Air Conditioning Maintenance in Bothell, WA

Has your AC ever given up on you right when the weather heats up? It always seems to happen at the worst possible time—a weekend, a holiday, or the middle of a hot, sticky afternoon. That kind of stress is exactly what routine air conditioning maintenance helps you avoid. At Gene Johnson Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we’ve helped Bothell homeowners keep their cooling systems in shape for years.

Our team knows how unpredictable summers can be here in the Greater Seattle area. That’s why we offer detailed AC maintenance and other top-tier home services in Bothell, WA to keep your unit running smoothly, your energy bills manageable, and your home cool when it matters most.

Gene Johnson’s 8-Point AC Maintenance Service in Bothell, WA

A thorough AC maintenance visit isn’t just a quick glance at the thermostat—it’s a full-system health check. Here’s what you can expect when our HVAC technicians visit your Bothell home.

Thermostat Calibration

The thermostat is where everything starts. If it’s not communicating accurately with your AC system, you could be cooling your home unevenly, or running the system longer than needed. We test and calibrate your thermostat to ensure it’s reading the right temperature and cycling the AC on and off as it should. If you’re using a smart thermostat, we’ll help confirm settings and optimize performance.

If you’re still using an old, outdated thermostat, our team can help. We install a wide range of smart thermostats which can considerably improve your system’s energy efficiency and comfort all around.

Inspecting the AC Capacitor and Electrical Components

Your AC capacitor helps power up the motors that drive your cooling system. If it’s weak or failing, your AC might not start at all—or could shut off mid-cycle. We check the capacitor along with all electrical wiring, tighten connections, and test voltages to ensure everything is safe and performing like it should. Catching small electrical issues early can save you from needing a major AC repair later on.

Checking and Recharging Refrigerant Levels

Your refrigerant is what actually cools the air. Low levels can mean your AC unit is blowing lukewarm air, using more power, or freezing up. During maintenance, we check your refrigerant levels and top them off if needed. But more importantly, we inspect for leaks or damaged lines—because refrigerant doesn’t just “run out” on its own.

Coil Cleaning: Evaporator and Condenser

Dirt and grime are the enemies of efficiency. We clean both the indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condenser coil to remove buildup that restricts airflow and reduces cooling performance. Dirty coils can raise your energy bills, strain your AC unit, and even shorten its lifespan. Clean coils help your air conditioner run smoother and keep your home cooler.

Motor and Fan Operation Check

We inspect the blower motor and condenser fan to make sure they’re running at the right speed and not drawing excessive power. This includes checking the motor bearings, blades, and making sure moving parts are lubricated properly. A failing motor can go unnoticed until it suddenly quits—and that’s never fun during a heatwave.

Filter Replacement and Airflow Testing

If your AC filter is clogged, airflow suffers—and so does your comfort. We check and replace the AC filter as needed, making sure your system can breathe properly. We’ll also talk with you about how often to change your filter, based on your home’s needs (pets, allergies, etc.).

Ductwork Inspection

We inspect visible ductwork for leaks, blockages, and other issues. Leaky ducts waste cool air and drive up your energy bills. In some cases, we may recommend duct sealing and replacement, or duct cleaning if we notice excessive buildup. If you have a ductless mini-split system, we inspect each indoor unit to make sure it’s cooling evenly.

Full System Test and Final Report

After checking every component, we run your AC system to make sure everything is working together smoothly. We test thermostat response, airflow, and system pressures to verify performance. If we spot potential issues, we explain them clearly and walk you through any AC repair or upgrade recommendations.

Our goal is to leave your home with a tuned-up, efficient, and dependable AC system—and the confidence that you’re ready for whatever the Bothell summer brings.

The Importance of Annual HVAC Maintenance

Staying ahead of problems is easier—and cheaper—than fixing them after the fact. Here’s what annual HVAC maintenance does for you.

Improves Energy Efficiency

Well-maintained AC systems use less energy. Clean coils, good airflow, and proper refrigerant levels help your unit cool more efficiently, which means lower energy bills for you. Maintenance helps you get the most out of your cooling investment.

Extends Equipment Lifespan

When your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to do its job, it lasts longer. Annual AC maintenance reduces wear and tear on your motors, compressor, and other vital parts. That adds years to your system’s life and delays the need for an AC installation.

Reduces Risk of Breakdowns

Most emergency AC repairs we handle in Bothell are preventable. A simple maintenance visit could have caught the issue weeks earlier. Our HVAC technicians know how to spot small problems before they turn into big ones.

Protects Your Warranty

Many manufacturers require annual maintenance to keep your warranty valid. Skip a year, and you could be on the hook for expensive parts and labor down the road—even if your system is still technically under warranty.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

Dirty filters, coils, or ductwork can affect your home’s indoor air quality. Maintenance helps ensure the air you’re breathing is clean, which is especially important for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Keeps Your Comfort Consistent

Uneven cooling or weak airflow can be signs your system is struggling. Maintenance helps keep your whole home comfortable by making sure every room gets the right amount of cool air.

Lowers the Chances of Costly AC Repairs

Fixing a minor issue—like a loose wire or clogged drain line—during a tune-up is much cheaper than a major mid-summer AC repair or system failure. Regular maintenance is an investment in peace of mind.

With one visit a year, you get a stronger, longer-lasting, and more reliable HVAC system. That’s a win all around.