AC Tune-Up in Chandler: What a $59.95 Visit Covers on an Attic System
What an AC tune-up in Chandler actually includes, why attic air handlers need the drain and duct checks most, what two- and three-system homes pay, and how to tell an inspection from a sales visit.
An AC tune-up in Chandler is $59.95 per system with us. Same price as Tempe, no trip charge, and you get the readings in writing. This post covers what's on the list, what matters most on a Chandler attic system, and how to tell a real tune-up from a "$17 special" that ends in a replacement quote. For a system that's already down, go to AC repair in Chandler.
What the 20 points cover
- Refrigerant pressures, superheat and subcooling
- Capacitor and contactor tested under load
- Compressor and fan motor amp draw against the nameplate
- Condenser coil cleaned
- Evaporator coil inspected
- Condensate drain checked and cleared
- Float switch tested, where there is one
- Blower wheel and filter condition
- Thermostat calibration and wiring
- Electrical connections tightened
- Temperature split across the coil
- Ductwork checked at the unit for disconnects and leaks
You get the numbers. If a tech can't tell you the capacitor's measured microfarads, it wasn't tested.
The three checks that matter most in Chandler
The attic drain. Your air handler makes water all summer and sends it down a PVC line. In an attic, a clog doesn't drip on a garage floor. It fills the pan and comes through the ceiling. We clear the line and test the float switch that's supposed to shut the system off first. No float switch? Adding one runs $150 to $300, and it's the cheapest ceiling insurance there is.
The capacitor. Heat kills them, and a weak one still runs the system right up until the Saturday it doesn't. Testing under load catches it in April. Replacing one runs $150 to $400.
The ducts at the air handler. A loose plenum or a disconnected run sends cooled air into a 140° attic. It's the usual reason an upstairs won't cool, and we can see it while we're already up there.
Two and three systems
Ocotillo, Fulton Ranch and a lot of south Chandler have two or three systems per house. Pricing is per system: two systems is $119.90, three is $179.85. One visit covers all of them.
Do them together. The systems are usually the same age, so what's wearing on one is wearing on the other.
Tune-up vs. sales visit
A cheap tune-up coupon pays for itself one way: by finding something to sell. Here's how to tell which one you got.
| Real tune-up | Sales visit |
| --- | --- |
| Panels come off, coil gets washed | Ten minutes and a clipboard |
| You get pressures, amps and microfarads | You get "it's on its last legs" |
| Problems come with a firm repair price | Problems come with a replacement quote |
| Tech isn't on commission | Tech is paid on what you buy |
Our techs aren't on commission. If the system is near the end, you get the repair number, the replacement number and the reasoning. Already holding a quote from one of these visits? Free second opinion.
When to book
March through early May is best for cooling. Right now is second best: a fall visit catches what the summer wore out, and it's also when the heat gets checked. Our fall heating tune-up is the same $59.95. On a gas furnace that includes a carbon monoxide test. On a heat pump we run it in heat mode and force a defrost cycle. If the heat already isn't working, see heater not working in Chandler.
Why bother every year
- Warranty. Most manufacturers want documented annual maintenance before they honor a parts claim.
- Leaks get caught early. A coil leak found before the system runs empty is a much smaller bill. The math is here.
- Dust. A dirty outdoor coil raises pressure and cooks compressors.
One visit a year is enough for most single-system homes. More on tune-ups vs. maintenance plans, and the full checklist is on our AC tune-up page.
Questions people ask
How much is an AC tune-up in Chandler?+
$59.95 per system at Patriot Air, with no trip charge for Chandler. A two-system home is $119.90.
Will the tech try to sell me a new system?+
No. Our techs aren't on commission. If the system is near the end you get the repair number, the replacement number and the reasoning.
Does the tune-up include refrigerant?+
No. If the system is low it has a leak, and adding refrigerant without fixing it wastes your money. We tell you what the leak repair costs.
Will you clear the attic drain line?+
Yes. The condensate drain is checked and cleared, and the float switch is tested if the system has one.
When should I schedule AC service in Chandler?+
March through early May, before the first 100° day. A fall visit is the next best time and covers the heating side too.