unit is near the top of that list of machines that must be tuned up on a yearly basis.

Some homeowners, however, aren’t really sold on the idea of a yearly tuneup, since their AC unit is working just fine as far as they can tell.

Of course, their AC system is running perfectly, until it doesn’t anymore.
Such is the nature of machines. One day they’re functioning the way they should, then break down the following day.

While no one can ever guarantee a breakdown-free AC life, getting a tuneup done should at least give your AC system a fighting chance of delaying the inevitable. With regular tuneup, your AC system will be more likely to last for a long time without conking out during the most inopportune times.

1. It preps your AC system for heavy use in the summer

There’s a reason why many people recommend spring as the best time for an AC tuneup: Summer is always coming right up. And if you live in a place as hot as Arizona, you would want your AC unit to be in peak condition by the time the summer heat wave strikes.
One of the primary reasons you need a tuneup right before summer is the fact that you probably haven’t run it for any decent length of time during the cooler months of spring. That kind of relative inactivity can impact your AC unit’s performance just like it would a car. You cannot just take your car on a cross-country road trip after months of sitting in the garage. The smart thing to do would be to take it to your trusted mechanic for a tuneup, among other things before hitting the road.

The same goes for your AC unit. With the heavy use it’s expected to go through for the entire summer, it must be ready for all the hard work, and only an annual tuneup can get it there.
In fairness, missing that tuneup won’t necessarily mean your AC unit is doomed. No tuneup just means that the possibility of it breaking down in the middle of a sweltering summer day is higher.

2. Tuneups help your AC system last longer

The benefits of regular maintenance apply to practically all kinds of equipment. The more regular maintenance a piece of equipment—an air conditioning unit included—gets, the longer its lifespan is going to be. Your AC system will also more efficiently with regular maintenance. Conversely, neglecting tuneups leads to a much shorter lifespan.

4. Tuneups boost your AC’s efficiency

What does a standard AC system tuneup entail?

For one, the technician will check condensate drains for blockages and remove them, if any. Outdoor condenser coils are also up for cleaning, as dust and debris collect on them over time. The indoor evaporator coils will also be dusted off. Motor parts will be lubricated, and blower components will be cleaned and adjusted.

The above are just a sampling of what an HVAC technician does when performing a tuneup, and they’re all crucial to increasing the operating efficiency of your AC system. With a regular tuneup, you can save up to 15% on your cooling costs.