With May month, we have already stepped into the long hot days of summer. You may not prefer being left out in the unforgiving heat of summer due to an unexpected AC breakdown. “An ounce of presentation is worth a pound of cure.” It means maintaining your air conditioner is a more worthwhile option than experiencing inconvenience and costly repairs.
When it comes to keeping your AC running, seasonal tune-ups and preventative maintenance are the two best options. However, both options include different processes and impacts on your system. That’s why we did a detailed AC tune-up vs maintenance comparison based on potential aspects.
Here’s everything you need to know!
AC Tune-Up — A Must-Have for Every HVAC System!
In most cases, AC tune-up is confused with AC maintenance but both are two sides of a coin. AC Tune-Ups or HVAC seasonal tune-up is performed while entering a new season. For instance, professionals may perform regular tune-ups in the early spring and early fall.
It’s an adjustment that technicians made to prepare your air conditioning system for the upcoming season. Whether you’re heading from colder weather to warmer one or warmer weather to colder one, an AC tune-up will ensure your system is ready to keep your home at the desired temperature.
What to expect from AC tune-up?
Compressor unit inspection
The process of home HVAC tune-up starts with a detailed inspection of the compressor unit. With years of experience, technicians know what could cause a breakdown in your HVAC. So, they look for wear and tear in key electrical components and fix them for you to prevent breakdown.
Condenser cleaning
Cleaning condenser coils is an exclusive part of AC tune-ups as dirt and dust can affect the efficiency. During the tune-up, you can expect the technician to inspect the condenser coil in the outdoor compressor unit and clean it thoroughly. Not only the condenser coil, but a technician may also clean the evaporator coil in the indoor unit.
Coolant levels troubleshooting
Coolant levels display the cooling capacity of your HVAC. If the coolant levels are low or run out, your AC may have trouble cooling your home or just blow hot air. Therefore, technicians always check your coolant levels and make sure your unit has enough coolant to keep your home at the desired temperature.
AC Preventative Maintenance Explained
Preventative AC maintenance is performed regularly after every three or four months to protect the longevity of your entire system. While the AC tune-ups cover the performance aspects, preventative maintenance focus on the long lifespan of your AC.
Professional HVAC maintenance can help you with clean indoor air quality and better energy efficiency. Thus, it will help you save on your energy bills while ensuring consistent comfort at your home.
What to Expect from AC Maintenance?
Thermostat inspection
You might have heard of the most common problem in ACs when the system is running but not cooling. That happens because of thermostat malfunction if starts reading the wrong temperatures and performs cutouts.
During the maintenance, technicians ensure the thermostat is reading the temperature correctly. If not, they update its settings and recalibrate it for the desired performance.
Air filter cleaning and replacement
Although it’s a DIY task that every homeowner should do on their own, technicians always clean the air filters during maintenance. That’s because clogged air filters can significantly impact the performance and energy efficiency of your air-con system.
In case of comprehensive damage, you can expect them to replace the air filters with new ones for uncompromised cooling and desired energy efficiency.
Lubricating the fan and compressor motors
Your HVAC system is a blend of various electrical and mechanical components which are prone to develop technical faults. During the maintenance, technicians lubricate and clean the fan and compressor motors of your AC.
Lubricating these two components prevent mechanical stress and protect the motors from burning out. Also, it gives an overall smoothness to the functioning and ensures your AC works like a well-oiled machine.
Cost Comparison Between AC Tune-Up and Maintenance
An AC tune-up usually involves a thorough inspection and cleaning of your air conditioning system to ensure it is running efficiently and effectively. The cost of an AC tune-up in the UK can range from £50 to £150, depending on the type of AC unit and the extent of the service.
On the other hand, AC maintenance involves regular upkeep of your AC system to prevent breakdowns and extend its lifespan. The cost of AC maintenance in the UK can vary depending on the frequency of maintenance and the type of maintenance required. However, as a general rule, you can expect to pay around £100 to £200 per year for regular AC maintenance.
It’s worth noting that the cost of AC tune-up and maintenance can vary depending on the company you hire for the job. Some companies may charge more for their services, but they may also provide additional benefits such as warranties and guarantees.
Conclusion — Does Your AC Unit Needs Them?
In conclusion, regular AC tune-up and maintenance are essential for ensuring the efficient and effective operation of your air conditioning system. AC tune-up involves a comprehensive inspection and cleaning of your AC system, while maintenance involves routine upkeep to prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your AC unit.
Both services are critical for maintaining optimal indoor air quality and comfort, reducing energy costs, and preventing costly repairs and replacements. By investing in regular AC tune-up and maintenance, you can enjoy improved AC performance, lower energy bills, and peace of mind knowing that your AC system is functioning correctly and reliably.