Cost of an AC Tune-Up in Michigan

After installing a new air conditioner in your Michigan home, the best way to prolong its lifespan while maximizing efficiency is with annual AC maintenance. Just like your car needs regular oil changes, so too does your AC need a tune-up for better “mileage.”

That said, not all tune-ups are created equal, so it’s important to review what’s included in a particular offer. That way you can make sure you’re getting the best value possible, while having peace of mind that your AC is in trustworthy hands.

To further explain, let’s explore what goes into the cost of an AC tune-up in Michigan:

• How extensive the AC tune-up checklist is
• If you have more than one AC unit
• Whether your AC needs repairs
• If you have a maintenance Plan
• The HVAC company you hire

Give Thornton & Grooms a call at (248) 644-7810 to schedule a high-efficiency AC tune-up today. Our 19-point checklist includes a comprehensive inspection, cleaning, testing, and lubrication of key AC parts and components, all designed to help you save money on energy bills and avoid costly repairs and replacements.

An AC tune-up typically includes a set of points that an HVAC technician will check and inspect during the visit. In general, the more points included in the tune-up, the better quality service you’ll receive, and the more it will cost.

Energy Star has a recommended AC maintenance checklist, with points like:

• Checking thermostat settings
• Tightening all electrical connections and testing voltage
• Lubricating moving parts
• Inspecting the condensate drain
• Checking system controls for safe operation
• Cleaning the evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils
• Checking refrigerant levels
• Cleaning and adjusting blower components

At Thornton & Grooms, we take it a step further with examinations and testing of items like:

• Inspecting air filters
• Monitoring humidity
• Checking all electrical components
• Testing amperage draw on motors
• Testing and adjusting airflow
• Measuring temperature differentials
• And more…

The goal is to provide maximum value for the service. Any honest HVAC company will be transparent about what’s included in their tune-up checklist, so always make sure to ask.

If you have a larger home, a single AC unit may be too small to fulfill your cooling needs. As a result, you might have installed two units. Having two different air conditioners helps keep the entire home cool and gives you increased temperature control. However, this also increases your maintenance costs, as most HVAC companies charge an additional fee for additional units inspected.

Although it may be frustrating to pay more for additional units, remember that maintenance is all about protecting your HVAC investment. By taking good care of your equipment, you’ll ultimately save money on AC bills and major repairs, as maintenance helps you catch small problems before they snowball. You’ll also enjoy benefits like improved cooling comfort and better indoor air quality, not to mention peace of mind that your AC system is being looked at regularly.

Ideally, your AC tune-up will reveal that your system is in prime condition. In some cases, though, the technician might detect a problem. Unless your air conditioner is very old or was installed incorrectly, they should be able to fix the problem for a nominal cost. Things like air filter changes, coil cleanings, and re-upping on refrigerant will typically cost a few hundred dollars at most. However, if you need severe repairs or a major part replacement, your repair costs can increase to the thousands,especially if your warranties have expired.

Most manufacturers offer 5 to 10-year warranties on individual parts, with the condition that you get yearly check-ups. So, if you need a small replacement part and your manufacturer’s parts warranty is still valid, your only out-of-pocket costs will be time and labor (most installation labor warranties average about a year, unless you’ve purchased an extended warranty).

However, if your parts and labor warranties have expired, you’ll be on the hook for any AC repairs needed. This can become problematic for scenarios in which a major component, such as the compressor, has malfunctioned. In these cases, we default to the 50% rule. If the cost to replace a major part is more than 50% of the cost of a system replacement, you’re better off investing in a new AC altogether.

This is yet another reason to invest in regular AC tune-ups, as frequent maintenance will help you avoid major breakdowns and repair costs. Furthermore, many HVAC companies offer maintenance plans that come with annual check-ups and discounts on repairs and replacement parts.

To keep your HVAC system in good condition, it's recommended to get annual maintenance checks. While you can fulfill this need through singular tune-ups, joining a maintenance plan is usually more cost-effective. At Thornton & Grooms, our Home Care Club includes heating and cooling checkups, along with plumbing and drain services. For less than $13/month, members gain access to the following benefits:

• AC, furnace, and plumbing system safety & operation checks
• Drain system checks
• Up to 50% discounts on certain repairs, products, and services
• Members-only specials
• 2-year warranties on labor and parts for all services
• And more!

Ultimately, our maintenance plan is designed to reduce your long-term costs, improve your unit's efficiency and help ensure you're cool and comfortable all year round.

We can't be beaten when it comes to cost-saving, effective AC tune-ups and maintenance plans. Enjoy lower energy bills and peace of mind this summer knowing your AC is in top-notch condition. Call us at (248) 644-7810 or schedule your tune-up online today!