What is Done During Our Best Maintenance Plan Air Conditioner Tune-Up?

We recommend everyone have their air conditioner tuned up once per year. And one of the easiest ways to keep up with your service is through a maintenance plan. This video we’ll talk about what Fire & Ice does during an A/C tune-up with our best maintenance plan. 

Hi, I’m Jerad with Fire & Ice. It’s recommended everyone have their air conditioner tuned up once per year to make sure it’ll be able to keep up with the demands of summer. While most people will have their air conditioner maintenance done before summer arrives, it can be done any time of the year. Many of our customers enjoy the convenience and value of one of our maintenance plans. At Fire & Ice, we offer three maintenance plan levels: better, best, and fantastic. In this video, we’ll go over everything that is done during our best maintenance plan.

Why does my air conditioner need maintenance?

You may ask yourself why does my air conditioner need maintenance? Before we get into what’s done during our best tune-up, let’s take a minute to see why your air conditioner needs maintenance in the first place. Just like changing the oil in your car or getting your tires rotated. Your air conditioner requires annual maintenance to operate as long and as best as possible. We suggest having your maintenance done before the cooling season to ensure your air conditioner won’t break down in the middle of the summer. Maintenance is also done to detect any problems before they become a larger, more expensive one later down the road.

A regularly maintained air conditioner will keep it running longer, maintain efficiency levels, help keep energy bills consistent, and is needed to maintain manufacturer warranties. Whether your air conditioner was recently installed or has been cooling your home for several years, it’s important to have your air conditioner serviced every year.

What’s included during our best air conditioner tune-up?

On the day of your scheduled service, you’ll receive a text message letting you know your service tech is on the way. Once they arrive, they’ll park their company vehicle where you can see them. And our techs will wear a company uniform, name badge, and any personal protective equipment required. Before entering your home, they will also put on shoe covers. We do this out of respect for you and your home.

Next, we’ll take a few minutes with you to see how the system has been performing for you and go over any questions you may have. Afterward, we’ll move our attention to the thermostat and lower the temperature by a few degrees to make sure the air conditioner runs and for our tests. 

Next, the tech will go to where the furnace is located. They’ll start by checking the condition of the filter and replacing it if a new one is available. They’ll also record and compare some of the temperature readings from the return and supply air ducts. These temperature readings are essential and can help identify whether the air conditioner is performing as it should. We also check the condition of the refrigerant lines inside the home for any signs of condensation or leaks. If any are present, it could be a sign that the system is leaking refrigerant. Another thing that we do is clean out the drain line or condensate pump if one is present and check the drain termination point. A clogged drain line could result in the air conditioner shutting off prematurely.

Next, we move our attention to the evaporator coil where we check its overall condition and look for any signs of corrosion, or oil residue, and make sure it’s draining correctly. Afterward, we remove the access panels and check the coil inside. After our inspection, we’ll add algae tablets to the pan to kill any algae growth in the pan or down the drain line. After our inspection, we’ll reconnect and close up the evaporator coil. One of the last things we do is check the air handler and plenum for any air leaks and seal as necessary.

With the indoor equipment checked, the tech will then move outside to where the outdoor unit is located. One of the first things they’ll do is test the safety shut-off equipment by removing the disconnect. This should cut all power to the system.

Next, they’ll remove the service panel and inspect the wiring, capacitor, and contactor. We check for any pitting and carbon buildup. We also review and record several electrical readings, such as the amp draw of both the fan and compressor motors. We compare the readings to the manufacturer's specifications to make sure it's operating effectively. If anything is outside of range or is a cause for concern, we’ll let you know of the proper fix.

Next, they’ll focus on the refrigerant line and record and compare the temperatures and pressures of the refrigerant. If anything is found outside of the recommended levels it could be the sign of something else going on with the refrigerant.

With the system off, they’ll take a moment to look at the overall condition of the system along with the fan blade and compressor motor. We also check to see if the unit is level, and there isn’t anything that can restrict airflow. If any obstructions are found, we’ll remove them.

Speaking of obstructions, you’d be surprised just how much junk and debris can get caught in the condensing coil. In fact, a dirty condenser can lead to a host of problems that can negatively affect your air conditioner’s performance. This is why it’s crucial to have your air conditioner serviced every year. To clean the condenser, your technician will carefully remove any debris caught in the condenser using a hose and break up any grime with a special cleaner that also protects the coil.

The last step is to put the cover back on and pack up all the tools and clean the area we were working in. A report will then be written of our findings with any recommendations for repairs. Finally, we conclude with a review of everything that was done and any questions you may have. On our best maintenance plan an air conditioner maintenance should take around an hour-and-a-half to complete.  For comparison, our basic air conditioner tune-up only takes about 45 minutes to complete.

What are the next steps?

I hope by now you see the value and the attention to detail we provide with our better maintenance plan air conditioner tune-up.If you aren’t already on one of our maintenance agreements and would like to sign up, click the schedule service button at the top of the screen. We’d be happy to set you up on one of our plans and get your next air conditioner tune-up scheduled. Thank you for watching, and we look forward to making your day better.