Comprehensive 60-point AC inspection at an affordable price. Prevent costly summer breakdowns, lower your energy bills, and extend your system’s life. 5.0-star rated, NATE-certified technicians serving Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Southwest Ohio.
You do not need a technician for basic upkeep. Use this interactive checklist each month during cooling season to keep your system running between professional tune-ups. Progress saves automatically so you can pick up where you left off.
Completed: 0/8
Every item on our checklist exists because it directly affects your comfort, safety, or energy bills. Tap any item to see exactly why it matters and what we look for.
Why it matters: A thermostat that reads even 2-3 degrees off forces your system to overcool or undercool your home, wasting energy and creating discomfort. We verify accuracy against a calibrated thermometer and test all modes (cool, heat, auto, fan) to confirm proper communication with your system.
Why it matters: Loose electrical connections are one of the top causes of AC failures and a genuine fire hazard. Vibration from normal operation loosens terminals over time. We check every connection at the disconnect, contactor, capacitor, and control board -- tightening as needed.
Why it matters: Motors drawing more amps than their rating are on borrowed time. Elevated amp draw means the motor is working harder than designed -- usually from bearing wear, dirt buildup, or a failing capacitor. Catching this early lets you plan a repair instead of facing a mid-summer emergency.
Why it matters: Fan motors and bearings that run dry create friction, generate heat, and consume more electricity. Proper lubrication reduces operating costs and prevents premature motor failure. Not all modern motors need oiling (some are sealed), so we check the manufacturer specs for your specific equipment.
Why it matters: Too little refrigerant means your system cannot cool properly and the compressor runs hot. Too much refrigerant can damage the compressor entirely. We measure subcooling and superheat to verify the exact charge your system needs -- not just "topping it off."
Why it matters: The evaporator coil (indoor unit) absorbs heat from your home’s air. A dirty evaporator coil reduces heat absorption, causes the system to run longer, and can lead to ice formation. We inspect and clean accessible surfaces to restore proper heat transfer.
Why it matters: The condenser coil (outdoor unit) releases absorbed heat. Ohio’s cottonwood, pollen, and grass clippings clog condenser fins fast. A dirty condenser raises system pressure, increases energy use by up to 30%, and can trigger high-pressure shutdowns on the hottest days.
Why it matters: Your AC removes gallons of moisture from indoor air daily. If the drain line clogs, water backs up into the drain pan and can overflow onto ceilings, floors, or into your furnace. We clear the line and verify proper drainage to prevent water damage.
Why it matters: The blower motor and wheel push conditioned air throughout your home. A dirty blower wheel can reduce airflow by 20-30%, causing uneven temperatures and forcing your system to run longer. We inspect the wheel for buildup and check the motor for proper operation.
Why it matters: Capacitors store the electrical charge that starts your compressor and fan motors. A weak capacitor causes hard starts, which stress the compressor and eventually prevent the system from turning on at all. Capacitor failure is one of the most common AC repairs -- and one of the easiest to prevent with testing.
Why it matters: Safety switches and controls protect your equipment and your home. High-pressure switches, float switches, and thermal overloads are designed to shut down the system before damage occurs. We verify each safety device operates correctly so your system protects itself during abnormal conditions.
Why it matters: Proper airflow (typically 400 CFM per ton) is critical for both comfort and system health. Low airflow causes ice on the coil, poor dehumidification, and compressor strain. We measure airflow to identify restrictions from dirty filters, collapsed ducts, or undersized returns.
Why it matters: Leaky ducts can waste 20-30% of your conditioned air before it reaches your rooms. We visually inspect accessible ductwork for disconnections, damaged sections, and signs of leaks -- especially at connections, joints, and the plenum. Sealing ducts is one of the highest-ROI improvements you can make.
Why it matters: Beyond the filter itself, we check that the filter housing creates a proper seal. Gaps around the filter let unfiltered air bypass directly into the system, depositing dirt on the evaporator coil and reducing indoor air quality. We confirm the correct filter size and MERV rating for your system.
Why it matters: The temperature split between supply and return air (typically 15-20 degrees) tells us if your system is cooling effectively. A low split can indicate low refrigerant, a dirty coil, or airflow problems. A high split may mean restricted airflow. This single measurement reveals a lot about overall system health.
Why it matters: We verify that the system starts, runs, and stops in response to thermostat commands within normal time frames. Delayed response can indicate wiring issues, control board problems, or a failing thermostat. We also check that the system cycles off cleanly without short-cycling.
Why it matters: Contactors are heavy-duty switches that supply power to the compressor and condenser fan. Pitted or burnt contacts increase electrical resistance, generate heat, and will eventually weld shut or fail open -- leaving you without cooling. We inspect for wear, pitting, and proper engagement.
Why it matters: After completing all 17 individual checks, we run the full system and evaluate overall performance as a whole -- cycle times, temperature output, sound levels, and efficiency indicators. This final step catches issues that only appear when all components work together, and it is when we form our honest recommendation: your system is good to go, needs a specific repair, or is approaching end-of-life.
Every year without a tune-up, your AC loses efficiency and moves closer to a breakdown. Here is what the decline typically looks like for an unmaintained system.
~5% efficiency loss. System still runs, but is working harder than it should for the same output.
~10% efficiency loss. Minor issues developing -- dirty coils, worn parts, slight refrigerant changes.
~15% efficiency loss. Higher energy bills become noticeable. Comfort inconsistencies appear.
~25% efficiency loss. Breakdowns likely. Compressor and major component failures become common.
Danger ZoneTiming matters. The best window depends on demand, weather patterns, and your personal schedule. Here is our recommendation for Greater Cincinnati and Dayton homeowners.
Ideal tune-up window. Beat the rush, get priority scheduling, and ensure your system is ready before the first heat wave. Cincinnati’s last frost is typically mid-April -- the perfect reminder to book.
Last chance before summer heat. Appointment availability starts tightening as temperatures climb. Schedule early in the month for the best time slots.
Peak demand season. Longer wait times and busier schedules. We prioritize Comfort Club members during this period. Emergency calls take priority over tune-ups.
Before your tune-up or at season start: Set thermostat to cool, lower temp 5 degrees below room temperature, let the system run 15 minutes, and check that all vents blow cool air. Note anything unusual for your technician.
The Comfort Club includes both spring AC and fall furnace tune-ups, plus priority scheduling, 15% off all repairs, and no overtime charges. Call (937) 794-5060 for current pricing on individual tune-ups and Comfort Club plans.
Most members find the Comfort Club pays for itself by avoiding just one emergency repair
See Comfort Club Plans
Most "AC tune-ups" take 10 minutes and check 5 items. Ours is a genuine 60-point inspection performed by a NATE-certified technician who takes the time to do it right. Here is what sets us apart.
Not a quick 10-minute check. We spend the time needed to inspect every component that affects your comfort, efficiency, and safety.
If your system is fine, we will tell you it is fine. We do not manufacture problems or push unnecessary repairs. You get a clear report and honest recommendations.
We try to send the same tech to your home each visit. A technician who already knows your system spots changes faster and provides better, more personalized service.
Life gets busy. We will contact you when it is time for your seasonal tune-up so you never have to remember to schedule. One less thing to worry about.
"Austin and Andre came out today to look at our AC system. They were professional, polite and knowledgeable. I really appreciated the clear, concise report of our situation. I’d welcome them back any time!"
Nicholas Reichard
Google Review
"Gary was honest with me and worked super hard to make sure I stayed within my budget. When I called he picked up almost every time and always responded the same day. In a time where customer service is questionable, this company went above and beyond."
T Surz
Google Review
We recommend scheduling AC maintenance once a year, ideally in the spring before the cooling season begins. This ensures your system is ready to handle the summer heat efficiently. If you have an older system or one that runs frequently, you may benefit from more frequent check-ups.
Our 60-point tune-up covers thermostat calibration, electrical connections, motor voltage and amp draw, lubrication, refrigerant charge, evaporator and condenser coil cleaning, condensate drain, blower components, capacitor testing, safety controls, airflow measurement, ductwork inspection, filter and housing check, supply/return temperature measurement, thermostat response testing, contactor and relay inspection, and a complete system performance evaluation. You receive a detailed report of all findings.
March through April is the ideal window -- before summer demand ramps up and while appointment availability is widest. Cincinnati’s last frost is typically mid-April, which is a natural reminder. May is your last chance before the rush. June through August means longer wait times since emergency calls take priority.
Our 60-point AC tune-up is competitively priced and includes a comprehensive inspection, cleaning, and performance evaluation. Many homeowners find that regular maintenance pays for itself through lower energy bills and prevented repairs. Comfort Club members get their tune-ups included in their monthly plan. Call (937) 794-5060 for current pricing.
Common signs include reduced cooling output, longer run times, higher energy bills, uneven temperatures throughout your home, strange noises, unusual odors, or visible ice on the refrigerant lines. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a maintenance visit promptly to prevent more serious issues.
A one-time tune-up is a great start. But for homeowners who want year-round protection, the Comfort Club includes both spring AC and fall furnace maintenance, priority scheduling during heat waves, 15% off repairs, and no overtime charges. Most members find it pays for itself by avoiding just one emergency repair. Call (937) 794-5060 for current pricing on both options.
Yes. According to Energy Star, regular HVAC maintenance can reduce energy costs by 15% or more. Well-maintained systems also experience 85% fewer breakdowns and can last 5-8 years longer than neglected equipment. A system that loses 5% efficiency per year without maintenance is paying significantly more in energy costs than an annual tune-up would cost.
Beat the summer rush. Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to schedule your inspection.
Prefer to call? (937) 794‑5060Our 60-point inspection covers every component that affects your comfort, energy bills, and system lifespan. Schedule your tune-up today and know exactly where your AC stands before summer arrives.
