How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is crucial for countless homes during the hot summer months in the U.S.. However, the costs associated with running an AC are substantial. Find how scheduled air conditioning service can decrease AC repair costs, and adopt energy-saving habits to help your unit run more efficiently. With these tips, you’ll be able to appreciate a comfortable home this summer without breaking the bank.

What Routine AC Service Entails

Air conditioning maintenance is an inexpensive, predictable annual bill that pays you back by lowering repair costs and lengthening your unit’s life span. Here are some critical maintenance steps that help avoid air conditioner breakdowns:

• • Change the air filter: A dirty filter obstructs airflow and makes your air conditioner to work harder, using more energy and increasing the risk of overheating. Replacing your air conditioner’s dirty air filter with a clean one as part of your yearly maintenance appointment, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, boosts excellent airflow and efficiency.

• • Clean the evaporator coil: The indoor evaporator coil can become covered in dirt and dust over time, decreasing its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant in the coil to freeze, stopping your air conditioner from running properly. Cleaning the coil removes this insulating layer and will make it easier for the refrigerant to operate effectively.

• • Clean the condenser coil: The outdoor condenser coil releases heat taken in by the refrigerant. If it’s blocked by cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is impaired. Cleaning the condenser coil boosts the unit’s efficiency greatly, reducing wear and tear on your air conditioner that could lead to breakdowns.

• • Straighten the coils’ fins: The aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils can become bent, cutting down on the airflow and decreasing performance.  Fixing the fins with a fin comb rearranges them to their original position to regain ideal airflow.

• • Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving parts produces heat and causes excessive wear and tear.  Scheduled lubrication reduces friction, ensuring smooth operation and cutting down on the need for repairs.

• • Double check refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another reason why your AC can freeze up, producing longer run times, comfort problems and avoidable AC repairs. An HVAC professional uses special tools to assess and change refrigerant levels as needed to ensure proper performance and prevent a mid-season breakdown.

Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs

Yearly maintenance is a crucial factor in getting rid of avoidable AC repair expenditures, but here are some other ideas to help your air conditioner operate reliably all summer long:

• • Turn the temperature up: Raising the temperature on the thermostat setting limits the wear and tear on your air conditioner.  Pick a comfortable temperature and avoid lowering the temperature.

• • Use a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps regulate your home’s temperature more effectively, reducing the strain on your AC unit. Remember to schedule setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to help save on energy costs and further reduce wear and tear.

• • Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around the edges of windows and doors allow warm, humid air indoors. Apply caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overburdening your air conditioner.

• • Add insulation: A correct attic insulation level promotes reliable indoor temperatures and reduces your AC’s workload. If you can see the attic floor or joists poking through the existing insulation, add more.

• • Prevent solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing the workload of your air conditioner. Getting window coverings and drawing the blinds or shades during the hottest times of the day blocks solar heat gain and lowers the chance of a mid-season breakdown.

• • Use ceiling fans: The wind chill effect produced by ceiling fans makes your room feel about 4 degrees cooler, which enables you to raise the thermostat setting without surrendering comfort. Remember to switch the fan off when you leave the room, as fans cool people, not spaces.

• • Use a dehumidifier: For those who reside in a humid part of North America, high humidity levels might make your home feel cool but clammy, motivating you to turn down the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier takes out unwanted moisture, giving your air conditioner a much-needed break.

• • Clean your vents: Closed or covered air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which may cause your HVAC system to break down. To avoid this, keep at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs accidentally obstruct airflow. Boost circulation further by making sure doors between rooms are open as much as possible.

• • Install an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient system. In addition to improved efficiency, a new system is also much less likely to break down or have maintenance issues than an older unit, lowering your repair expenses in the long run.

Schedule Air Conditioning Repair in the U.S.

By investing in routine air conditioning maintenance and adopting other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with reduced repair costs this summer. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers quality air conditioner tune-ups to optimize efficiency and lengthen your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is starting to have problems.