Fort Smith AC Tune-Up: Catching Worn Parts on Older Equipment Before Fall

Before you switch the thermostat over to heat this fall, it pays to know your equipment is in good shape. In mid-September, a homeowner in Fort Smith had us out for tune-ups on the two systems that serve their house. Some of this equipment has been running for more than 15 years, so our technician gave everything an extra careful look.

What Our Technician Found

A tune-up is the best time to find the parts that are wearing out, before they leave you without cooling or heat. On this visit, our technician tested the electrical parts in the outdoor equipment and found a contactor and two capacitors that needed to be replaced. He also found lint and debris packed into the outdoor coil, and one system was low on refrigerant.

Lint and debris packed between the layers of an outdoor AC coil in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Debris packed into the outdoor coil.
Technician testing an AC capacitor with meter leads during a Fort Smith tune-up
Testing a capacitor with a meter.

What We Completed

  • Completed tune-ups on both systems that serve the house.
  • Replaced a worn contactor, the switch that turns the outdoor unit on and off.
  • Replaced a capacitor for the compressor and a capacitor for a fan motor.
  • Added refrigerant where the charge was low.
New capacitor installed next to the compressor in a Fort Smith outdoor AC unit
A new capacitor installed at the compressor.
Contactor and wiring inside a Fort Smith outdoor AC unit
The contactor, the switch that turns the outdoor unit on and off.

Why These Small Parts Matter

Contactors and capacitors wear down a little every time your system starts. A contactor that is worn can fail to close, or stick closed. A weak capacitor makes motors work harder to start and run hot. Replacing them during a scheduled visit is far easier than dealing with a breakdown on a cold night.

The homeowner also has a ductless mini split on a building out back and had questions about repairing or replacing it. For a mini split, that decision starts with an honest look at the unit’s age and condition.

The Result

Both systems at the house were tuned up, and the worn parts were replaced before they could fail. If something does come up later, learn more about our AC repair service.

What Homeowners Can Learn From This Job

  • Older equipment can keep going. Systems that are 15 years or older can still run well when they are looked after.
  • Replace worn parts on your schedule. Fixing them during a tune-up beats an emergency call.
  • Keep the outdoor coil clear. Lint and debris packed into the coil make the system work harder.

Schedule Your Tune-Up in Fort Smith

Our team serves homeowners across Fort Smith and the River Valley. If your system is getting up there in years, call us or book online and we will take a look.

Wall thermostat at a Fort Smith home during a fall AC tune-up
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