We’ve served a lot of Franklin homeowners over the years, and we’ve concluded nearly all of them fall into one of two categories when it comes to their home’s air conditioning. The first group wants to make sure their air conditioners will keep them cool and cozy on those August days when the heat and the humidity do their worst. They don’t want to risk a breakdown when they need that cooling the most, so they have us come out during the spring to make sure it’s working well.
The second group? We think of them as the “hope and pray” group. They know air conditioners are more likely to break down the older they get, but hey, it was working great last fall, and that strange noise they thought they noticed must have been their imagination. They’ll keep their fingers crossed that their system will work this summer.
Can you guess which homeowner is more likely to make a frantic call to us on the first 95-degree day?
What’s an air conditioning tune-up?
An air conditioning tune-up is a type of service call that focuses on three things:
Testing and inspecting the air conditioning system to ensure it’s working correctly
Cleaning the system to keep it in good working order
Making any minor adjustments needed to achieve proper performance.
Air conditioning tune-ups can identify and solve a variety of problems to ensure your system continues to perform reliably and efficiently.
Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common air conditioning problems, air filters that have become loaded with dust, dirt, pet air, and other airborne particles make it harder for air to flow through your home. That makes the equipment have to work harder to provide the same amount of cooling, so it increases your energy bills, too. During a tune-up, a technician will replace or clean all the system’s air filters to improve airflow and indoor air quality.
Clogged Evaporator Coils
Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on the evaporator coils. When the coils become covered, they’re less able to exchange heat between the system and the air. That means they can’t provide the desired amount of cooling as efficiently. Once again, your system has to use more energy to work harder.
Condenser Coil Cleaning
The outdoor portion of the system — known as the condenser — can become clogged with dirt, leaves, and debris. That interferes with both airflow and heat transfer, so the technician will clean the coil during the tune-up.
Electrical Component Inspection
Loose electrical connections, worn-out capacitors, and faulty relays often cause electrical issues and system malfunctions. As part of the tune-up, technicians inspect electrical components, tighten connections, and replace any faulty parts to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Thermostat Calibration
A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to uncomfortable temperature variations and inefficient cooling on the days you’re sweating the most. By calibrating the thermostat during a tune-up, the technician will ensure accurate temperature control and optimal energy efficiency.
Ductwork Inspection
Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork can result in cooled air escaping before it reaches the living space. That leads to reduced comfort, wasted energy, and unnecessarily high bills. To make sure the ductwork is as efficient as possible, technicians typically inspect it for leaks, seal any gaps, and ensure proper insulation for maximum levels of efficiency.
Overall System Performance Evaluation
An air conditioning tune-up is essentially a comprehensive evaluation of the entire system’s performance. Technicians normally assess airflow, temperature differentials, and overall system operation to verify that all systems are operating as well as they should be, and that the system consistently delivers the highest efficiency possible.
Keep things working well
By addressing these issues during a tune-up, homeowners in and around Franklin can improve the efficiency, reliability, and longevity of their air conditioning systems. They’ll also be ensuring their maximum comfort on days when the heat and the humidity can be overwhelming. Regular maintenance can also help prevent costly breakdowns and extend the life of your home’s air conditioning system.
Ready to schedule your tune-up
Now that you’ve seen the many advantages offered by air conditioner tune-up, isn’t it time to schedule one for your home? Many of your neighbors in Franklin turn to Johnson Heating Cooling & Plumbing for regular tune-ups. That’s why they rest assured — and rest comfortably — when the summer’s heat does its worst.
