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Can You Do An AC Tune-Up By Yourself?

Providing Central Air Conditioner Tune-Ups In College Station, TX

There are many tasks involved in caring for yourself, such as going to the doctor for routine checkups and eating a diet rich in nutrients. Similarly, there are many tasks that go into maintaining your air conditioning unit. While some tasks can be done DIY-style, it’s best to schedule College Station AC maintenance with Summit Air Conditioning & Heating.

Professional HVAC tune-ups ensure your unit operates up to standard. These regular services also help extend the lifespan of your system, preventing premature failure and costly breakdowns. Read ahead to learn what tasks you can perform to care for your air conditioner and how our professional tune-up services can help!

What Does An AC Tune-Up Include?

Before deciding whether you can DIY an AC tune-up task, it’s important to know what goes into one. A professional maintenance appointment covers several key areas to ensure your system operates at its best. Below are tasks that the experts at Summit AC are well-versed in.

1. Cleaning Or Replacing The Air Filters

A key part of routine air conditioner service is checking the air filter. A dirty filter reduces airflow, making your system work harder and less efficiently. Cleaning or replacing the filter is an easy step you can take yourself. Monitor the component regularly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically advise cleaning or replacing it every 1–3 months.

2. Cleaning The Coils

The evaporator and condenser coils of your AC system can accumulate dirt over time. When dirt builds up, it reduces the system’s ability to cool your home effectively. While cleaning the AC coils can be done by a homeowner, it requires careful handling to avoid damaging the delicate parts. Our team uses specialized tools to care for these components properly.

3. Checking Refrigerant Levels

Your system’s refrigerant should remain at the manufacturer’s recommended level for optimal cooling. Low refrigerant can indicate a leak and may require professional attention. Handling refrigerant lines is a maintenance task best left to trained technicians. We utilize specialized equipment to check and refill refrigerants as needed.

4. Assessing The Ductwork

Leaky ducts can cause cool air to escape before it reaches the rooms of your home, reducing the effectiveness of your air conditioner. Our AC technicians will inspect your ductwork for leaks or blockages. Once the assessment is complete, we’ll recommend a repair solution to correct the issue.

5. Lubricating Moving Parts

AC units have several moving parts, including fans and motors. Over time, these parts can wear down due to friction. Lubricating these components is a simple but essential step to prolonging the life of your unit. Summit AC advises leaving this task to our team to ensure no parts are missed or damaged during the lubrication process.

How To Tune Up Your Air Conditioner: Can You Do It Yourself?

You can perform a few basic tasks to practice regular AC upkeep. A few tasks you can complete include:

  • Change air filters on a schedule
  • Ensure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or debris
  • Move outdoor debris off outdoor units
  • Trim shrubbery around outdoor units
  • Check the thermostat to ensure it displays correct temperatures

More in-depth steps like handling refrigerant and inspecting wiring should be left to our team. There are several reasons why it’s better to call a professional from our team to handle complex tasks.

Safety And Warranty Concerns

Working with an air conditioning system can involve handling electrical components, refrigerants and pressurized systems. Mistakes could damage your unit or result in personal injury. Additionally, attempting complex repairs yourself might void your warranty, especially if the work is not done correctly.

Expertise And Tools

Our HVAC professionals have the training and tools to accurately assess the condition of your system. For example, checking refrigerant levels and diagnosing complexities like electrical failures requires specific equipment and knowledge.

Efficiency And Longevity

While it might be tempting to save money by skipping AC maintenance, neglecting certain tune-up tasks can lead to inefficient operation and a shorter system lifespan. Maintaining a regular schedule improves AC energy efficiency and lowers electrical costs.

We work to catch issues before they escalate. Trust us to help you save money on unnecessary repairs and help your unit run at peak efficiency.

Is A DIY AC Tune-Up Worth It? Signs Point To No

While you can handle some basic tasks yourself, a full central air conditioner tune-up requires professional expertise to ensure your system runs efficiently and safely. Summit Air Conditioning & Heating recommends scheduling regular service with our trained technicians. We take every precaution to keep your air conditioner in top condition and avoid costly breakdowns.

A professional College Station AC tune-up will ensure that every component of your system is functioning properly. Contact us today to schedule your annual service to keep your home cool and comfortable amid the Brazos County heat.

Summit Air Conditioning & Heating is rated 5.0 based on 19 reviews online