Is Your AC Still Not Running Efficiently Even After a Tune Up? Here's What to Do

Summer heat can become unbearable if your air conditioning unit is not working efficiently. If you have already scheduled a tune-up for your AC unit, but it still does not seem to be running smoothly, do not despair. There are a few additional steps you can take to improve your AC's performance and keep your home cool this summer.

In this post, we will walk you through some of the most common reasons why your AC may still be struggling even after a tune-up. We'll also provide you with tips on what to do next to help your AC unit run more efficiently. Whether you are dealing with a clogged filter, low refrigerant levels, or other issues, we have got you covered.

Don't let a poorly functioning air conditioning unit ruin your summer. Read on and learn how to optimize the performance of your AC and enjoy a comfortable home, even on the hottest days of the year.

Common Reasons Why Your AC Unit May Not Perform Efficiently After a Tune-Up

Getting your AC unit tuned up is important for its efficient performance and longevity. However, if your AC is still not running efficiently even after a tune-up, there could be several reasons behind it.

Dirty Air Filters: Dirty air filters are the most common cause of inefficiency in your AC system. If the air filters are not cleaned or replaced regularly, they can cause the unit to work harder, reduce efficiency, and even cause system failure.

Leaking Refrigerant: Refrigerant leakage is another common issue that affects the efficiency of AC units. The refrigerant is responsible for cooling the air, and if it leaks, the unit will work harder to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in higher energy bills and lower performance.

Blocked Condenser or Evaporator Coils: The condenser and evaporator coils play a crucial role in the AC unit's cooling process. If they get blocked by dirt, dust, or debris, the system's efficiency can reduce, and the unit may struggle to cool the air properly.

Malfunctioning Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the temperature in your home and controls the AC unit's on and off cycles. If it's not functioning correctly, it can cause the unit to work harder, consume more energy, and decrease efficiency.

Improper Installation: If your AC unit was not installed correctly, it can result in poor efficiency. An improperly installed AC unit may not have the proper ductwork or may have leaks, debris, or other issues that affect its performance.

It's essential to address these issues promptly to improve your AC unit's efficiency, reduce energy bills, and avoid system failures. If you're experiencing any of these problems or are unsure about how to solve them, it's best to call a professional HVAC technician for help.

Check the Air Filter and Ductwork

One of the most common reasons for an air conditioner running inefficiently is a dirty air filter. An air filter's job is to trap dust and other particles that move through your return ductwork. When the filter becomes clogged with debris, the airflow to your AC becomes restricted. This could cause ice to build up on the evaporator coil, making your AC work even harder.

Check your air filter every month and replace it if it looks dirty. A dirty filter causes your AC to consume more energy, which could increase your energy bill and reduce the lifespan of the system.

Your home's ductwork is another possible culprit for an AC running inefficiently. Over time, leaks and damaged ductwork could allow cold air to escape, and warm air to enter your home. This puts more pressure on your air conditioning system to maintain the desired temperature, which causes it to work harder.

To check your ductwork, look for any visible damage or kinks which might block airflow. If you notice any issues with your ductwork, it is best to call a professional to fix the damages and get your system running smoothly.

By checking your air filter and ductwork regularly, you can keep your AC working efficiently. This not only helps you to save money on your energy bill, it also helps to extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system.

Verify the Refrigerant Levels and Clean the Coils

If your AC is still not running efficiently after a tune-up, there might be an issue with the refrigerant levels or the coils. Refrigerant is the substance responsible for cooling the air in your AC unit. If the levels are low, your AC won't be able to cool your home effectively, which can cause it to run longer and work harder than it should. Coils can also play a big role in the efficiency of your AC. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the coils, which can cause them to block the airflow. This can reduce the cooling capacity of your AC unit, making it less efficient. To verify the refrigerant levels and clean the coils, it's best to call in a professional HVAC technician. They will be able to check the refrigerant levels in your AC unit and add more if necessary. They will also be able to clean the coils thoroughly, ensuring that the airflow is unrestricted. Maintaining proper refrigerant levels and clean coils is crucial for the optimal performance of your AC unit. By scheduling regular maintenance with an HVAC technician, you can keep your AC running efficiently all summer long.

Inspect the Thermostat Settings and Electrical Connections

If your AC system is still not running efficiently after a tune-up, it's time to inspect your thermostat settings and electrical connections. Oftentimes, small issues with these components can cause significant problems with your AC's performance. First, check your thermostat settings to ensure they are set correctly for your comfort and energy efficiency. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it is programmed correctly for your schedule. You may also want to consider upgrading to a newer, more advanced thermostat that can adjust itself based on your habits and the weather outside. Next, inspect your electrical connections to make sure they are tight and secure. Loose connections can cause your AC to malfunction, resulting in higher energy bills and discomfort in your home. If you notice any loose or damaged connections, it's important to have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible. In addition, make sure to keep your outdoor AC unit clear of debris and vegetation. This will allow your system to function properly, reducing the likelihood of further issues down the road. By inspecting your thermostat settings and electrical connections, you can ensure that your AC system is running efficiently and effectively. If you're still experiencing problems with your AC, don't hesitate to contact a professional HVAC technician for further assistance.

When to Call a Professional HVAC Technician

Despite having regular tune-up done on your AC unit, there are times when it just won’t work as efficiently as it used to be. This can be due to a more serious problem that requires the attention of a professional HVAC technician.

Here are some signs that indicate that it’s time to call a pro:

  1. Unusual sounds or odors coming from the unit: If you hear odd noises such as squealing, grinding or popping, or detect foul odors, it could be telling you that something is amiss. It’s best to turn off the unit and seek the help of an expert to avoid further damage and risk to your health.
  2. Poor airflow: When you notice that the air coming out of the vents is weak or non-existent, it could be due to a clogged air filter, blockage in the ductwork or a malfunctioning blower. A technician can inspect and diagnose the problem then provide the appropriate solution.
  3. Warm air blowing out: If your AC is expelling warm air or not cooling well, there’s most likely a problem with the refrigerant level or some other part of the cooling system. A pro is needed to check and fix the issue.
  4. Frequent breakdowns: Having to call for repairs more often than every few years is a sign that your unit is failing and requires an expert’s attention. A technician can determine if the issue can still be fixed or if your unit needs replacement.

Keep in mind that neglecting AC problems can lead to costly repairs or replacements, uncomfortable indoor temperature, and even health risks. Don’t hesitate to call a professional HVAC technician for assistance to avoid further issues.

Conclusion: Upgrade for Maximum Efficiency

Getting a tune-up is definitely a step in the right direction towards maximizing your AC's efficiency. However, if you’ve followed the steps outlined in this article and your AC still isn't running efficiently, it may be time to consider upgrading to a more modern, energy-efficient system. Upgrading not only saves you money on energy bills but also reduces your carbon footprint. The latest models come with innovative features that provide better overall performance, air quality, and humidity control. So...what are you waiting for? Upgrade now for maximum efficiency and a comfortable home all year round!

Frequently Asked Question

The frequency of air conditioning tune-ups is an intricate topic, like the delicate inner workings of a watch. As such, it requires thoughtful consideration and expert advice to ensure optimal performance from your AC unit. By taking into account various factors such as ac tune-up frequency, air conditioning tune-up frequency, ac maintenance frequency, ac service frequency and ac inspection frequency, you can make an informed decision about how often you should get a tune-up for your system.


To begin with, regular maintenance is key to extending the life expectancy of any AC unit. Depending on where you live and what type of climate you experience in that region, getting a tune-up twice per year is recommended: once before the summer season begins and another time towards the end of autumn or beginning of winter. This ensures that important components like filters are changed out regularly which will help maintain efficiency levels while preventing further damage to other parts due to buildup over time. Additionally, having a professional inspect your system annually allows them to spot potential issues early on so they can be resolved before they become larger problems down the line.


When deciding upon the best course of action for maintaining your AC unit’s performance level consider these three points:

1) Investing in biannual check ups helps catch small issues before they turn into bigger ones;

2) Having a technician perform an annual inspection gives you peace of mind knowing all necessary components are working properly;

3) Regularly changing out filters reduces energy costs and keeps pollution at bay by ensuring high indoor air quality standards.

As an automotive maintenance technician would tell you, following these guidelines will ensure your home remains cool during those hot summer months without blowing up your electric bill!


An air conditioning (AC) tune-up is an important part of preventive AC care and regular maintenance for any AC system. It is designed to help prevent potential problems in the future by checking for existing issues that may be present. During a typical AC tune-up, several elements are checked:


* Electrical components

* Wiring

* Connectors

* Refrigerant levels

* Condition of moving parts

* Airflow rate and quality


By performing these checks, it can help identify potential problems before they become serious. This allows technicians to take corrective action sooner rather than later, which helps improve energy efficiency as well as prolonging the lifespan of the unit itself. Additionally, having a professional technician perform an AC tune-up on your system can give you peace of mind knowing that everything is working correctly and efficiently.


It is recommended to have an AC tune-up performed twice a year or even more frequently if there are signs or symptoms of possible issues with the system. Common indicators include excessive noise from the outdoor condensing unit, reduced airflow from vents or registers, unusual odors coming from the vents, higher utility bills due to increased energy consumption, or warm spots around certain areas in the home where the AC should be cooling evenly. If any of these symptoms occur then it would be beneficial to contact a professional technician right away so they can inspect and assess whether an AC tune-up is necessary.


Regularly scheduled maintenance inspections ensure that all parts are functioning properly and that no component has reached its end of service life expectancy. It also ensures safe operation while protecting other aspects such as indoor air quality as well as avoiding unexpected repair costs due to lack of proper upkeep. Professional automotive maintenance technicians will use their expertise and experience to determine what needs attention during each visit in order to keep your AC running smoothly throughout its entire lifespan.

When it comes to automotive maintenance, an ac tune-up is essential for a properly functioning air conditioning system. One of the most important considerations when performing this type of service is having the right tools and equipment on hand. This article will discuss what tools are typically needed in order to complete an ac tune-up.


The specific items required for an ac tune-up can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle being serviced. Generally speaking, there should be some basic supplies included in any ac tune-up kit; these include a vacuum pump, gauge set, charging hose, recovery/recharge machine, lubricant for O-rings, dye injector and UV light source. Additionally, some technicians may also need specialty wrenches or other specialized tools that are not always found in standard kits.


In addition to having all the necessary equipment and supplies at your disposal during an ac tune-up procedure, it's also a good idea to have a checklist handy so that you don't miss any important steps. This list should include checking pressure levels while operating under different temperatures and climates; inspecting hoses and fittings for signs of wear and tear; flushing out condenser coils; testing electrical components such as relays and sensors; refilling refrigerants if necessary; adding oil back into compressor where applicable; ensuring proper belt tensioning; etcetera. By following this comprehensive checklist each time you perform an ac tune-up, you can help ensure that your customer’s cooling system runs smoothly without interruption.


Performing regular maintenance on vehicles' air conditioning systems requires more than just knowing how to use certain tools – it also involves making sure you have the appropriate ones available ahead of time. Having access to quality ac tune-up kits with all the necessary parts ensures that no step gets skipped during servicing which could lead to costly repairs down the line. Taking the extra effort now pays off by providing customers with reliable cooling performance throughout their driving experiences.

It is important to consider the cost of an AC tune-up when planning for automotive maintenance. Estimating the price of a tune-up can be complicated, as pricing varies depending on several factors such as location and service provider. To make it easier for drivers to get an idea of what kind of costs they may incur, there are tools available like ac tune-up cost estimators and price comparison services.


As an automotive maintenance technician, I have seen a wide range in AC tune-up prices across the board. For example, some customers may pay just under $100 for basic services while others could spend up to double that amount if additional parts or labor need replacing. It is also worth noting that more experienced technicians will likely charge higher rates than those who are new to the field.


When looking into getting an AC tune-up done, researching different local providers and their respective fees can help narrow down potential options. By utilizing resources such as ac tune-up service cost calculators and price comparison websites, consumers can better prepare themselves financially before taking their vehicle in for servicing. Knowing how much one should expect to pay beforehand allows individuals to budget appropriately so they don't come away with any unexpected bills at the end of the job.

Maintaining the air conditioning system of a car is an important part of vehicle upkeep. Tune-ups are necessary to ensure optimal performance and prevent costly repairs down the line. This raises the question: Are there any DIY options for AC tune-ups?


The answer is yes, although it’s important to note that certain tasks should be left to automotive maintenance technicians with more experience. DIYers can start by checking the coolant level in their vehicle's radiator and ensuring all connections are secure. They should also inspect hoses and belts for signs of wear or damage, as well as check pressure levels in the AC system.


For those who want to go further, more complex jobs like replacing filters, cleaning evaporator coils, charging refrigerants, and flushing condensate drains are possible with tools available at most auto parts stores. When attempting these procedures at home, it’s best to consult online resources or manuals so that you understand what you're doing before jumping into them. As long as safety protocols such as wearing protective gear and working in a ventilated area are followed, performing an AC tune-up yourself can be done successfully without breaking the bank.


In order to save time and money on your next AC tune-up, consider looking into DIY options first. With some research and preparation beforehand, many basic tasks can be accomplished from the comfort of your own garage or driveway.