What exactly do you check in the 21-point tune-up?
All 21 points, published — because a checklist you can't see is a checklist that didn't happen. Every measurement is recorded and given to you in writing.
Electrical (points 1–7):
- Test run capacitor microfarads against rated value (recorded)
- Inspect contactor points for pitting and burning
- Measure compressor amp draw vs. nameplate rating
- Measure condenser fan motor amp draw
- Measure blower motor amp draw
- Tighten and inspect all electrical connections and wire insulation
- Verify low-voltage wiring and safety controls
Refrigeration & cooling performance (points 8–13):
- Measure refrigerant pressures (recorded)
- Calculate superheat/subcooling against manufacturer spec
- Measure supply/return temperature split (target 18–22°F)
- Inspect evaporator coil for dirt, biological growth, and corrosion
- Wash condenser coil and clear debris from the outdoor unit
- Inspect lineset insulation and service valve caps
Drainage, airflow & controls (points 14–21):
- Flush condensate drain line and treat against algae
- Test float switch shutoff (the #1 summer failure preventer)
- Inspect drain pan for rust, cracks, and standing water
- Replace or check air filter and record size
- Inspect blower wheel for dirt buildup
- Check visible ductwork connections at the air handler for leaks
- Calibrate thermostat and verify staging
- Deliver written report with every recorded measurement
Why are "free" and $29 tune-ups a trap?
Because the visit costs the company more than it charges — so the technician has to leave with a sale. Bait tune-ups are the #1 source of the "your capacitor is failing" pitch.
Between the truck, fuel, insurance, and a certified tech's hourly cost, a real maintenance visit costs a company well over $100 to deliver. A company charging $0–$49 isn't doing maintenance; it's buying an appointment. The technician is typically paid commission on what they "find" — and they always find something. We've documented this pattern on our video channel, and it's why our price is $89, flat, with no commission structure behind it.
| What Happens | Our $89 Tune-Up | Bait Tune-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Measurements recorded | All 21 points, in writing | Rarely — verbal claims |
| Tech pay structure | No commission on findings | Commission on what's "found" |
| Drain line flushed | Yes, plus float switch test | Often skipped — takes time |
| Typical outcome | Report + honest condition rating | Repair quote or replacement pitch |
| True cost to you | $89 | Whatever they can close |
How often should I service my AC in Central Florida?
Twice a year — spring before the heat and fall after it. Orlando systems run about twice the annual hours of a northern system.
An AC in Minneapolis might run 600 hours a year; yours runs well over 2,000. Cooling season here is effectively March through November, and the same outdoor unit also heats your home in winter if you have a heat pump. Twice-a-year service catches wear at the halfway point instead of after failure. It also matters for your paperwork: most manufacturer warranties require proof of regular professional maintenance — see what your warranty actually requires.
The annual runtime of a typical Orlando AC system — roughly triple a northern climate. Maintenance intervals designed for Ohio don't fit Florida.
What breakdowns does maintenance actually prevent?
The two biggest summer killers: clogged condensate drains (the #1 no-cool call in Orlando) and weak capacitors — both caught and corrected in a proper tune-up.
A condensate drain clogged with Florida algae trips the float switch and shuts your system down on the hottest day of the year — a completely preventable $89-visit-vs-emergency-call situation. A capacitor reading 20% under its rated microfarads will fail soon; catching it at tune-up means a planned swap instead of a Saturday-night outage. Maintenance also keeps coils clean, which protects efficiency — a dirty system quietly adds to every electric bill. If your AC is already misbehaving, start at why is my AC not cooling? or book a repair visit.
Does maintenance help with Florida humidity and mold?
Directly. A clean evaporator coil, correct refrigerant charge, and verified airflow are what let your AC remove moisture — its second, quieter job.
Your AC is also your dehumidifier. When the coil is dirty or the charge is off, the system cools without wringing moisture out of the air — and indoor humidity above 60% is where mold and dust mites take off. During every tune-up we verify temperature split and coil condition, and we'll flag humidity problems that maintenance alone can't fix. Deep dive: Florida humidity and mold, and see indoor air quality solutions if your house stays sticky. We run tune-up routes through Waterford Lakes, Oviedo, and every zone we serve.
AC maintenance questions, answered
How much does an AC tune-up cost in Orlando?
$89 flat — 21 documented points, every reading in writing. Compare what others charge (and hide) in our tune-up cost guide.
What does the 21-point tune-up include?
Electrical testing, refrigerant verification with superheat/subcooling, coil cleaning, condensate drain flush and float switch test, temperature split, thermostat calibration, and a written report with the actual numbers. The full list is published above on this page.
Why are free AC tune-ups a scam?
Because the visit costs the company more than $0 — so the technician has to sell to break even. Free tune-ups are appointments purchased to pitch repairs and replacements. A real tune-up ends with measurements; a bait tune-up ends with a quote.
How often should I service my AC in Florida?
Twice a year — spring and fall. Orlando systems run 2,000+ hours annually, roughly double northern climates, and most manufacturer warranties require proof of regular service.
Does maintenance actually prevent breakdowns?
It prevents the two most common: clogged condensate drains and weak capacitors — the top summer no-cool causes in Orlando — plus it protects efficiency and keeps warranties valid.
Book the $89 Tune-Up — Get the Numbers in Writing
21 documented points, no commission upsells, no bait pricing. 5.0 stars — 91 reviews.
Call (407) 465-7777Smart Home Air & Heat — 10226 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32825 — office@smarthomeairheat.com