AC Tune-Up in Berkeley & the East Bay
Annual AC service by EPA 608 certified, factory-trained technicians. Written findings before any repair is recommended. CSLB #1146520.
★★★★★
“Aarvaks was professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and very efficient with both maintenance and install tasks. Will definitely use their services going forward and highly recommend them to others.”
Tune-Up Scope
What’s Included in Every AC Tune-Up
Every Aarvaks AC tune-up covers the full system — not just a filter check. We test every component that determines whether your system will run reliably when summer temperatures peak.
- Condenser coil inspection and cleaning — remove debris from fins, check coil condition, verify airflow through the outdoor unit
- Run and start capacitor testing — measure microfarad rating against manufacturer spec; a capacitor at 80% of spec is at risk of failure under peak summer load
- Contactor inspection — check contact points for pitting, burning, and wear; a worn contactor causes hard starts and compressor damage over time
- Refrigerant pressure check — compare system pressure against manufacturer charge specification to identify undercharge or overcharge without assuming refrigerant is needed
- Electrical connection inspection — tighten loose terminals, check for corrosion, verify wire insulation at all access points
- Temperature differential measurement — verify the system is achieving rated cooling across the evaporator coil (delta-T)
- Condensate drain inspection and flush — clear the drain line, test float switch operation, inspect drain pan condition
- Blower motor inspection — measure amp draw, check belt condition if applicable, lubricate bearings
- Evaporator coil inspection — check for ice buildup, restriction, and coil corrosion at the air handler
- Thermostat calibration check — verify setpoints, staging, and communication between thermostat and air handler
- Air filter inspection — note condition and advise on replacement schedule; a clogged filter causes icing and warm air before any refrigerant issue
- Full system cycle test and written findings — run a complete cooling cycle, document every finding, and provide a written report before recommending any repair
Why It Matters
Why Annual AC Service Pays Off
A tune-up in spring costs $129. A failed compressor in July costs several thousand. Annual service is the difference between scheduled maintenance and an emergency call.
Catch Problems Before They Fail
A capacitor testing at 80% of rated value is at risk of failure under peak summer load. A contactor showing early pitting will arc and damage the compressor. A tune-up catches marginal components while the fix is a part swap — not an emergency diagnostic.
Maintain Your Manufacturer Warranty
Most manufacturer warranties require annual professional maintenance to remain valid. Skipping a season can void coverage on a compressor or coil that costs thousands to replace out of pocket. We document every tune-up for your warranty records.
Run at Rated Efficiency
Dirty condenser coils, low refrigerant charge, and worn electrical components all reduce system efficiency. A tuned system reaches setpoint faster, runs fewer hours per day, and costs less to operate — the savings compound across the full cooling season.
Transparent Pricing
AC Tune-Up Cost
Flat-rate pricing. No diagnostic upsell unless a fault is found. Written findings before any repair is recommended.
$129
AC tune-up
All brands serviced
$199
Combined furnace + AC
Both systems, one visit
All Brands
Carrier, Bosch, Lennox, Trane
Goodman, Rheem & more
5% senior discount available for customers age 63 and older. The $199 combined price covers the full tune-up scope on both your furnace and AC system in a single visit.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an AC tune-up cost in Berkeley?
An AC tune-up at Aarvaks costs $129 for a single system. If you’re servicing both a furnace and an AC in the same visit, the combined price is $199 — the same full scope on both systems. All brands are serviced. Call 510-848-5010 or book online to schedule.
Is an AC tune-up worth it?
For most systems, yes. A tune-up catches components that are degrading before they fail — capacitors, contactors, and refrigerant charge are the most common culprits on aging systems. An emergency repair call in July costs more than the tune-up. Annual service also satisfies the maintenance requirement on most manufacturer warranties, which can void coverage on expensive components if skipped.
What’s included in an AC tune-up?
Every Aarvaks tune-up includes: condenser coil inspection and cleaning, capacitor and contactor testing, refrigerant pressure check, electrical connection inspection, temperature differential measurement, condensate drain flush, blower motor inspection, evaporator coil inspection, thermostat calibration, air filter check, and a complete system cycle test with written findings. No repair is performed without your approval.
Do you offer any AC tune-up specials?
Yes. The combined furnace + AC tune-up is $199 for both systems in a single visit — the same full scope that costs $129 per system individually. If you have both a furnace and central AC and haven’t serviced either this season, the combined visit is the best value. A 5% senior discount is also available for customers age 63 and older.
What’s the difference between an AC tune-up and AC maintenance?
They are the same service. “Tune-up,” “maintenance visit,” “AC service,” and “AC check-up” all refer to a scheduled inspection and adjustment of your system before the cooling season. The scope varies by company — ours is documented above. Annual maintenance is what manufacturers mean when warranty terms require “annual professional service.”
Schedule Your AC Tune-Up
$129 single / $199 combined furnace + AC. Written findings before any repair is recommended. All brands serviced. Serving Berkeley and the East Bay since 1929.