Wow. So sorry to hear about your son in what he is going through. I’ll keep Logan and you and entire family in prayer. The lord knows the needs. Keep faith and believing in the healing power God can do.
I wouldn't bother with a surge protector on a dumb condensing unit. Any surge large enough to blow the motor windings is way more than the protector can handle. If there's an inverter compressor or ECM fan then the protection is worthwhile. Basically anything with electronics. It's also a good idea for whole-home surge surge suppression at the main panel.
A great example of what an annual maintenance visit should include. If you ever decide to move to Long Island , NY I will be your first customer for a service contract
do you check the charge on every a/c maintenance? i think once proper charge is verified the first time around it is better to not disturb the sealed system unless there are symptoms of a problem like too warm suction, low temp drop, gurgling in liquid line.
It's best to only take pressures if you see another sign of them being off. There are a lot of other telltale signs that won't slowly bleed off their expensive refrigerant or make the service valves angry. But I know some shops require