Many car owners register the “yeah, yeah, yeah” factor when they’re reminded to get their oil and filter changed at least every 5,000 miles, if not before.

Yes, they recognize that their car runs more smoothly and efficiently after a tune-up and requires fewer trips to the gas pump. But it’s tempting to delay this important “pit stop,” either to save time or a little money.

Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning has noticed that many homeowners respond with the same half-hearted enthusiasm when they’re reminded to schedule their annual air conditioner tune-up – perhaps because they’re uncertain about the benefits.

So let Charlie’s echo the advice of the U.S. Department of Energy: next to regularly changing the filter, a yearly air conditioner tune-up is one of the best ways to enhance the your air conditioning efficiency.

Just as you put miles on your car, you put “miles” on your central air conditioner, too. It’s relatively short expected lifespan – between 10 and 15 years – reflects the fact that it is one highly complex piece of machinery that depends on regular maintenance and cleaning. Simply put, a dirty air conditioner runs longer. And the longer it runs, the more it costs you to operate.

Cleaning your air conditioner – including the evaporator, condenser coils and blower components – is central to a tuneup. Charlie’s follows the department of energy’s other recommendations, too, and:

• Checks the thermostat settings and controls
• Tightens the electrical connections and measure the voltage and current on the motors
• Lubricates all moving parts
• Checks the condensate drain

An annual tuneup also allows Charlie’s to:
• Add more refrigerant and check for wasteful leaks
• Fix any minor electrical or drainage problems before they balloon into bigger problems
• Protect your air conditioner from catastrophic breakdowns

Benefits like these should dispel any indifference – and maybe even convert it into genuine determination that you shouldn’t delay your annual air conditioner tuneup by even one more day. After your service, your system will be factory fresh. Call Charlie’s and watch us respond with the speed and precision that can rival any pit crew.