ZANTECH
Air Conditioning Services
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The Technician Checklist

What's Included In Every Tune-Up

Every scheduled visit — residential or commercial — follows the same professional, 18–24 point checklist across six systems. Here's exactly what your technician checks, tests, and services every time, so you always know what you're paying for.

1. Coils Inspection & Cleaning

  • Condenser coil cleaning (outdoor unit) — rinsing out dirt, lawn debris & sand buildup with water and coil cleaner so heat dissipates properly.
  • Evaporator coil inspection (indoor unit) — checking for dust mats, biological/mold growth, or airflow blockages.
  • Fin straightening & inspection — checking aluminum fins for damage and combing bent fins back into place for optimal airflow.

2. Drain Line & Condensate Management

  • Drain line flush — clearing the primary condensate line using nitrogen, a wet/dry vacuum, or anti-microbial treatment to prevent blockages.
  • Drain pan inspection — checking the indoor drip pan for standing water, rust, micro-cracks, or mold buildup.
  • Float switch / safety device testing — confirming the emergency switch shuts the unit down before water can overflow into your home or business.
  • Condensate pump check — inspecting and cycling the pump (if equipped) to verify it's actively routing water outside or to the main drain.

3. Electrical & Safety Testing

  • Wiring connections — checking and securing all line-voltage and low-voltage terminals to prevent shorts or overheating.
  • Capacitor testing — measuring dual-run and start capacitors to confirm microfarad (µF) levels are within manufacturer spec.
  • Contactor & relay inspection — testing for pitting, arc burns, or chattering coils.
  • Voltage & amperage draw checks — measuring motor/compressor amps against nameplate ratings to catch worn bearings or motor drag early.
  • Disconnect box & grounding check — inspecting the outdoor service disconnect, fuses, and grounding for safety.

4. Refrigerant Level Checks

  • Operating pressure measurement — digital manifold gauges measure high-side and low-side pressures.
  • Subcooling & superheat calculation — calculated against factory specs to confirm precise refrigerant charge.
  • Leak & line visual check — inspecting suction lines, service valves, and fittings for oil residue that indicates a leak.
  • Insulation check — confirming suction line insulation is intact and not leaking efficiency.

5. Thermostat & System Controls

  • Temperature differential (Delta T) test — measuring the drop between return air and supply registers (typically 16°F–20°F).
  • Thermostat call & reading verification — testing cooling/heating/fan cycles and confirming the sensor matches real room temperature.
  • Batteries & wire check — replacing backup batteries and checking low-voltage control wiring.

6. Filter Changes & Airflow Checks

  • Air filter inspection & replacement — replacing standard filters or cleaning reusable permanent filters.
  • Filter cabinet & seal check — checking tracks, grilles, and housing seals so unconditioned air can't bypass the filter.
  • Blower assembly & wheel inspection — checking the blower wheel for balance and dust buildup that restricts airflow.

Not every item applies to every visit or piece of equipment — your technician performs the checks relevant to your system and plan tier. Commercial systems (three-phase power, rooftop units, economizers, building automation) get additional checks beyond this baseline — see the Commercial AC Maintenance page for details.

Ready to Get Covered?

Choose the Plan That Fits

This checklist is the baseline for every plan — higher tiers add more frequent visits, deeper cleaning, and bigger repair discounts.

Residential AC

Keep your home's system efficient and reliable year-round.

From $149/yr

Commercial AC

Minimize downtime for offices, restaurants & retail.

From $249/yr per unit

Total Home Care

AC, kitchen appliances & laundry equipment in one plan.

From $35/mo