Get Your AC Summer-Ready and Save Money
It’s crucial to keep your air conditioning system in top shape, especially in the intense summer weather in Las Vegas. A well-maintained AC unit not only keeps your home comfortably cool but also significantly lowers your energy bills and extends the life of your HVAC unit.
Neglecting AC maintenance can easily lead to reduced system efficiency, higher costs, and inconvenient breakdowns when you need your cool air the most.
This guide will provide you with vital AC tune-up tasks that you can do yourself and explain why a professional air conditioner tune-up is essential for optimal performance and peace of mind.
Your DIY AC Tune-Up Checklist (What You Can Do Today)
Before you touch anything…
Crucial Safety Warning: Turn off the power to your AC unit at both the main electrical panel (circuit breaker) and the outdoor condenser unit’s exterior shutoff box.
Wait at least 30 minutes after powering off to avoid electrical shock.
Here are some effective regular maintenance steps you can take to keep the energy efficiency of your AC:
Change the Air Conditioner Filters
It’s the most important AC maintenance task you can do. A dirty filter restricts airflow, according to the Department of Energy. It forces your AC system to work harder and reduces system efficiency.
- How to replace it: Locate your air conditioner filters in the return air duct, note its size, and use new filters every 1-2 months, especially during peak cooling season.
- Regular air filter replacement also improves indoor air quality by lowering allergy triggers.
Clean the Outdoor Condenser Unit
Your outdoor unit is responsible for releasing heat from your home. Over time, it can accumulate dirt buildup, leaves, and debris. It hinders its heat transfer capabilities.
What to do: The University of Arizona Manual of Design and Specification Standard recommends ensuring there’s at least two feet of clearance around the condenser unit by trimming foliage. Remove debris and any obstructions.
- Gently spray down the exterior coil fins with a garden hose from top to bottom to remove surface dirt.
- Warning: Don’t use pressure water. It can only damage the delicate fins.
Straighten Bent Condenser Fins
The aluminum coil fins on your condenser coils are vital for efficient heat transfer.
- They can sometimes get bent fins, which restrict airflow.
- Use a fin comb to gently straighten those fins.
Clear the Condensate Drain Line
Your air conditioner removes humidity from your home, and this moisture drains through the drain line. Over time, algae and mold can cause clogs. These clogs can lead to water damage or the unit shutting down.
- What to do: Locate the PVC pipe that drains outdoors
- Check for any visible blockages
- The Spruce recommends periodically flushing about a cup of distilled vinegar down the access port of the drain line near the indoor unit to prevent future clogs.
Check the Thermostat
Check the Thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is functioning correctly and providing accurate readings.
- What to do: Change the batteries every year. This is especially true before the cooling season starts.
The Professional AC Tune-Up (What Our Experts Do)
Your efforts are commendable in maintaining your AC system. However, they only cover a fraction of what your AC system needs for peak performance.
Bob’s Repair offers AC Tune-Up by our NATE-certified technicians who understand the unique demands of the Las Vegas climate. This is where we identify and fix issues before they become costly repairs.
What Our Expert Technicians Do During Professional AC Maintenance
Our NATE-certified technicians follow a comprehensive 8-step process to ensure your AC system runs efficiently and safely in the demanding Las Vegas climate.
Electrical inspection
We tighten all electrical connections, test capacitors and relays, and measure motor voltage and amperage.
Refrigerant Level Check
Your air conditioner relies on accurate refrigerant levels for efficient cooling.
Deep Coil Cleaning
Beyond a simple rinse, we perform a deeper cleaning of both the outdoor condenser coils and the indoor evaporator coil.
Blower Component Cleaning and Adjustment
We clean the blower motor wheel and housing to ensure proper airflow throughout your HVAC system.
System Lubrication
All moving parts are lubricated to reduce friction and wear. This helps in extending the life of your unit.
Full System Test and Calibration
We run your AC system through a full cycle. Then, we measure the temperature difference between the air going into and coming out of your vents. After that, we calibrate your thermostat for accuracy.
Safety Control Inspection
We ensure all safety features are functioning to prevent system damage or hazards.
Coolant Line Inspection
A routine checkup of refrigerant lines is important to prevent your air conditioner from overworking and potentially freezing up. Our technicians will also check for any signs of wear or leaks.
Ready for Professional AC maintenance?
Our NATE-certified technicians are ready to keep your AC running efficiently through Las Vegas’ extreme heat.
Why a DIY Tune-Up Isn’t Enough (Especially in the Hot Weather of Las Vegas)
The extreme heat in Las Vegas places considerable stress on your cooling system. Indeed, the DIY steps are great for regular upkeep. However, they only cover about 20% of what your AC unit truly needs.
Professional inspection of electrical components during annual AC tune-ups and accurate refrigerant levels are crucial to prevent a catastrophic breakdown when temperatures hit 115°F.
Hiring professional HVAC technicians ensures full inspections that identify potential issues before they escalate into expensive repairs.
