Your AC Tune-Up Checklist Before an Arizona Summer

The first 105°F week of the year is when weak parts fail and every HVAC company’s phone is ringing. A tune-up in spring catches most of those problems while it’s still comfortable outside and appointments are easy to get.

What you can do yourself

• Replace the air filter. Start the season with a fresh one, and check it monthly through summer.
• Clear the outdoor unit. Pull back plants, weeds and anything stored within about two feet of it.
• Rinse the outdoor coil. With the power off at the disconnect, gently hose the fins from the top down. No pressure washer.
• Test it early. Run the AC on a warm spring day. If it’s noisy, slow to cool or smells odd, get it looked at before the heat arrives.
• Check the thermostat. Replace the batteries if it uses them and confirm your schedule still fits your routine.

What a professional tune-up should cover

• Testing capacitors and contactors, the parts most likely to fail in the first heat wave
• Checking refrigerant levels and looking for signs of leaks
• Cleaning the outdoor coil and checking the indoor coil
• Clearing and testing the condensate drain line, so it doesn’t back up and leak
• Measuring airflow and the temperature difference across the system
• Tightening electrical connections and checking motor amperage
• Checking the thermostat and safety controls

Why it matters here

A system that’s a little low on refrigerant or running on a weak capacitor may get through a mild spring and then fail on the hottest day of the year. Tune-ups also help keep manufacturer warranties valid, since many require proof of regular maintenance.

Ready to get your system checked before summer? Call (480) 489-6050 or request a visit.