AC Tune-Up in Milpitas, CA

What does an AC tune-up include?

A tune-up has three parts: an inspection, cleaning and basic maintenance, and a performance test. Here is what the technician checks on a typical visit.

• Thermostat. Check that it is reading the room correctly and turning the system on and off as it should.
• Air filter. Check the filter and let you know if it needs replacing.
• Outdoor unit. Look for rust, corrosion and damage, and clear away leaves and debris.
• Coils. Inspect the coils and clean them as needed. Dirty coils make the system work harder.
• Electrical parts. Inspect wiring and parts like the capacitor and contactor, which help the system start and run.
• Refrigerant pressures. Check that pressures look right. Low refrigerant can point to a leak.
• Condensate drain. Make sure the drain line that carries water away from the indoor unit is clear.
• Fan and blower. Check the motors and moving parts for wear and noise.
• Performance test. Run the system and check that it is cooling properly before we leave.

If the technician finds a problem, they explain it and give you the price before any repair. You decide whether to go ahead.

How often should I get an AC tune-up?

Once a year is right for most air conditioners. We recommend booking in spring so the system is ready before the hot weather starts. As systems get older and less efficient, a second visit each year can help. If you have a heat pump, it works in both summer and winter, so ask about servicing it before each season.

Why does a yearly tune-up matter?

Like a car, an air conditioner has moving parts that wear out and surfaces that collect dirt. Regular care helps in a few ways:

• It keeps the system running efficiently, which helps keep energy use in check.
• It finds worn parts early, so you can fix them on your schedule instead of on a hot afternoon.
• It helps the system last longer.
• It keeps cooling steady and even.

Even newer systems benefit from a yearly visit, and older systems need it more.

How much does an AC tune-up cost?

AC maintenance is $135. If you’d rather not keep track of it, our Comfort Club includes your yearly visit. The Single System plan covers one AC for $9.95/month or $115/year. The Full plan covers two visits a year, for heating and cooling or a heat pump system, for $18.95/month or $225/year. Members also get priority service and 15% off repairs, and the diagnostic is $49 for Comfort Club members.

Option	Price	What you get
One-time AC tune-up	$135	One AC maintenance visit
Comfort Club Single System	$9.95/month or $115/year	1 visit a year for one AC or one furnace, plus member benefits
Comfort Club Full	$18.95/month or $225/year	2 visits a year for heating and cooling or a heat pump system, plus member benefits

What if my indoor coil needs a deep cleaning?

Sometimes a tune-up shows that the evaporator coil is heavily dirty. That’s the indoor coil, above or beside the furnace or air handler, that cools the air as it passes through. Dust that gets past the filter builds up on it over time, which blocks airflow and makes the AC work harder. A light cleaning is part of the tune-up. A heavily coated coil needs a separate deep cleaning.

Evaporator coil cleaning is from $320. The technician confirms the price after looking at your coil, before any work starts, and you decide whether to go ahead. Changing your filter every 1 to 3 months is the best way to keep the coil clean.

What can I do between tune-ups?

• Replace the air filter every 1 to 3 months.
• Keep about 2 feet clear around the outdoor unit, free of plants, leaves and stored items.
• Don’t close vents in unused rooms. It can upset the airflow the system was designed for.
• Call us if you notice warm air, new noises or water near the indoor unit. See AC repair for common causes.

I highly recommend Upgrade Home Services. Victor is fair, knowledgable, affordable, and provides very professional customer support.

Dawn S., Google review

Who services air conditioners near me?

Upgrade Home Services is a family-owned company based at 743 Ames Ave in Milpitas, licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB #1066776) and serving homeowners since 2002. We service every major brand, including Amana, Carrier, Payne, Goodman, Daikin and Mitsubishi, in 22 cities across Santa Clara, San Mateo and southern Alameda counties, including Milpitas, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Fremont.