Short answer
A proper spring AC tune-up includes cleaning the outdoor coil, testing the capacitor and contactor, checking refrigerant readings and temperature split, clearing the condensate drain and checking the blower and filter. In the Las Vegas Valley, schedule it in March or April.
Rather have a licensed tech look at it?
Call (702) 602-9362What the technician should do
Ask for these items and the recorded readings.
- Clean the condenser coil
- Test capacitor microfarads and contactor condition
- Measure refrigerant pressures, superheat or subcooling
- Measure temperature split across the indoor coil
- Flush the condensate drain and test the float switch
- Check blower, filter and thermostat operation
What you can do
Between visits, a few habits help.
- Change filters every 1–3 months in summer
- Keep 2 feet of clearance around the condenser
- Rinse the coil gently after dust storms (power off)
- Pour vinegar in the condensate cleanout monthly
Why timing matters
Weak capacitors often fail on the first long hot stretch. A tune-up before then catches the part while replacement is quick and scheduling is easy.
Questions
How long does an AC tune-up take?
Usually about an hour to an hour and a half per system, longer if the coil needs a chemical cleaning.
Can a tune-up lower my power bill?
Cleaning a dirty coil and correcting airflow or refrigerant charge can improve efficiency, especially on systems that haven't been serviced in years.
This guide is general information for Nevada homeowners. For anything involving gas, refrigerant or electrical parts, use a licensed HVAC contractor.