How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is a must for countless homes during the hot summer months in the U.S.. However, the expenses associated with running an AC are substantial. Discover how routine 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 a reasonably priced, predictable annual bill that pays you back by reducing repair costs and increasing your unit’s life span. Here are some vital maintenance steps that help protect against air conditioner breakdowns:

• • Replace 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. Changing your air conditioner’s dirty air filter with a clean one as part of your regularly scheduled maintenance appointment, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, encourages ideal airflow and efficiency.

• • Clean the evaporator coil: The in-house evaporator coil can become covered in dirt and dust over time, reducing its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant within the coil to freeze, preventing your air conditioner from working correctly. Cleaning the coil removes this insulating layer and helps the refrigerant to operate effectively.

• • Clean the condenser coil: The exterior condenser coil releases heat absorbed by the refrigerant. If it’s blocked by cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is impaired. Cleaning the condenser coil increases the unit’s function dramatically, reducing wear and tear on your air conditioner that could cause breakdowns.

• • Straighten the coils’ fins: The aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils can become bent, restricting airflow and negatively affecting your air conditioner’s performance.  Fixing the fins with a fin comb returns them to their original position to regain correct airflow.

• • Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving parts generates heat and causes unnecessary wear and tear.  Scheduled lubrication reduces friction, ensuring smooth operation and decreasing the need for repairs.

• • Examine refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another explanation for why your AC can freeze up, producing longer run times, comfort problems and avoidable AC repairs. A skilled Expert uses specialized tools to assess and change refrigerant levels as needed to assure proper operation and prevent a mid-season breakdown.

Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs

Yearly maintenance is an important factor in lessening AC repair charges, but here are some other recommendations to help your air conditioning unit operate reliably all summer long:

• • Turn the temperature up: Increasing the thermostat setting reduces the wear and tear on your cooling system.  Pick a comfortable temperature and avoid setting the thermostat any lower.

• • Install a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps regulate your home’s temperature more efficiently, reducing the stress on your AC unit. An effective technique is to schedule setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to conserve on energy costs and further reduce wear and tear.

• • Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around the edges of windows and doors let warm, humid air into your home. Apply caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overworking your air conditioner.

• • Add insulation: an appropriate attic insulation level promotes consistent indoor temperatures and reduces your AC’s workload. If you can spot the attic floor or joists poking through the insulation you already have in your home, add more.

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

• • Try using ceiling fans: The wind chill effect provided by ceiling fans makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without losing comfort. Remember to switch the fan off when you leave the room, as fans cool people, not spaces.

• • Use a dehumidifier: For those who are located in a humid part of North America, increased humidity levels can make your home feel cool but clammy, encouraging you to lower the temperature on your thermostat. A whole-house dehumidifier removes unwanted moisture, giving your AC a much-needed break.

• • Make sure your vents are not obstructed: Closed or sealed off air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which might cause your AC 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. Boost circulation further by making sure doors between rooms are open as much as possible.

• • Install 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 enhanced efficiency, a new system is also far less likely to break down or have maintenance issues than an older unit, bringing down your repair expenses in the long run.

Schedule Air Conditioning Repair in the U.S.

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