Wha is the routine preventive maintnenace that should be performed on an annual inspection

Usually oiling the motor outside and inside if it is a type you can oil. Checking for dirt in the condenser fins and cleaning the condenser if necessary. Take a voltage reading and amp draw to see if they are in specs for the unit and listed on the model plate on the outside unit. Checking the inside evaporator for dirt and to make sure the drain is clear and runs freely.Check and adjust the drive belt if equipped and check the current draw of the inside blower motor. Some service persons also check the refrigerant charge. Usually if the system has been running OK they may not check the pressures in the unit or add refrigerant. Also they usually tell the customer to change there filters more often because people forget about doing that. Some also check the thermostat for proper operation.

Some due more and some due less when it comes to service.

Usually oiling the motor outside and inside if it is a type you can oil. Checking for dirt in the condenser fins and cleaning the condenser if necessary. Take a voltage reading and amp draw to see if they are in specs for the unit and listed on the model plate on the outside unit. Checking the inside evaporator for dirt and to make sure the drain is clear and runs freely.Check and adjust the drive belt if equipped and check the current draw of the inside blower motor. Some service persons also check the refrigerant charge. Usually if the system has been running OK they may not check the pressures in the unit or add refrigerant. Also they usually tell the customer to change there filters more often because people forget about doing that. Some also check the thermostat for proper operation.

Some due more and some due less when it comes to service.

Thanks for this response. I appreciate that good service comes by word of mouth. Problem is that I live and work in the Persian Gulf and only come home for a few weeks in the summer.

My A/C interior units, one upstairs and the other downstairs, are relatively new (changed in 2001 when I bought the townhouse). Outside, the 2 Rheems are maybe 10 or 15 years old. I remember somebody saying to check the capacitors. I need to find a good service tech and then establish a checklist. Thanks for your input.