AC Tune-Up: Is it worth it?

How do you know if your A/C tune-up is worth the money? 

At Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, customer service also means education! We’ve listed the top 3 ways to know if you are getting a great A/C tune-up.

1 – The technician inspects the whole system, not just the outside unit (Condenser).

To effectively perform a tune-up, a technician must thoroughly check for any and all issues that may impede efficient operation or result in a system failure. A performance A/C tune-up should include the evaluation of the indoor as well as the outdoor unit to ensure overall system performance. A comprehensive tune-up always includes a thorough inspection of the system’s application, installation, cleanliness of air movement/heat transfer components, and airflow.

2 – If it’s the first time the technician sees the A/C unit, he or she asks the basic questions.

The technician should closely review the complete system before performing any checks or adjustments. By asking himself the following questions, the technician can finish this initial system evaluation in just a few minutes:

• What type of system is this?
• Are there any perceived issues with the system?
• Where are the return and supply air openings and air filters? Are they adequately sized, and clear for airflow?
• Is the condensate drain connected, clear, and properly trapped?
• Is the supply duct in good condition? Is it adequately sized for the system?
• Is the blower or the coil dirty?
• What is the refrigerant metering device? If it’s a thermostatic expansion valve, is the sensing bulb mounted properly?
• Is the indoor blower motor speed set up to provide the correct airflow?

Once a technician obtains this information, the outdoor unit operation should be disabled and the system enabled at the thermostat. Then, the indoor operation should be confirmed with attention focused on any abnormal sounds or visual concerns with wiring and equipment connections. As an example of a typical mistake untrained techs make, if the A/C does not work for at least 10 minutes before the measurement, the technician will get an inaccurate read of the refrigerant level. Failure to take the time to ask these general questions could cause the technician to wrongly diagnose a problem.

3 – The technician clearly explains what was done and answers all your questions politely, making sure that you understand.

Customers have repeatedly stated that they enjoy having the same technician over and over. They value getting to know the same technician as well as the fact that the technician gets to know the equipment like the back of his/her hand.

If your technician leaves without carrying out these 3 steps, be cautious. At Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs always follow these protocols and will offer you the best service. Call us today! Or click on schedule your appointment. Allow us to showcase our expertise in your home, and be confident we will do a job we will be proud of.

You can read everything customers are saying about our technicians on our Testimonials Page. We ensure that our A/C performance Tune-ups cover all the points you need to make sure your system will run properly through each season. In the case that any repairs are needed, our technicians carry the most common parts in their trucks and will automatically give a one-year warranty on repairs. For quality Heating and Cooling service in the Twin Cities, call Standard Heating & Air Conditioning; professionalism and care, since 1930.

As part of our A/C Performance tune-up, we will:

• Check refrigerant levels and adjust them If needed
• Check electrical for proper connection and safety
• Check compressor
• Clean coil using water and/or nitrogen

Call today! Or click on schedule your appointment. For a complete list of our A/C, Performance Tune-up click here.

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