Summer brings fun in the sun, with all sorts of outdoor recreation. However, when the temperatures soar, you'll be glad to have a reliable air conditioner in your Herrin, IL, home that gives you a spot to cool off. With the summer season quickly approaching, now is the time to make sure your AC is ready for the heat. Maintenance and tune-up services are essential for the health of your cooling system. Read on to learn more about the important tasks involved in AC maintenance and all the benefits the service offers.

What’s Included in a Professional AC Tune-Up?

Maintenance is crucial to keep your cooling system working at peak levels. When our technicians perform maintenance, we make sure to cover every last detail so you can enjoy reliable and efficient cooling throughout the summer months. Let's check out the different tasks performed during annual AC maintenance:

Inspect All Parts of the System

As we perform maintenance on your air conditioner, we take special care to inspect all the parts and components of the system. This ongoing process helps us identify any damaged or worn parts and spot areas of concern. With inspection, we can schedule repairs that are needed before the system breaks down or is needed for the season.

Clean Outside Unit

Your outside unit sits exposed to the elements all year long. This means that dust, dirt, and other debris accumulate inside the unit. We remove any debris on top of the unit and clear an area of two to three feet around it. We gently spray off the unit to wash away dirt. On the inside, we carefully wipe the condenser and evaporator coils clean to promote better conditions and reduce stress.

Clean Inside Units

In addition to the cleaning of the outside unit and coils, we wipe dust and dirt away from other parts inside the system as well. Keeping the components clean lowers stress and promotes greater safety.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Several of the parts inside your cooling system move during normal operation. These parts require proper lubrication to prevent damage from friction. Without lubrication, the parts may wear out faster or cause damage that stops the operation of your air conditioner.

Check Refrigerant System

Your air conditioner requires refrigerant to produce cold air. We check the refrigerant reservoir, ensuring there is ample coolant to cool your house for the summer. We also look for signs of leaks. Leaking refrigerant is harmful to the environment and is dangerous to encounter.

Check and Clear Condensate Drain Line

Moisture is created during the normal operation of the AC. This moisture runs off in the form of water. The condensate drain line provides a pathway for this water to run out of the system and drain safely away from the air conditioner. If the water cannot run off, it poses a risk to the electrical components of your system. We check that the line is free of leaks and not clogged. We also look for damage to the drain line and water pan connected to it.

Perform Safety Tests

Your air conditioner likely has controls that prohibit operation when a malfunction is detected. We test these safety controls to ensure they respond as they should. If any safety tests fail during our inspection, repairs are needed before your system is safe to operate.

Assess Electrical Wiring and Connections

Electrical wires are inspected for damage and wear. Frayed wires can prohibit the functions of your AC and pose a risk of shocks, surges, and electrical fires. We also check that all electrical connections are secure and safe.

Assess Airflow

Once we've handled all the internal inspections, cleaning, and tuning, we test your system. We turn on the air conditioner and assess the cold air flow. We check that the system blows even amounts of cold air from each vent in the house and that the cold air is sufficient. Issues with airflow may be caused by low coolant, a faulty fan, or other problems inside your air conditioner. Insufficient and uneven airflow might also be caused by ductwork issues. Our technicians will investigate and decide what services are needed to restore proper airflow.

Observe Sounds and Smells

While testing your air conditioner, we listen for strange sounds and check for odd smells. Air conditioning should be relatively quiet and odor-free. If we notice anything out of the ordinary during this test run, we'll investigate further so repairs can be made. As with airflow issues, strange sounds and smells can be caused by the system itself or may result from problems within the air ducts.

Test and Calibrate Thermostat

Finally, we test the accuracy of your thermostat and adjust it as needed. Your thermostat should read the temperature of the room around it accurately to give you best control over your system. If issues with temperature readings occur, we may look at the location of the thermostat. Your thermostat should be located as close to the center of your house as possible. It should be mounted away from doors, windows, vents, and heat-producing appliances to avoid interferences with temperature readings. If accuracy is an issue due to placement, we can move your thermostat for better readings.

Why Is Annual AC Maintenance So Important?

Keeping up with a regular maintenance schedule has a number of benefits for your system and your budget. Here are some ways this is the case.

Reliability

Annual maintenance creates more reliable conditions for your air conditioner by spotting problems early and keeping the different parts of the system in good condition. It is always better to rectify a small problem instead of allowing it to become a monumental issue that will cost thousands.

Efficiency

Cleaning and tuning your air conditioner leads to less stress on the system. This decreased stress improves energy efficiency and leads to lower cooling costs throughout the summer.

Longevity

Keeping your air conditioner cleaned and tuned helps extend the life of the system. You can see a few extra years of cooling with a regularly maintained system as compared to one that is neglected.

Warranty Coverage

Most new AC systems include a manufacturer's warranty. This warranty often requires annual maintenance to continue coverage. Skipping maintenance means that you may be paying for breakdowns out of your own pocket, no matter the cause.

Schedule Your AC Maintenance With Local Cooling Professionals

At One Hour Heating & Cooling®, we take pride in being your home comfort partners. We provide diligent professional services to keep your HVAC system in optimal condition so you can enjoy both hot and cold air when you need it. Count on us for your annual heating and cooling maintenance, keeping your system on track for the seasons ahead. We also provide skilled HVAC repairs when your system isn't up to par and expert installations when it's time for a new system. No matter what you need, if it's heating and cooling related, we have you covered. Get ready for the fun and sun of summer in Herrin, IL by keeping your cooling system in optimal shape. Call One Hour Heating & Cooling® today to schedule your ann