If you’ve booked an AC tune-up but aren’t sure what the technician is actually going to do, you’re not alone. Understanding what an AC tune-up includes helps you know you’re getting a thorough job — and helps you ask the right questions if something comes up during the visit.
Here’s a practical breakdown of what a professional AC maintenance service in Edmonton covers.
Coil Cleaning
Your AC system has two sets of coils: the evaporator coil (inside, in the air handler) and the condenser coil (outside, in the unit on the pad or wall bracket). Both collect dust, dirt, and debris over time, which reduces their ability to transfer heat efficiently.
Cleaning both coils is one of the most impactful parts of an AC tune-up. Clean coils allow the refrigerant to absorb and release heat properly, which directly affects how well your system cools your home and how much energy it uses.
Refrigerant Level Check
Refrigerant is the substance that actually carries heat out of your home. If levels are low — usually due to a slow leak — your system can’t cool effectively and the compressor works harder to compensate. A technician will check refrigerant pressure and advise if levels need to be topped up or if a leak needs to be addressed.
Electrical Inspection and Tightening
Vibration over years of operation can loosen electrical connections inside both the indoor and outdoor units. Loose connections cause arcing, which generates heat and can damage components or create a fire risk. The technician will inspect and tighten all connections and check for signs of wear on wiring and terminals.
Capacitor and Contactor Check
Capacitors are small components that help start and run the fan and compressor motors. They’re one of the most commonly replaced AC parts — they degrade over time and can fail without much warning. A technician will test capacitors and contactors during a tune-up and flag any that are showing signs of age.
Condensate Drain Inspection
As your AC cools the air, it removes moisture — and that moisture drains away through the condensate line. Over time, algae and mould can grow in the drain line and cause blockages, which can lead to water backing up into your home. The technician will inspect and flush the drain to keep it clear.
Air Filter Check
A clogged filter restricts airflow across the evaporator coil, reducing efficiency and potentially causing the coil to ice over. If your filter is due for replacement, this is done as part of the tune-up.
Fan Motor and Blower Inspection
Both the outdoor condenser fan and the indoor blower motor are inspected for wear and proper operation. The technician will lubricate bearings where applicable and check that both are running at the correct speed and without unusual vibration or noise.
System Test
The tune-up ends with a full system test — confirming the AC cycles on and off correctly, reaches the target temperature efficiently, and all components are operating within normal parameters. Any concerns are discussed with you before the technician leaves.
How Long Does It Take?
For most Edmonton homes, an AC tune-up takes 1 to 2 hours. Combining it with a furnace and duct cleaning in spring is a time-efficient way to get your full HVAC system serviced in one visit.
Get a free quote for AC maintenance in Edmonton or call us at (780) 670-0400.
