Air Conditioning Tune-Up Services

Name: Plumbers
Brand: Fenwick Home Services
Rating: 4.4 (762 reviews)

As the summer sun heats up, it is time to get your annual air conditioning tune-up. Like any appliance or other equipment in your home, your air conditioner needs to be maintained if you want it to work properly.

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Avoid spending thousands of dollars on a new air conditioner by scheduling an AC tune-up with our team in Jacksonville or other areas of Florida. We offer air conditioning services in locations such as Fleming Island, Atlantic Beach, Saint Augustine, Jacksonville, and Neptune Beach. Give us a call at 904-217-5694‬ or request an appointment.

What is an Air Conditioner Tune-up Service?

An AC tune-up is like a bi-annual physical for your air conditioner. The goal of a tune-up is to get your air conditioner working at its peak performance. A healthy air conditioner helps you save money on your energy bill, have better climate control, and enjoy a quieter machine.

Over time, even the best AC units become dirty. The air conditioner tune-up services provided by our team consist of cleaning the condenser coils on your system and calibrating the thermostat. We also examine all of the air conditioner’s electrical parts and tighten any loose pieces.

During the air conditioning tune-up, we check your refrigerant levels and see if you have any leaks. We also perform checks on parts like the motor and blower belt to see if everything is working properly. If there are any broken parts, we replace them.

Steps of a Professional Air Conditioner Tune-Up

Check the Insulation on the Refrigerant Lines

It is not abnormal for the insulation on the refrigerant lines to deteriorate as your central air conditioner becomes older. If your refrigerant lines do not have a sufficient amount of insulation, the refrigerant may compress and liquid will start to leak onto internal parts and components. To prevent mold growth, our team of licensed technicians will perform an inspection of the refrigerant lines to confirm the insulation surrounding the refrigerant pipes is not damaged.

Inspect the Condensate Line

The water that is produced by the refrigerant in a central air conditioner during a standard cycle is distributed to a drain pan to prevent water damage and mold growth in your household. Drain pans are integrated to condensate lines that are directly beneath the evaporator coils. These pipes run to an outside wall and are designed to circulate moisture from the air conditioner to the outdoors.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the condensate lines to crack as they become older. Our staff of certified contractors will perform an inspection of the condensate pipes for cracks or holes at the beginning of the air conditioning tune-up appointment. If a pipe is not able to be repaired, we will install a new drain pipe to ensure your drain pan does not overflow.

Test the Safety Disconnect

The safety disconnect box that is integrated with your central air conditioner is engineered to monitor the breakers and fuses. The safety disconnect features a switch or controls that makes it possible to deactivate the air conditioning system. In addition, the disconnect box is designed to protect the wires that are integrated with an air conditioner from rain and moisture.

If you’re having problems with fuses or breakers, do not attempt to use the safety disconnect box. Call a certified technician on our team to perform an air conditioner tune-up. We will perform a variety of tests on the safety disconnect box to ensure it’s distributing electricity to the air conditioner. If the safety disconnect is broken or damaged, our staff will install a new safety disconnect box to your air conditioner.

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Lubricate the Blower Motor Fan

A central air conditioner features a blower motor fan that is designed to push air through the condenser coils to release heat. As the blower motor reaches the middle of its life cycle, the motor oil will start to disintegrate. Once the supply of oil in the blower motor becomes too low, the total amount of friction will increase between parts and components.

If your air conditioner is producing strange noises, the source of the problem may be a minimal supply of oil. Our staff of professional technicians will apply premium oil to the bearings on the high-speed blower motor fan. The oil will increase the efficiency of the blower fan and compressor. If you are having problems with your central air conditioner, give our staff a call by phone at (904) 217-5694 to receive assistance. We offer trustworthy air conditioning tune-up services in areas of Florida such as Fleming Island, Saint Augustine, Jacksonville, and Orange Park.

Assess the Motor Capacitors

The motor capacitors are engineered to accumulate energy and distribute it to the motor when a central air conditioner is activated and operating. The capacitors are circular shaped chambers on the interior of an air conditioning system. The two most common types of capacitors are start capacitors and run capacitors. If you are not able to start your air conditioner, this is a sign of a problem with the motor capacitors. Once our staff arrives at your household to perform an air conditioner tune-up, we will perform an inspection of the motor capacitors to confirm they are circulating electricity to the motor properly.

Additional Steps of an Air Conditioner Tune-Up

Inspect For Refrigerant Leaks
Analyze Airflow to the Evaporator Coils
Clean Dirt & Dust Off the Condenser & Evaporator Coils
Test the Blower Motor Fan & Belts
Eliminate Loose Connections
Assess the Condition of Electric Terminals

How Often Should an AC Tune-Up Be Performed?

In many cases, the best thing to do is get your HVAC systems checked out twice a year, before any big weather changes. We recommend hiring a professional to perform an AC tune-up or maintenance appointment prior to the Summer and Winter seasons to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

There are times where you may want to have an AC tune-up completed sooner, depending on your local climate. Your may be having air conditioner problems if the system isn’t cooling off your home evenly or removing enough of the humidity. If you notice unusual sounds or your air conditioner isn’t working well, you should contact an HVAC technician right away.

Getting a Professional Air Conditioner Tune-up

Before Fenwick Services begins with the actual air conditioning tune-up, we start by inspecting the machine to see what kind of work may need to be done. One of our technicians calibrates the thermostat, checks airflow, looks at the oil and air filters, inspects the electrical components, and reviews the blower components. Ultimately, our goal is to get the system operating as perfectly as possible.

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Types of Air Conditioner Noises & Issues

Squealing Noises

If the interior unit of your central air conditioning system is producing a squealing noise, this is an indicator of an impaired belt. Various types of air conditioners feature a belt that is designed to integrate the motor with the fan. As the belt reaches the end of its life cycle, it is not uncommon for the belt to become unbalanced.

Once the belt slips out of its proper position, you may begin to notice a squealing sound while your central air conditioning system is activated. This sound is caused by the enlargement or reduction of the fan belt due to a variation in temperature. Immediately deactivate the system and call a licensed HVAC technician in your area to perform an air conditioning tune-up.

Gurgling Sounds

Although it may be normal to notice various types of noises while your central air conditioner is activated, a gurgling sound is an indicator of a moisture issue. The source of this issue may be a clogged condensate drain line in your system. In other cases, this sound may be due to holes or cracks in your refrigerant lines.

Specialized tools, equipment, training, and skills are required to repair a refrigerant leak in your central air conditioning system. To avoid damage to the condenser coils, compressor, fan, or evaporator coils, do not attempt to perform an air conditioner tune-up without a certified technician. The staff at Fenwick Home Services offers fast, safe, and reliable air conditioning maintenance services to homes.
A knocking noise is usually a signal of a loose fan in the outdoor condensing unit. Once the fan becomes insecure, it may begin to hit and damage other areas of the air conditioner. This type of noise may also be caused by sticks, rocks, and leaves in the condensing unit. To avoid an expensive repair, walk to your thermostat to deactivate your central air conditioning system and call a licensed contractor to perform a tune-up.

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Ticking Sounds

Is your outdoor condensing system producing a ticking noise when it’s activated by the thermostat? If you’re not able to activate your air conditioner and you hear this noise, this is a signal of an electrical issue in your air conditioner. The source of the ticking sound may be a malfunctioning compressor, broken thermostat, or faulty capacitor. Please do not attempt to fix electrical issues without a professional. Give our team a call by phone at (904) 217-5694 to receive support for your air conditioner. Our team of skilled technicians provide affordable and thorough air conditioning tune-up services to homes in Florida.

Shrieking Noises

Loud shrieking noises may be caused by damaged motor bearings in the central air conditioning system. Unfortunately, the only way to eliminate this issue is to replace your fan. We suggest deactivating your air conditioner to prevent damage to internal parts and components. If it’s too hot outside to turn your system off, you can continue to use it for a short period of time. On the other hand, you should immediately book an air conditioning maintenance appointment to resolve the issue.

Get Your Air Conditioner Tune-up Today

When summertime hits, you should hire a licensed HVAC technician to perform an AC tune-up to ensure your system is in peak condition. You can’t afford to have a dirty or broken air conditioner stop working on a sweltering hot day.

At Fenwick Services, we can ensure everything in your air conditioning unit is functioning properly. Our team of licensed technicians also provides air conditioning repair and installation services in Jacksonville and other areas of Florida. If you have noticed your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it should be, our team can solve your cooling problems. To learn more about our AC tune-up options, give our experts a call by phone at 904-217-5694‬ to receive help.

Updates to the Regional HVAC Equipment Efficiency and Testing Standards

Effective January 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will update its efficiency and testing standards for residential and commercial HVAC equipment. All regulatory changes will differ by product type and region. Since the updated standards will result in price increases across all HVAC contractors, now is the time to buy the equipment you need for your home or business.

The minimum efficiency standards for residential and commercial air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured after January 1, 2023, will increase. This change will increase production efficiency and national energy savings while decreasing national energy consumption.

Northern U.S. & Canada

All split-system air conditioners, split-system heat pumps, and packaged units manufactured after January 1, 2023, must meet the updated standards. However, split-system air conditioners, split-system heat pumps, and packaged units manufactured before January 1, 2023, can be installed indefinitely. The efficiency rating for air conditioners will increase from 13 SEER to 15 SEER in these regions.

Southern U.S.

Split-system air conditioners manufactured before January 1, 2023, can’t be installed once the updated standards take effect. All installations of products that don’t meet the new standards must be completed by December 31, 2022. However, split-system heat pumps, single-packaged air conditioners, and single-packaged heat pumps manufactured after January 1, 2023, can be installed indefinitely. The efficiency rating for air conditioners will increase from 14 SEER to 15 SEER in both the Southwest and Southeast regions.

In addition to higher minimum efficiency standards, the M1 testing procedures used for residential and 3 to 5-ton light commercial, single-phase equipment manufactured on or after January 1, 2023, will increase. This change will produce more accurate SEER, EER, and HSPF efficiency ratings. Manufacturers will be required to re-test equipment using the new M1 Standard requirements as well as publish equipment efficiency ratings using the new efficiency metrics of SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2.

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How to Fix a Clogged Air Conditioner Drain Line

Clogged drain lines are a frequent cause of water damage in central air conditioning systems. Once a blockage begins to form in a drainage line, your drain pan will become full of water. To prevent damage to the internal hardware of your air conditioning system, we recommend checking your drain pan once a month to confirm if you have a clogged drain pipe.

The drain line connected to your central air conditioner is engineered to flush excess water that is produced by the evaporator of your system. As your air conditioner reaches the middle or end of its lifespan, the drain lines may become clogged with materials such as minerals and algae. The only way to prevent a clogged drain pipe is to hire a licensed contractor to perform an annual air conditioning tune-up. If you have a clogged drain line, follow the instructions below to restore the flow of water in your air conditioning system.

Deactivate the Air Conditioning System & Inspect the Outdoor Condenser Unit

The first step to eliminating a clogged drain line is to deactivate the central air conditioning system. Use your thermostat or circuit breaker panel to turn your air conditioner off. Next, perform an inspection of your drain pipes that are connected to the outdoor condenser unit.

Use a Brush or Vacuum to Eliminate Drain Line Blockages

Next, grab a firm long brush and insert it into the drain pipe. Move the brush in a circular motion to dismantle the blockage. If the blockage is located in an unreachable area of the pipe, your brush may not be effective. You may be required to use a wet and dry vacuum to eliminate excess minerals and algae from the drain pipe.

Once you have a vacuum, connect it to the end of your drainage pipe. You may need to use tape to secure the connection. Next, activate your vacuum to draw the materials out of the drain line. The vacuum should remain activated for 2 to 3 minutes to remove materials from the pipe. After you use the vacuum to fix your drainage pipes, walk inside your home to remove the excess water from your drain pan.

Remove Vent Tee Fitting & Insert Brush

Once you have eliminated obstructions in the drain lines outside, navigate to the inside of your house to eliminate blockages near the drain pan. First, find the vent tee fitting that integrated the drainage pipes to the drain pan. Remove the vent tee fitting and insert your brush into the drain pipe to loosen materials that are restricting the flow of water.

To confirm if the clog has been eliminated, grab a cup of washer and pour it into the drain pipe near your drainage pan. Next, walk to your air conditioner in your backyard to confirm if the water made it to the end of the drainage pipe. If you see water at the end of the drain pipe, you have successfully eliminated the blockage from your air conditioner. Are you having trouble locating the water you poured into the drain? There may be a blockage in your drain pipe that cannot be reached with your brush. Immediately call a licensed technician on our team by phone at (904) 217-5694 to receive assistance with clearing your drain pipe. We provide trustworthy and efficient air conditioning tune-up and maintenance services to residents in Jacksonville, Florida.

Call us at 904-217-5694 for fast, reliable emergency cooling services! Find a local HVAC technician from Fenwick Home Services today for affordable emergency services in your area!

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