An AC tune-up in Galveston has a different job than one inland. Salt-caked coils, low refrigerant, and clogged drains force your system to work harder than it should, and on the coast that waste shows up on every summer electric bill. Our $225 AC tune-up is built around exactly those problems.
Why Twice a Year Matters on the Coast
Inland systems cycle on and off seasonally. They run hard through the summer, then sit mostly idle through winter. Galveston doesn't work that way. Our AC season stretches from early spring through late fall, with many systems running into December during warm spells. That's far more runtime than a system in North Texas sees.
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 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 $225 Coastal Tune-Up Includes
Our tune-up is built specifically for Gulf Coast conditions. For $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 a common issue 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.
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 electric 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, refrigerant levels 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.
What Skipping Maintenance Costs
A $225 AC tune-up twice a year is $450 annually. Skipping maintenance on the coast costs more than it saves. Salt-caked coils make the system run longer for the same cooling, and that shows up on your electric bill. A slow leak or a partly blocked drain that a tune-up would catch tends to grow into an $800-$2,000 repair bill, and salt corrosion left alone can lead to a $3,000-$5,000 major repair or early replacement.
We serve Galveston, Texas City, League City, Dickinson, La Marque, and Santa Fe. Book your $225 AC tune-up and start with a system that's actually optimized for where you live.