Keep Your AC Running Smoothly Year After Year

A clogged filter reduces cooling efficiency and forces your compressor to work harder, wasting energy and shortening system life. We replace your air filter with a clean one rated for your blower and return-air ductwork. We also clean the indoor evaporator coil (where your AC removes humidity and heat from air passing through your home) and the outdoor condenser coil (where heat is rejected to the outside). Dirty coils restrict airflow and heat transfer, forcing longer run times and higher energy bills.

This cleaning step alone typically improves efficiency by 10–15%.

• Replace main return-air filter with new, properly-rated filter matching your furnace or air handler
• Clean indoor evaporator coil using appropriate cleaner to remove dust, mold, and algae without damaging fins
• Clean outdoor condenser coil using gentle water pressure or compressed air to remove dirt, leaves, and debris
• Check and clear condensate drain line pan of any algae or blockages that slow water drainage
• Inspect blower motor and fan blades for dust accumulation and clean as needed

Low refrigerant signals a leak—the system won’t cool properly and the compressor will overheat. We connect pressure gauges to the low-side and high-side service ports and record the readings. We compare these against manufacturer specifications for your system design and current outdoor temperature. Abnormal pressure readings tell us whether the refrigerant charge is correct, slightly low, or critically low. If low, we perform a detailed leak inspection before recommending a refrigerant top-off or system repair.

Correct refrigerant charge is essential—too little and cooling capacity drops; too much and the compressor risks damage.

• Connect refrigerant pressure gauges (low-side and high-side) to service ports and record baseline pressures
• Compare readings against manufacturer specifications adjusted for ambient temperature and system design
• Measure temperature at evaporator coil (indoor) and condenser (outdoor) to calculate superheat and subcooling
• If pressures are abnormal, perform electronic leak detection on accessible joints and tubing
• If low refrigerant is confirmed, recommend leak location and repair options before refrigerant top-off

Electrical failures are common reasons for AC breakdowns. We test the contactor (the electrical relay that engages the compressor), the run capacitor (which stores charge to start the fan and compressor), the thermostat control wiring, and all major electrical connections. Using a multimeter and capacitor tester, we verify that voltage is correct, capacitors are holding charge, and there are no loose connections. Corrosion or oxidation on electrical connections can prevent proper power flow and cause intermittent failures.

We tighten any loose connections and clean corrosion.

• Test contactor continuity and look for pitting or arcing on electrical contacts (sign of imminent failure)
• Test run capacitor with dedicated capacitor tester to verify it’s holding proper electrical charge
• Check all electrical connections at compressor terminals, contactor, and outdoor disconnect for corrosion or looseness
• Test thermostat control wiring (R, G, Y, W, etc.) for proper voltage signal and continuity
• Verify voltage supply at outdoor unit disconnect switch matches manufacturer specification
• Tighten any loose terminals or connections and apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion

A healthy compressor hums consistently and maintains proper discharge pressure; a failing compressor may overheat, cycle irregularly, or draw abnormally high amperage. We listen to the compressor during operation for unusual sounds (grinding, squealing, or irregular cycling), measure amperage draw (electrical current consumed), and monitor temperature at the compressor discharge line. A compressor running hot or drawing excess amps is showing early signs of wear and may need replacement soon.

This test helps predict failures before they happen.

• Listen to compressor during operation for normal hum versus unusual grinding, squealing, or rattling
• Measure electrical amperage draw on compressor startup and running load (should be within manufacturer specs)
• Feel compressor discharge line temperature during operation—should feel very warm but not burning-hot
• Verify compressor oil level through sight glass if equipped (older systems)
• Record all readings for comparison at next maintenance visit (trending helps predict future failures)