What a real spring tune-up covers
An honest tune-up is a 60-90 minute service visit that puts numbers on every key system. A 15-minute "tune-up" that consists of swapping the filter and waving a thermometer isn't a tune-up. Here's what we actually do on every ACExperts spring visit.
- Refrigerant pressure measurement (suction + liquid) compared against manufacturer charging chart for the actual outdoor temperature
- Subcooling and superheat calculations to verify refrigerant charge is correct (not just present)
- Capacitor microfarad reading vs. nameplate spec — capacitors that have lost more than 10% of their rating get flagged for replacement before they fail at peak load
- Contactor inspection for pitting, burned contacts, and mechanical wear
- Electrical tightness check on every accessible terminal — vibration backs out terminals over time, especially on outdoor units
- Indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condenser coil cleaning (chemical wash on outdoor units in coastal-exposed homes)
- Condensate drain clearing with biocide treatment to prevent biofilm buildup over summer
- Float switch / overflow safety verification
- Blower motor amp draw check vs. nameplate; bearing condition for older PSC motors
- Static pressure measurement to identify duct restriction or filter strangulation
- Thermostat calibration verification, scheduling review, and humidity-aware setpoint discussion
- Temperature split measurement on cool mode (spec is typically 18-22°F across the indoor coil)
- Salt-air corrosion inspection on outdoor units for coastal homes (Daphne bayfront, Fairhope, Magnolia Springs, Lillian, Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach)
- Written service report with measurements, photos of any concerns, and prioritized recommendations
Things you can do before we arrive
- Replace the air filter if it's been more than 60 days. We bring filters but a fresh one helps any pre-visit measurements be more accurate.
- Clear vegetation back at least 18 inches from the outdoor condenser. Shrubs that have grown into the coil over winter restrict airflow and accelerate corrosion.
- Run the system on cool mode for 10 minutes before our arrival so we measure operating conditions, not stagnant ones.
- Note any unusual sounds, smells, or comfort complaints from the previous season. Specifics like "upstairs always 4 degrees warmer" or "musty smell when the fan first kicks on" guide diagnostics.
- Make sure we can access the indoor air handler — clear pathway through the attic or closet, ladder if needed.
FAQs
- When should I schedule my spring AC tune-up in Baldwin County?
- Aim for late February through early April. Cooling season starts hard in May and accelerates fast — getting the tune-up before peak demand means the system is verified before it's stressed, and HVAC schedules across the county aren't yet at summer-rush capacity. Comfort Plan members get automatic seasonal reminders.
- How long does a spring tune-up take?
- 60-90 minutes for a typical residential split-system. Coastal-exposed homes (Daphne bayfront, Fairhope Fruit & Nut District, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, Lillian) take slightly longer because we add a corrosion inspection and condenser coil wash to the standard checklist.
- What does a tune-up actually cost?
- ACExperts Comfort Plan members pay an annual membership that covers two visits per year (spring + fall) at a discounted rate vs. paying per-visit. Non-members can schedule a single tune-up à la carte. Either way, it's a fraction of the cost of one major repair the tune-up tends to prevent.
- Do tune-ups actually save money?
- For most Baldwin County homes — yes. Most major summer breakdowns we see (capacitor failures, frozen coils, refrigerant issues, blower motor seizures) were catchable at a tune-up. Add the efficiency loss from dirty coils and a system running on weak refrigerant charge — typically 8-15% on the utility bill — and the math favors the tune-up clearly.
Lock in spring scheduling before the rush
Spring slots fill fast — by late April, schedules across Baldwin County tighten and we move into reactive emergency response. Comfort Plan members get automatic priority routing.