Summer AC Tune-Up: How to Get Peak Performance When You Need It Most

Your unmistakable clue that summer is finally here isn’t just that the mercury starts rising; no one can miss the heat rising once summer well and truly arrives. When it does get here, homeowners across Canada turn their thoughts to one vital appliance: the air conditioner. Your AC isn’t just a convenience to make a hot summer day a little more comfortable. A well-functioning AC unit transforms what might be sweltering discomfort into a cool oasis instead. 

Yet, many homeowners simply take for granted that the AC will just keep working somehow and neglect this crucial system until it falters. This assumption may leave you vulnerable to the oppressive heat precisely when you most need relief from it. The key to uninterrupted comfort and efficient operation lies in a proactive approach: specifically, an annual summer AC tune-up. This regular check-up for your AC isn't just about preventing breakdowns and ensuring you don’t have to endure the full brunt of the summer heat. It’s also about optimizing your system for peak performance, ensuring it delivers maximum cooling power with minimal energy consumption when you need it most.

A comprehensive tune-up involves a series of methodical steps, each designed to address a specific aspect of your AC's operation. Like any annual housekeeping chores, these vital checks are essential to maintaining energy efficiency, lowering your energy bills, and (ultimately) preventing any premature system failure. Investing a little time and effort now can save you significant discomfort (and expense) later.

1.  Cleaning or Replacing Air Filters

Perhaps the simplest (yet most impactful) maintenance task is making certain that your air filters are clean and particle-free. The air filter’s primary job is catching dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particulates before they can enter the system, ensuring your AC stays free of any particles that might impact performance. However, over time these filters become clogged with the very particles they catch, which can restrict airflow. Imagine trying to breathe through a thick cloth – that's what your AC experiences with a dirty filter. Reduced airflow forces your system to work harder to pull air through, which can mean increased energy consumption and decreased cooling capacity. For most homes, replacing or cleaning disposable filters every one to three months is sufficient to maintain a steady airflow; however, you’ll need to monitor your system and replace the filters more frequently if you have pets or allergies. With reusable filters, all that’s needed is to wash them thoroughly with water and mild detergent, and ensure they are completely dry before reinstallation.

2.  Cleaning the Evaporator Coil

Located inside your indoor unit, the evaporator coil is the component responsible for absorbing heat from the air. However, as air passes over the coil to be cooled, moisture condenses on its surface as a consequence, and this moist environment can become a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and other debris. Over time, a layer of grime can accumulate on the coil, which insulates it from the surrounding air and impedes efficient heat transfer. When the evaporator coil becomes dirty in this way, your AC has to work harder to remove heat from your home, which may lead to reduced cooling and higher energy bills. A professional AC tune-up includes carefully cleaning this delicate component, often using a specialized coil cleaner to restore its heat-absorbing capabilities.

3.  Cleaning the Condenser Coil

The outdoor unit of your air conditioner houses the condenser coil, which releases the heat absorbed from your home into the outside air. However, because it is so exposed to the elements to do its job, this coil can accumulate a significant amount of build-up around it, namely debris like dirt, leaves, and grass clippings. This build-up of grime on the condenser coil acts as an insulating layer, trapping heat in the coil and preventing it from dissipating into the air as effectively. This forces the AC’s compressor to work under increased pressure, leading to higher energy consumption and accelerated wear and tear. During a tune-up, the outdoor unit will be thoroughly cleaned, often with a hose and a soft brush, ensuring unobstructed airflow around the condenser coil.

4.  Checking Refrigerant Levels and Pressures

Refrigerant, commonly known as Freon, is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system. It circulates through the coils, absorbing and releasing heat as it changes states. An AC system is a closed loop, which indicates that refrigerant should not be consumed or diminish over time (hence “closed”). If your system is low on refrigerant, however, then the closed loop is broken, indicating a leak somewhere in the system. Low refrigerant levels significantly impair cooling performance and can lead to serious damage to the compressor (i.e. one of the most expensive components of your AC). A professional tune-up involves checking the refrigerant levels and pressures to ensure they are within the manufacturer's specifications. If a leak is detected, it can then be located and repaired before recharging the system, ensuring no further loss of refrigerant.

5.  Inspecting and Cleaning the Condensate Drain Line

As the evaporator coil removes humidity from the air, the condensed moisture drips into a drain pan and flows out through the condensate drain line. Over time, algae, mould, and sludge can accumulate in this line, thereby leading to blockages. When the drain line becomes clogged, it can cause water to back up, potentially overflowing the drain pan and causing water damage to surrounding areas. In some systems, a safety float switch will shut off the AC if the drain pan overflows, preventing water damage but also leaving you without cooling. A tune-up includes flushing the condensate drain line to ensure it is clear and free-flowing.

6.  Lubricating Moving Parts

As a machine (and a sophisticated one at that), your AC unit contains various moving parts, such as fan motors and bearings. These components require proper lubrication to operate smoothly and quietly, just as any machine does. Over time, however, lubrication can break down or dry out, leading to increased friction, noisy operation, and accelerated wear on the affected components. During a tune-up, technicians will inspect and lubricate any moving parts that require it, ensuring efficient operation and an extended lifespan.

7.  Inspecting Electrical Connections and Components

Electrical connections within your AC system can loosen over time due to vibrations or temperature fluctuations. These loose connections can lead to inefficient operation, intermittent power, or even fire hazards. Capacitors, relays, and contactors are crucial electrical components that can degrade over time, affecting your system's starting and running performance. A tune-up includes a thorough inspection of all electrical connections to ensure they are tight and secure, and a check of key electrical components for signs of wear or degradation.

8.  Checking Thermostat Calibration

Your thermostat is the brain of your AC system, and as such dictates when it turns on and off. If the thermostat is not accurately calibrated, it may be sensing a different temperature than your actual room temperature, leading to your AC running longer than necessary or not cooling adequately as a consequence of that inaccurate reading. A professional tune-up includes checking the thermostat's calibration and adjusting it if needed, ensuring accurate temperature control and energy efficiency. It also helps to be aware of some of the dos and don’ts of thermostat operation to ensure you make the most of yours.

9.  Assessing Airflow and Ductwork

While not always a direct part of every basic tune-up, some comprehensive services will include a general assessment of your home's airflow and ductwork. Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork can contribute to significant energy loss, thanks to conditioned air escaping before it reaches its destination. A quick visual inspection can identify any obvious issues, while a technician can perform a more in-depth inspection to advise on further diagnostics if significant airflow problems are suspected. Ensuring your ductwork is sealed and insulated properly complements your AC's efficiency.

10. Performing a System Performance Test

After all the individual components have been inspected and serviced, the final step is a comprehensive system performance test. This involves running the AC for a period and monitoring various parameters, such as the temperature differential between the supply and return air, the amperage draw of the compressor and fans, and overall system pressures. This test confirms that all components are working in harmony and that the system is delivering optimal cooling performance.

When it comes to finding ways to stay cool in summer, looking after your AC is one of the most effective steps you can take. But investing in a professional summer AC tune-up does a fair bit more than simply ensure your system is ready for those dog days of summer; you're also safeguarding your comfort, extending the lifespan of your equipment, and significantly reducing your energy consumption, all of which are additional benefits of particular interest to any homeowner. It’s a small upfront investment that pays dividends in comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind, allowing you to truly enjoy the Canadian summer without a moment's worry about the cool sanctuary that is your home.

Whenever your AC stops working (especially in summer), you need professional help, and JLN HVAC is happy to provide. We have years of experience working on HVAC systems, and that gives us an understanding of how every part of your system works. If you need fast, effective assistance with your HVAC system, you can’t go wrong with us. Call us now at (647) 696-8915 to give your AC the care it deserves.