Our AC maintenance visit covers refrigerant charge verification, both coils, the condensate system, electrical testing under load, airflow, and a temperature split measurement that confirms the system is actually performing rather than merely running.
Refrigerant Charge, Measured
Charge is verified against the manufacturer’s specification using pressures and temperatures — not estimated by feel or by how cold the air seems.
This matters because refrigerant is not consumed. A system that is low has a leak, and running low means the compressor operates hot and inadequately lubricated. It is the leading cause of premature compressor failure.
If we find low charge, we tell you there is a leak rather than simply topping it off. Adding refrigerant without finding the source is a delay you pay for twice.
Both Coils
The condenser coil outside gets cleaned. Packed with cottonwood, grass clippings, and Hill Country dust, it cannot reject heat, so the compressor works against elevated head pressure every hour of a seven-month season.
The evaporator coil indoors gets inspected and cleaned as needed. It matters for performance and for indoor air quality — the coil sits wet whenever the system cools, and a dust-coated coil becomes a growth site feeding directly into your supply air.
The Condensate System
Your system removes gallons of water a day in this climate, through a small drain line that reliably clogs with biological growth.
We clear and treat the line, clean the drain pan, and test the float switch. This is a five-minute item that prevents either a mid-August shutdown or water coming through your ceiling — and since air handlers here are often in attics above finished space, that second outcome is expensive.
Electrical Testing Under Load
Capacitors are measured, not inspected. A capacitor cannot be evaluated by looking at it, and one reading below specification is a few dollars to replace now and a compressor failure to ignore.
We also check contactors for pitting, measure amp draw on the compressor and both motors against nameplate ratings, and inspect wiring and connections. A motor pulling high amps is failing before it sounds like it.
Airflow and Static Pressure
We check the blower wheel — dust accumulates on the blades and progressively cuts output while the motor itself is fine — and measure static pressure across the system.
High static pressure points at ductwork rather than equipment. That distinction is useful, because it tells you whether your comfort complaint is something a tune-up can fix or whether duct sealing is the real answer.
We also check filter fit, not just condition. A filter that is the right rating but the wrong size lets air bypass entirely, which is worse than a cheap filter installed properly. Options are on our air filters page.
Temperature Split
We measure the temperature difference between return and supply air and compare it against specification.
This is the performance check. A system outside its expected split has a charge, airflow, or capacity problem — and it is the number that distinguishes a system that is running from a system that is working.
Controls
Thermostat operation and staging are verified, and we review the schedule with you. A program set two years ago rarely still matches how the household lives, and in a Texas summer aggressive setbacks can cost more than they save.
What You Get Afterward
A written summary of readings and findings, with anything needing attention separated into what matters now and what is worth watching.
We also flag warranty status, since most manufacturers require documented annual maintenance to keep coverage valid.
When to Schedule
Spring, before the first sustained heat. Finding a weak capacitor in March costs a small part; finding it in August costs a compressor and a wait behind everyone else calling at once.
Our Care Club maintenance plan handles the scheduling and adds priority dispatch. Details are on our AC maintenance page.
Contact 72 Degrees or call (830) 468-5316.
