Professional AC Tune-up in Tiki Island, TX

On the Gulf Coast, the answer is at least twice a year — spring and fall. That's more often than the once-a-year recommendation you'll hear from most HVAC companies, and there's a specific reason: your AC runs 9 to 10 months in Galveston, and salt buildup on the condenser coils between services reduces efficiency by 10 to 15 percent. A system that only gets serviced once a year in our climate is a system that's costing you more money every month and aging faster than it should.

Why Twice a Year Matters on the Coast

Inland systems cycle on and off seasonally. They run hard from June through September, then sit mostly idle through winter. Galveston doesn't work that way. Our AC season stretches from early March through late November, with many systems running into December during warm spells. That's roughly 270 days of operation compared to 120-150 days in North Texas.

During those months, salt particles from the Gulf accumulate on your condenser coils continuously. By the time six months pass, even a system that was cleaned in March has enough salt deposit buildup to meaningfully reduce heat transfer. A spring tune-up prepares your system for the heavy cooling months. A fall tune-up clears the salt and wear from summer and sets you up for the shoulder season when humidity stays high but temperatures moderate.

What Our $129 Coastal Tune-Up Includes

Our tune-up is built specifically for Gulf Coast conditions, not the generic 20-point checklist that inland companies run. For $129 (regularly $225), here's what we do:

Condenser coil inspection and cleaning. This is the single most important maintenance task for a coastal system. We inspect the aluminum fins for corrosion damage, clean the coils with a solution that dissolves salt deposits without damaging the coating, and check for areas where the protective coating has worn through. If corrosion is progressing, we'll let you know before it becomes a $1,500 coil replacement.

Refrigerant level check and leak inspection. Low refrigerant is the second most common issue we find on coastal systems. Salt corrosion on copper line sets creates slow pinhole leaks that drop your refrigerant level gradually. We check pressures against manufacturer specifications and inspect accessible line connections for signs of oil residue that indicates a leak.

Capacitor testing. We test capacitor microfarad ratings with a meter, not just a visual inspection. A capacitor that tests at 10% below its rated value is on its way out. Gulf Coast heat and power surges from tropical storms accelerate capacitor degradation. Replacing a weak capacitor during a tune-up costs far less than an emergency call when it fails on a 100-degree day.

Condensate drain clearing. We flush the condensate drain line with compressed nitrogen and treat it with antimicrobial tablets to prevent algae and mold growth. In Galveston's humidity, a clogged drain can overflow within days, causing water damage to ceilings and walls. This is the most common preventable failure we see.

Electrical connection inspection. We check contactor points, wire connections, and the disconnect for signs of corrosion or heat damage. Salt air corrodes electrical connections faster, and loose or corroded connections cause arcing that can damage expensive components.

Blower motor and airflow check. We verify the indoor blower is moving the correct volume of air. Restricted airflow from dirty filters, collapsed ductwork, or a failing blower motor forces the system to work harder and reduces dehumidification — exactly what you don't want on the Gulf Coast.

Thermostat calibration. We verify your thermostat is reading room temperature accurately and cycling the system correctly. A thermostat that's off by even 2-3 degrees in Galveston's climate means your system is either short-cycling (not dehumidifying) or running longer than necessary (higher CenterPoint bills).

What We Typically Find

On first-time tune-ups for systems that haven't been maintained with coastal conditions in mind, we commonly find condenser coils caked with salt and reducing efficiency by 15-20%, refrigerant levels 10-15% below specification, one or more capacitors testing below their rated value, condensate drains partially or fully blocked, and corroded electrical connections at the outdoor disconnect.

Most of these issues are correctable during the tune-up visit itself. When we find something that requires additional work — a refrigerant leak that needs repair, a coil that's corroded beyond cleaning, or ductwork issues — we'll give you a straightforward estimate with no pressure.

The Cost of Skipping Maintenance

A $129 tune-up twice a year is $258 annually. That investment typically saves $300-$500 per year in energy costs alone by keeping the system running at rated efficiency. It also extends system life by 2-4 years on the coast, where unmaintained systems fail years ahead of schedule. And it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid — most require proof of annual maintenance to honor parts coverage.

We serve Galveston, Texas City, League City, Dickinson, La Marque, and Santa Fe. Book your $129 coastal tune-up and start with a system that's actually optimized for where you live.