How a “Routine” HVAC Tune-Up Saved Me from a Complete Breakdown

With the heat index already pushing into the 90s before noon recently in Asheville, North Carolina, I figured it was a good time to schedule a routine maintenance visit for my HVAC system. I wasn’t expecting anything dramatic – just a basic tune-up. But the technician found something that could’ve easily left me sweating through a long holiday weekend.

A Routine HVAC Tune-Up (That Wasn’t So Routine)

On June 25, 2025, a tech from All Ways Heating & Air LLC came out to perform an 18-point inspection. He checked refrigerant levels, cleaned coils, and went over everything top to bottom. But then he noticed the start capacitor on the outdoor unit was underperforming. He said it was measuring about 3 out of 5 – not totally failed, but definitely on the low end and showing signs of wear.

In case you’re not familiar (I wasn’t), the AC start capacitor is what gives the compressor the initial surge of electrical energy it needs to start up. Without it working properly, your AC might click on and off, blow warm air, or just not turn on at all when you need it most.

“We’ve Replaced 10 of These This Week Alone”

The technician told me this was actually a really common issue, especially during heat waves. The extreme temperatures put extra strain on capacitors, and when they’re already weak, they’re prone to fail. He said I was his 10th capacitor replacement that week, and mine was still working – but just barely.

He assured me that this didn’t mean anything was wrong with my whole HVAC system. Capacitors are one of the most frequently replaced parts in AC units. It’s a quick fix, but if you miss it, you might end up with a full system outage.

The Fix: A Turbo 200 and a Little TLC

I gave the go-ahead, and he installed a Turbo 200 universal start capacitor, a solid upgrade that’s compatible with a wide range of units. After testing the system again, everything was cooling like it should.

As a nice bonus, he even washed down the outdoor unit and applied car wax to the exterior casing to help protect it from the elements. I didn’t expect that, but it was a nice touch, especially with all the dust and pollen we get around here.

The Cost: $732.95

What I Learned from My HVAC Visit

Honestly, I wasn’t thrilled to spend $510 on a single part, but I’m glad it happened during a scheduled visit instead of in the middle of a holiday cookout when every HVAC company is booked solid. The capacitor was on its way out, and catching it early probably saved me from a bigger headache (and bigger bill).

The main takeaway?
Routine HVAC maintenance is worth it. You’re not just paying for peace of mind—you’re extending the life of your system, and sometimes preventing a total failure with a simple, affordable part.