AC Maintenance Service

HVAC services >> Air conditioners >> Maintenance

Air conditioner maintenance & tune-ups

We provide full-service central air maintenance for home and light commercial cooling systems (no chillers) throughout Waukesha County and the Milwaukee metro region.

Our technicians are pet-friendly, on-time and work clean. You’ll always get a plain-language explanation of the work and full cost ahead of time. We give 30-minute appointment windows to minimize disruption to your schedule.

Prompt Heating & Air Conditioning offers an HVAC service plan which includes seasonal maintenance and discounts. We offer repairs and replacements to all major AC brands ensuring you stay cool this Wisconsin summer.

On this page:

• How often
• What's included
• How long it takes
• When it's worth it
• AC tune-up FAQ

Request a free quote

 

How often air conditioners need maintenance

Ideally your air conditioner housing, coils, vents, fins and ducts get cleaned once at the beginning and again at the end of the season.

Pre-season tune-ups

Most people get their AC tuned up once a year in the spring so it's ready to go when summer arrives.

End-of-season tune-ups

It’s also a good idea to do some end-of-season maintenance on your outdoor AC unit. Also known as ‘winterizing,’ the basic maintenance done in autumn helps keep your air conditioner in better shape for longer.

End-of-season AC unit tips:

• Remove any debris on or around your AC (grass clippings, weeds, leaves, bugs, dirt, etc)
• Clean or replace the filter
• Inspect and clean the evaporator coils
• Examine the coil fins for damage
• Test for any refrigerant leaks that may have developed over the summer (better taken care of sooner than later)
• Inspect electronic connections; tighten or repair if needed
• Clean and lubricate the motor unit if needed

It’s also a good idea to cover your outdoor AC unit before winter arrives. Outdoor units are designed to withstand severe weather, but it never hurts to provide added protection. If water gets on the condenser coils and freezes it can cause damage.

Whether or not you choose to cover your air conditioner, it’s best to clear snow and ice buildup from on top, and monitor for rodent hibernation.

What your AC tune-up includes

A technician will thoroughly inspect and evaluate your air conditioner and cooling system.

During your AC tune-up we’ll:

• Assess the overall condition
• Check refrigerant levels & pressure
• Look for any leaks
• Examine all electrical parts & connections
• Observe operation of blower motor & belt
• Clean blower components if needed
• Measure airflow
• Measure air temperature at supply & return
• Check air filters
• Test startup function
• Examine & clean condenser/evaporator coils
• Tighten or lubricate mechanical parts if necessary

Don’t wait for a heatwave to test your air conditioner – call Prompt Heating & Air Conditioning to book preventive maintenance and stay cool all summer long.

How long A/C tune ups take

It depends on the state of your air conditioner and what we find during the inspection, but generally around an hour. If repairs, replacement parts or refilling refrigerant is needed it could take longer.

AC tune-ups are worth it... when done right

AC tune-ups aren’t worth it when the technician sent to your home doesn’t know what s/he’s doing, starts with a sales pitch, uses fear tactics, or otherwise wastes your time. Unfortunately this happens all too often, leaving homeowners with the impression AC tune-ups aren’t necessary.

AC tune-ups are more than worth it when you choose a company looking to extend the life of your current unit and earn your trust. We have dozens of positive reviews from clients in the Milwaukee area who appreciate our straightforward approach and fair pricing.

Like all machines, air conditioners have many different parts that require regular maintenance to run efficiently. Depending on the brand, you may be required to get a yearly AC tune-up to comply with the manufacturer's warranty program.

When done properly, AC tune-ups can also help prevent equipment failure, boost efficiency and give you worry-free home cooling all summer.

Call now: 414-534-1619 Contact us online

AC maintenance FAQ

What happens if you skip AC maintenance?

Skipping the yearly tune-up means a steady decline in performance and a steady rise in energy consumption.

More dust and dirt builds up in the filters, which means the air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home. So you'll probably have higher energy bills, it can get noisier, and parts can wear out faster.

Skipping the annual tune-up also gives minor issues a chance to become bigger, more expensive problems to fix later. Over time, if AC maintenance is neglected, the unit will have a shorter lifespan.

Can I use a pressure washer on my air conditioner?

This is a bad idea. Power washers spray much harder than a garden hose spray setting and can damage the coil.

Should outdoor AC units be kept in the shade?

Outdoor central air conditioners are built to operate in extreme weather, so there’s no need for shade. In fact, plants and shrubs too close to your AC unit can restrict airflow, making things worse. If you’re planning yard work or landscaping updates, it’s a better idea to increase the amount of shade on your home itself. This will help keep it cooler indoors so your AC doesn’t have to work as hard.

How do I know if my evaporator coil is dirty?

The main sign is poor airflow. If your system is blowing cold but not blowing strong enough, it could be a dirty evaporator coil reducing air pressure.

Can I move my outdoor air conditioner myself?

It’s better to call a professional for help. Reason being, relocating an outdoor AC unit involves pumping out refrigerant from the system before moving it, and reconnect the lines/refill refrigerant once it’s in the new position. EPA regulations require a certified technician to handle refrigerant.

A qualified HVAC contractor will also consider things like:

• Making sure the unit isn’t on an incline that works against refrigerant circulation
• Taking care the refrigerant lines do not have severe angles (which leads to leaks)
• Lines may need to be replaced or extended depending on how far you need it moved

If you need help relocating one or multiple outdoor air conditioners, give us a call and we’ll make sure it gets done correctly the first time.

What AC brands do you service?

We service all major brands of residential and light commercial air conditioners, including (but not limited to):

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

 

Contact Prompt online with questions or to book AC maintenance today.