Soon, temperatures will soar above 100 degrees. Will your AC system hold up in the heat? An air conditioning tune-up helps ensure your system delivers cool air when you need it the most.
Just like an annual physical exam, AC tune-ups can uncover any issues that might need attention and make sure your system is healthy and in good working condition. Tune-ups are usually done in the spring before hot weather arrives.
In addition to reducing your cooling costs, a tune-up can extend the life of your unit and prevent breakdowns and expensive repairs.
“In comparison to other parts of our country, AC in Arizona is essential during the summer. Our warmer, dryer climate takes a toll on our units, so it’s important to properly maintain them,” said Tammy McKay, Residential Energy Efficiency Program Manager for UniSource Energy Services. “The last thing any of us want is to have our AC unit stop working on a triple-digit day.”
AC tune-ups usually include an inspection as well as cleaning and maintenance of your system. During the inspection, technicians may check the air filter, overall system condition, condenser and evaporator coil cleanliness, electrical connections and safety controls, refrigerant levels and delivery air temperature.
Depending on the condition of your unit, technicians may also replace the filter, tighten electrical connections, read the volts and amps, lubricate moving parts and clean the condensate drain and coils.
“Newer systems may not necessarily need annual checks, but it may be a condition of the warranty,” McKay said. “Older systems may benefit from a tune-up, but if the unit is in poor condition, the technician may recommend it be replaced.”
UniSource offers instant rebates of up to $135 for AC tune-up services, including refrigerant charging and coil cleaning, when performed by an approved contractor participating in our Efficient Home Program. The rebate is deducted from the cost of the service. Customers may take advantage of this rebate once every five years.
Customers also can do their part to maintain their AC system by remembering to change the air filter monthly, and perhaps more frequently if there are furry pets or dusty conditions or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Clogged air filters restrict air flow, making your AC unit work harder and use more energy. According to Energy.gov, changing a dirty, clogged filter with a new one can improve your unit’s efficiency by up to 15 percent.
