What Happens During an AC Tune-Up? A Step-by-Step Look at What Hank's AC Service Checks

When you schedule an AC tune-up, you might wonder: what exactly are they doing in there? At Hank's AC Service, we believe in transparency. Here's a breakdown of what our technicians check during every spring HVAC maintenance visit - and why each step matters for keeping your home cool through a Central Texas summer.

Inspect and Clean the Air Filter

A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of reduced airflow and higher energy bills. We check your filter and replace it if needed, then discuss the right filter type for your system and household - especially important for homes with pets or allergy sufferers.

Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Dirty coils are an efficiency killer. The evaporator coil (inside your home) and condenser coil (in the outdoor unit) both collect dust, pollen, and grime over time. Spring in Austin means tree pollen and cedar - all of which can coat your coils. We clean both to restore peak heat transfer.

Check Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant is one of the top causes of an AC that runs constantly but never quite cools your home down. We check the charge and inspect for leaks. If your system is low, we'll find the source - adding refrigerant without addressing a leak is just a temporary fix.

Inspect Electrical Components and Connections

Loose or corroded electrical connections are a fire hazard and can cause your system to fail suddenly. We inspect and tighten all connections, check capacitors (which tend to fail in the Texas heat), and test the contactor and motor.

Lubricate Moving Parts and Check Belts

Motors, fans, and blower components need lubrication to run smoothly. Worn belts get replaced before they snap. These are small HVAC maintenance items that prevent costly mid-summer breakdowns.

Test Thermostat Calibration and System Controls

We verify your thermostat is reading and responding accurately, and run the system through a full cycle to confirm it's cooling correctly. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, we make sure it's set up to keep you comfortable while managing energy use.

Inspect Ductwork (Visual)

Leaky ducts can waste 20–30% of your cooled air before it ever reaches your living spaces. We do a visual inspection of accessible ductwork and flag any obvious gaps, disconnects, or insulation issues.