When your air conditioner is running smoothly, it’s easy to forget it’s even there. But when the heat kicks in, and something isn’t right, you may start wondering if you can handle the maintenance yourself. You might feel tempted to grab a few tools, pop open the appliance, and try fixing things on your own. But an AC tune-up is not a DIY project.
Air conditioners are complicated, and trying to handle repairs or major maintenance without the right training can lead to bigger problems or even safety hazards. At Honest Air Conditioning in Mesa, AZ, we’ve seen plenty of well-meaning homeowners turn a small issue into an expensive repair.
What You Can Do Yourself to Keep Your AC Running Smoothly
There are a few simple things you can do to help your AC run better. These are easy steps you can fit into your normal routine.
The first, and probably most important, is changing your air filter. That little filter stops dust, dirt, and pet hair from getting into your system and clogging things up. When it’s clean, air moves through your AC easily, and your house cools off faster. But when it’s dirty, everything has to work harder, and you might notice weaker airflow or slower cooling.
Checking your filter once a month is a good habit. Some homes only need a new filter every few months, but if you have furry pets, or someone in the house has allergies, you might need to swap it out more often. It’s a quick job —just slide the old one out, and pop the new one in.
Another easy task is keeping the outdoor unit clear. If you have a central AC system, the big metal box outside your house needs space to breathe. Leaves, dirt, and grass clippings can build up around it, making it harder for the system to cool properly. All you need to do is check it now and then, especially after storms or when you mow the lawn. If you see debris, clear it away. Giving the unit about 2 feet of open space on all sides to help it work better and prevent overheating.
Why Professional Maintenance Is Necessary
Even if you’re good about changing your filter and keeping the outdoor unit clean, there’s still a lot happening inside your cooling system that you can’t see. That’s where professional maintenance comes in. You wouldn’t skip oil changes for your car just because you keep it clean, right? It’s the same idea with your air conditioner.
A professional tune-up involves more than just wiping things down. Wires, coils, motors, and refrigerant levels all need to be checked and adjusted. If something is even a little off, it can cause your system to run poorly or even stop working altogether. You can’t see those problems just by looking at your thermostat, and you might not notice the warning signs until it’s too late.
During a tune-up, a trained technician knows exactly what to look for. They can spot a worn-out belt before it snaps or catch a refrigerant leak before it damages your compressor. A simple fix during a maintenance visit could save you from needing a costly repair or a premature replacement.
Safety is another reason to schedule professional maintenance. Air conditioners use high-voltage electricity and chemical refrigerants, so trying to fix something yourself could put you at risk of electric shock. That’s not worth the gamble. Professionals have the right tools and training to handle these systems safely.
What Happens During a Professional AC Tune-Up
A maintenance visit is not just a quick once-over. A good tune-up is a full checkup for your air conditioner, making sure every part is working as it should.
One important part of the visit is cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils. These coils help cool the air in your home. Over time, they become covered in dust and grime, which make it harder for your AC to do its job. Cleaning the coils helps your system cool faster and use less energy.
The technician will also check your refrigerant levels. Too little refrigerant means your system won’t cool properly. Too much can be just as bad, causing pressure issues inside the air conditioner. Getting those levels right is something only a trained professional has the skill to handle.
The technician will check and tighten loose wires that could cause your AC to short cycle or not turn on at all. Small issues like this are easy to miss but can cause big headaches if neglected. The technician will also inspect the blower motor and fan to make sure the air is moving as it should.
They’ll test the thermostat, too. Sometimes, your system is fine, but the thermostat is giving the wrong reading. Calibrating it makes sure the temperature you set is what you get.
How Skipping Maintenance Can Cost You Later
It’s easy to put off maintenance when everything seems to be working fine. But with air conditioners, problems often start small. You won’t always know something is wrong until your system suddenly stops cooling on the hottest day of the year.
Neglecting maintenance can cause your energy bills to creep up slowly. When parts get dirty or worn out, your AC has to work harder to cool your home. That means it will run longer and use more electricity. You might not notice it right away, but over time, you’ll be paying more for less comfort.
Parts also wear out faster without regular care. A motor that’s straining to push air through a clogged filter will burn out sooner. A coil covered in dirt is more likely to freeze up and damage other components. Repairs that could have been avoided with a simple tune-up end up costing you hundreds — or even thousands — later.
When to Call a Professional
There are some clear signs that you need more than just a filter change. If your AC is blowing warm air, making strange noises, or turning on and off constantly, it’s time to call a professional.
If you see ice building up on the outdoor unit or notice water pooling around your system, those are also red flags. Refrigerant leaks clogged drain lines, and electrical issues aren’t things you can safely handle yourself.
Even if everything seems fine, scheduling professional maintenance once a year is the best way to keep your system running like it should. Spring is a great time to do it before the summer heat pushes your AC into overdrive. That way, you’ll know your system is ready to keep you cool all season long.
Call Us Today
When it comes to AC maintenance, you can replace filters, clear debris around your outdoor unit, and monitor your system’s performance. But for deeper maintenance, it’s always safer and smarter to let an expert handle it.
Professional tune-ups catch small problems before they turn into big repairs and help your system last longer. If your air conditioner in Mesa is due for maintenance, or you just want peace of mind before the heat hits, schedule professional AC service with Honest Air Conditioning today.