How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is a must for many homes during the sweltering summer months in Fort Lauderdale. However, the expenses associated with running an AC are substantial. Learn how regular 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 have a comfortable home this summer without spending a lot.

What Routine AC Service Entails

Air conditioning maintenance is a reasonably priced, predictable once-a-year expense 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:

  • Swap out the air filter: A dirty filter slows down airflow and forces your air conditioner to work harder, using more energy and increasing the risk of overheating. Exchanging your air conditioner’s dirty air filter with a clean one as part of your annual maintenance visit, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, boosts excellent airflow and efficiency.
  • Clean the condenser coil: The outside condenser coil releases heat taken in by the refrigerant. If it’s covered with cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is reduced. Cleaning the condenser coil increases the unit’s function substantially, 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, reducing airflow and decreasing performance.  Correcting the fins with a fin comb rearranges them to their original position to reestablish correct airflow.
  • Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving parts generates heat and causes undue wear and tear.  Regular lubrication reduces friction, ensuring smooth operation and decreasing the need for repairs.
  • Check refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another answer for why your AC can freeze up, resulting in longer run times, comfort problems and preventable AC repairs. A skilled Expert uses special tools to assess and adjust refrigerant levels as needed to assure proper performance and prevent a mid-season breakdown.

Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs

Once-a-year maintenance is an important factor in lessening AC repair charges, but here are some other ideas 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 setting the thermostat any lower.
  • Buy a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps regulate your home’s temperature in a more efficient manner, reducing the pressure on your AC unit. It’s a good idea to schedule setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to conserve on energy costs and further diminish wear and tear.
  • Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around windows and doors permit warm, humid air inside. Use caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overworking your air conditioner.
  • Put in additional insulation: A correct attic insulation level promotes stable indoor temperatures and will reduce your AC’s workload. If you can observe 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 demand on your AC system. Installing window coverings and drawing the blinds or shades during the hottest part of the day blocks solar heat gain and lowers the risk 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 turn 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 United States, elevated humidity levels might make your home feel cool but clammy, encouraging you to lower the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier takes away unwanted moisture, giving your air conditioning a much-needed break.
  • Clean your vents: Closed or blocked air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which may cause your air conditioner to break down. To avoid this, leave at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs inadvertently obstruct airflow. Improve circulation further by keeping interior doors open as much as possible.
  • Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioning system is more than 10 years old, start thinking about upgrading to a more energy-efficient design. In addition to improved efficiency, a new system is also less likely to break down or have maintenance issues than an older unit, bringing down your repair expenses in the long run.

Schedule AC Service in Fort Lauderdale

By investing in routine air conditioning maintenance and implementing other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with reduced repair costs this summer. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers top-notch air conditioner tune-ups to boost efficiency and lengthen your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is getting up there in age.

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