Why yearly AC maintenance matters
An AC works hardest in late summer and early fall, which is exactly when a worn capacitor, a clogged drain line or a dirty coil turns into a breakdown. A maintenance visit before the hot months checks those parts while the system is still running fine, so small problems get fixed on your schedule instead of during a heat wave. What regular maintenance does for you:
- Fewer surprise breakdowns. Weak electrical parts and partly clogged drains usually show warning signs on a test before they fail.
- Steadier efficiency. A clean coil and the right airflow let the system cool the house with less effort, which shows on the SDG&E bill.
- A longer life. A system that is not straining against dirt and restricted airflow wears out more slowly.
- Records you can show. Some manufacturer warranties expect regular professional maintenance, so keep the paperwork from every visit.
What a maintenance visit generally covers
Every company's checklist is a little different. A thorough AC tune-up generally covers three areas:
The outdoor unit
- Inspecting and cleaning the condenser coil, and clearing leaves and debris around the unit.
- Testing the capacitor and contactor, the parts that most often fail on hot days.
- Checking the fan motor and blade, and tightening electrical connections.
- Checking refrigerant pressures and temperatures for signs of a leak or an incorrect charge.
The indoor unit
- Checking and replacing or cleaning the air filter.
- Inspecting the evaporator coil and the blower for dust buildup.
- Clearing the condensate drain line and pan, and testing the float switch if there is one.
- Measuring the temperature drop across the coil to confirm the system is cooling properly.
The controls
- Checking the thermostat settings and that the system starts, runs and shuts off the way it should.
- Testing the safety controls, and noting anything that should be watched or fixed before next summer.
When to schedule maintenance in San Diego
Spring is the best time for AC maintenance, before the first real heat. Homes in East Chula Vista and Poway, which run the AC hard through late summer and fall heat waves, get the most out of a spring check. Coastal homes in Del Mar and La Jolla may cool less, but salt air corrodes outdoor coils and electrical parts, so a yearly visit still matters there. If you have a heat pump, it runs in summer and winter, so plan a check in spring and again in fall. A gas furnace gets its check in the fall, before the first cold night.
Free first year of maintenance with a new AC
Every new AC system from us comes with your pick of a free smart thermostat or a free first year of maintenance. New systems also come with a 10-year parts and 10-year labor warranty. If you choose the maintenance, the details come with your quote.
A new system still benefits from a first-year check. Filters load up fast in a home that just had work done, drain lines can collect debris, and a visit after the first full season confirms the system is still running the way it did on installation day. See AC installation and replacement for the full picture.
What you can do between visits
- Check the filter monthly in summer and replace it when it looks dirty, often every one to three months.
- Keep about two feet clear around the outdoor unit, and trim back plants and vines.
- Rinse the outdoor coil gently with a garden hose a couple of times a year, with the power off. Never use a pressure washer, which bends the fins.
- Keep supply and return vents open and unblocked by furniture or rugs.
- Watch the drain line outlet while the AC runs. A steady drip outside is normal; water inside is not.
Signs your AC needs service now
Do not wait for a scheduled tune-up if the system is warm, iced over, leaking water, short cycling or making new noises. Those are repair calls. See AC repair, or call or text (619) 765-9611.
AC maintenance from Eastlake to La Jolla
We handle AC maintenance in Chula Vista (including Eastlake, Otay Ranch and Rolling Hills Ranch), Poway, Del Mar and La Jolla.