Condenser Tune-Up and Ductwork Inspection Project – Tampa, FL 33614

In Tampa’s heat-heavy climate, routine HVAC maintenance isn’t optional—it’s essential. When a homeowner in the 33614 ZIP code reached out about rising utility bills and uneven cooling, our team at Home Therapist responded with a focused service call: a full condenser tune-up and ductwork inspection.

Here’s how we tackled the project—and what homeowners in Tampa can learn from it.

Project Overview

Location: Egypt Lake-Leto area, Tampa, FL 33614
Home Type: 1,600 sq. ft. single-family ranch, built in 1987
System Type: 3-ton split system, installed 2015
Concerns Reported by Homeowner:

• Higher-than-usual power bills

• Weak airflow in rear bedrooms

• Occasional “musty” smell when A/C kicks on

Step 1: Condenser Tune-Up

The outdoor unit (condenser) had not been serviced in over 18 months. Our licensed HVAC tech performed a complete 15-point tune-up:

✔️ Tasks Performed:

• Cleared leaves and debris from condenser base

• Washed condenser coil with non-acidic coil cleaner

• Checked refrigerant pressures (slightly low, no active leak)

• Tested capacitor and contactor function

• Verified amp draw on compressor and fan motor

• Tightened electrical connections and inspected disconnect box

• Measured temperature split and confirmed system was cooling

🔧 Findings:

• The coil was moderately clogged with grass clippings and pollen

• Capacitor was within 10% of spec but nearing failure range

• Refrigerant charge was slightly low—likely seasonal loss, no signs of leak at service ports or lineset

Action Taken: Coil cleaned, capacitor replaced preventatively, charge adjusted to match design spec.

Step 2: Ductwork Inspection

Poor airflow pointed to possible ducting issues. We performed a full visual and thermal inspection of the accessible ductwork.

✔️ Tasks Performed:

• Checked all supply vents for airflow volume and temp

• Inspected flex duct connections in attic for tears, kinks, or crushed runs

• Verified plenum seals and insulation

• Used smoke test to look for return-side leaks

🔧 Findings:

• Return plenum had a minor air leak at the bottom seam

• Two supply ducts (serving rear bedrooms) had partially collapsed inner liners

• Attic duct insulation was intact but aged, starting to delaminate

Action Taken: Return plenum resealed, supply ducts replaced with new R-8 insulated flex duct, airflow rebalanced.

Results

• Cooling improved throughout the home, especially in previously underperforming zones

• Utility bills are expected to drop with improved coil efficiency and sealed return airflow

• System pressure and temp splits are now within ideal operating ranges

• No musty odor reported after duct replacement and improved circulation

Homeowner Feedback

“The crew was on time, explained everything clearly, and showed me photos of the damaged ducts. House already feels cooler—really glad I called.”
— Elena G., Tampa, FL 33614

Why This Matters for Tampa Homeowners

If your A/C is running non-stop or certain rooms feel off, it’s often not the unit itself—it’s airflow or refrigerant performance. Routine condenser tune-ups paired with ductwork inspections can:

• Extend system life

• Lower electric bills

• Improve comfort and air quality

• Prevent expensive breakdowns in peak summer

Schedule Your Tune-Up and Duct Check

Home Therapist offers same-week appointments for HVAC maintenance and duct inspections across Tampa, including ZIP codes 33614, 33612, 33615, and 33618.

📞 Call us at (813) 343-2212
💻 Book online at www.callhometherapist.com

Get your system running right—before the next heat wave hits.