How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

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

What Routine AC Service Entails

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

• • Change the air filter: A dirty filter slows down airflow and causes your air conditioner to work harder, consuming more energy and increasing the risk of overheating. Replacing your air conditioner’s dirty air filter with a clean one as part of your regularly scheduled maintenance visit, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, boosts excellent airflow and efficiency.

• • Clean the evaporator coil: The interior evaporator coil accumulates dirt and dust as time goes by, reducing its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant in the coil to freeze, preventing your air conditioner from operating effectively. Cleaning the coil removes this insulating layer and helps the refrigerant to do its job.

• • Clean the condenser coil: The outdoor condenser coil releases heat absorbed by the refrigerant. If it’s covered with cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is impaired. Cleaning the condenser coil improves the unit’s function greatly, reducing wear and tear on your air conditioner that could bring on 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 returns them to their original position to restore ideal airflow.

• • Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving components creates heat and causes undue wear and tear.  Scheduled lubrication minimizes friction, ensuring smooth operation and lowering 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 preventable AC repairs. A skilled Expert uses special tools to check and adjust refrigerant levels as needed to assure proper performance and prevent a mid-season breakdown.

Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs

Annual maintenance is a key factor in lessening AC repair costs, but here are some other recommendations to help your AC unit operate faithfully all summer long:

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

• • Buy a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps control your home’s temperature more efficiently, 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 alleviate wear and tear.

• • Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around the edges of windows and doors let warm, humid air into your home. Use caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overburdening your air conditioning unit.

• • Put in additional insulation: A proper attic insulation level encourages consistent indoor temperatures and will reduce your AC’s workload. If you can see the attic floor or joists poking through the current insulation, add more.

• • Block solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing cooling demand. Putting in window coverings and drawing the blinds or shades during the hot afternoon blocks solar heat gain and lowers the danger of a mid-season breakdown.

• • Try using ceiling fans: The wind chill effect created by ceiling fans makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler, which enables you to raise the thermostat setting without sacrificing 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 the country, elevated humidity levels might make your home feel cool but clammy, causing you to turn down the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier takes out excessive 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 unintentionally block airflow. Boost circulation further by opening the doors between the rooms in your home as much as possible.

• • Install an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, think about upgrading to a more energy-efficient design. In addition to increased efficiency, a new system is also far less likely to break down or encounter maintenance issues than an older unit, reducing your repair bills in the long run.

Schedule AC Service in the U.S.

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