AC Tune-Ups for New Homeowners

A First-Time Homeowner’s Guide to AC Tune-Ups

An AC tune-up in Toronto is essential to ensure your air conditioner is operating efficiently. After all, the last thing you want is for your unit to suddenly stop working on the hottest day of summer.

Think of an AC tune-up as preventative maintenance to protect your home, family, and wallet. A routine professional checkup can help uncover potential issues before they get worse, saving you money in the long run and keeping your family safe.

Why Are AC Tune-ups Important for New Homeowners?

One of the major benefits of a professional AC tune-up is improved safety, especially for first-time homeowners and/or new homeowners. Getting your existing cooling system thoroughly inspected can protect you from mould, hazardous gas leaks, and poor ventilation that could trigger respiratory issues.

Tune-ups examine the coils, fan, air filters, drainage line, and refrigerant lines to ensure the AC is operating the way it should. Any damages or flaws will be discovered and repaired/replaced so that the AC can operate smoothly.

Preventative maintenance and regularly scheduled tune-ups help you avoid costly breakdowns. Not only do issues become major inconveniences on a hot summer day but they can lead to high repair bills. A breakdown in the summer—one of the busiest seasons—means you might have to wait weeks before a technician can repair your AC or order replacement parts.

Another notable benefit of getting an AC tune-up after you move into a new home is the improved energy efficiency. Your air conditioner works hard to cool your home, which means the electrical and mechanical components are susceptible to wear and tear season after season. This can reduce the efficiency of the entire unit. The more energy used, the higher the utility bills.

Similar to an automobile, an air conditioner that receives regular inspection and maintenance will last longer. To replace an air conditioner in Ontario, you can expect to pay between $3,00 and $5,000. Having an AC tune-up costs a fraction of that price and can extend the lifespan of the unit for many more years.

What AC-Related Challenges Do New Homeowners Face?

Among all the new appliances that first-time homeowners need to familiarize themselves with, the AC is often low on the priority list. However, you must understand the care and maintenance requirements of the specific AC unit in your home.

If the previous homeowner neglected to do maintenance on the air conditioner, you might be left with a sub-par AC and costly repairs. Not only should you ensure the AC is checked during your home inspection, but you should also schedule a tune-up after you move in to identify potential problems that can interfere with the operation of the air conditioner. There can also be safety concerns with a neglected unit.

Avoiding a professional tune-up can reduce the lifespan of the unit’s components. It can also void the warranty, meaning you will be responsible for all repairs and parts replacements.

Keep an eye and ear out for loud abnormal sounds, leaking water, foul odours, or weak airflow.

What Can You Expect During an AC Tune-Up?

An AC maintenance tune-up will include an inspection, cleaning, and testing. It might also include repairs or replacement of the interior and exterior parts if necessary.

First, a certified AC technician will perform a basic inspection and cleaning of the unit. The inspection requires the unit to be partially dismantled so that the technician can get a better view of all working components. They will look for signs of cracks, holes, frayed wires, rust, wear, or other damage to ensure the equipment is working properly.

Next, the technician will clean the air filters to ensure optimal airflow and check the ducts for leaks or improper seals. The evaporator and condenser coils will also be inspected and cleaned. This can help improve the efficiency of the unit. During the cleaning, the technician will also inspect the condensate drain line for any blockages that can limit water drainage.

Once the unit is inspected and cleaned, the technician will test the refrigerant levels and ensure the electrical connections are safe. A thermostat calibration will be performed to ensure all settings are in proper working order.

Lastly, the technician will provide you with a performance report and recommendations based on the inspection and tune-up. If any parts need to be replaced, the technician will discuss it with you so that you can make an informed decision.

How Long Does an AC Tune-Up Take?

The length of time it takes to do an AC tune-up will depend on the type of unit you have, its current condition, and the location of the equipment. Most modern units will require between 30 to 60 minutes for a complete inspection and cleaning. Older models may require more time as there may be more intricate components to inspect.

How Often Should You Schedule an AC Tune-Up?

Since Ontario usually enjoys only 4 to 5 months of air conditioner weather, a tune-up of a single unit can be done in the spring, before the warm temperatures arrive. Units combined with a heating system, such as a heat pump or furnace, will need an inspection and cleaning twice a year.

How Do You Find a Qualified AC Technician?

When looking for a reputable AC service provider in Toronto, there are several key factors to keep in mind. Look at the company’s credentials and certifications—this says a lot about the professionalism you can expect from the team and the quality of services they provide. Their website should list their official licenses and accreditations.

Ask the prospective company for referrals from past customers, inquire about their years of experience, and see if they have a portfolio of their completed projects. Look for online reviews on local sites such as Trustpilot, Goodman, HomeAdvisor, and Yelp.

Schedule Your First AC Tune-Up with Econoair

As a leading HVAC contractor in the GTA, Econoair Heating & Cooling Inc. offers superior AC services to homeowners. Our team of qualified technicians can perform installation, inspections, repairs, and maintenance on several types of AC systems.

We offer a 7-point safety maintenance check on your AC system to ensure all mechanisms are in prime working order for optimal efficiency. We also provide 24-hour emergency service.

Eiden Patros

Eiden is the successful owner of EconoAir, a well-established HVAC company with three locations. He began his career in the industry at the bottom, working as a technician and gaining valuable experience. With a passion for the field and a drive to succeed, Eiden worked his way up the ranks. He is a seasoned professional in the industry with a wealth of technical knowledge and a passion for providing top-notch service to his customers. His leadership and determination have led to the growth and expansion of EconoAir, with the opening of three branches across the region. Eiden is always looking for ways to innovate and improve, staying current with the latest industry trends and developments to offer cutting-edge solutions to his customers. He is a driven and dedicated professional who takes pride in the success of EconoAir and the satisfaction of his customers.