What a tune-up includes
A proper cooling tune-up takes 45 minutes to an hour. The tech should:
- Test the capacitor with a meter and compare the reading with its rated value
- Check refrigerant pressures and the temperature drop across the indoor coil
- Rinse the outdoor coil and clear leaves and pine straw out of the unit
- Flush the condensate drain line and test the float switch
- Tighten electrical connections and inspect the contactor
- Check the filter and look at the blower wheel
A heating tune-up adds a check of the backup heat strips on a heat pump. On a gas furnace it adds a burner, flame sensor and heat exchanger inspection and a carbon monoxide test.
If the visit takes ten minutes and ends with a pitch for a new system, ask the tech which readings they took and what they were.
Why spring matters in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill sits under a heavy canopy of pines and oaks. Pollen in April and needles and leaves in the fall pile into outdoor units and clog coils, and humid summers grow algae inside condensate lines. When an attic unit leaks through a ceiling, a clogged condensate line is the usual cause.
Typical costs
A single tune-up runs $89 to $179. Many technicians sell a yearly plan for $150 to $300 that covers a spring and a fall visit and adds priority scheduling and a discount on repairs. A heat pump runs in both seasons, so on a heat pump the two-visit plan is usually the better deal.
Questions
How often should I change my filter?
Check it every month. A 1-inch filter usually needs replacing every one to three months in Chapel Hill, sooner in pollen season or with pets. A 4-inch media filter lasts six months to a year.
Does maintenance affect my warranty?
Many manufacturer warranties require proof of regular professional maintenance. Keep the receipts from every visit.