How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is important for lots of homes during the sweaty summer months in the U.S.. However, the costs associated with running an AC are substantial. Find how regular air conditioning service can reduce AC repair costs, and embrace energy-saving habits to help your unit run more efficiently. With these tips, you’ll enjoy a comfortable home this summer without draining your bank account.

What Routine AC Service Involves

Air conditioning maintenance is a low-cost, predictable annual charge that pays you back by decreasing repair costs and increasing your unit’s life span. Here are some critical maintenance steps that help avoid air conditioner breakdowns:

• Replace the air filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow and forces 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 regularly scheduled maintenance service call, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, encourages optimal airflow and efficiency.
• Clean the condenser coil: The outside condenser coil emits 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 performance greatly, reducing wear and tear on your air conditioner that could result in breakdowns.
• Straighten the coils’ fins: The aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils can become bent, reducing airflow and reducing performance.  Fixing the fins with a fin comb rearranges them to their original position to reestablish ideal airflow.
• Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving hardware generates heat and causes excessive wear and tear.  Scheduled lubrication diminishes friction, ensuring smooth operation and lowering the need for repairs.
• Check refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another reason why your AC can freeze up, resulting in longer run times, comfort problems and avoidable AC repairs. A skilled Expert uses special tools to check and modify 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 costs, but here are some other ideas to help your air conditioner operate dependably all summer long:

• Turn the temperature up: Elevating the thermostat setting limits the wear and tear on your air conditioner.  Pick a comfortable temperature and avoid changing it to a lower temperature.
• Buy a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps manage your home’s temperature more efficiently, reducing the strain 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 help save on energy costs and further reduce wear and tear.
• Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around windows and doors let warm, humid air indoors. Use caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overburdening your air conditioning equipment.
• Install more insulation: A proper attic insulation level helps create stable indoor temperatures and reduces your AC’s workload. If you can observe 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. Putting in window coverings and pulling the blinds or shades during the hottest times of the day blocks solar heat gain and lowers the danger of a mid-season breakdown.
• Run ceiling fans: The wind chill effect created by ceiling fans makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort. It’s a good idea to shut 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 the country, elevated humidity levels might make your home feel cool but clammy, encouraging you to lower the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier takes away excess moisture, giving your AC a much-needed break.
• Clear out your vents: Closed or blocked air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which might cause your air conditioning to break down. To avoid this, leave at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs accidentally block airflow. Improve circulation further by making sure doors between rooms are open as much as possible.
• Invest in an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. In addition to enhanced efficiency, a new system is also much 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 adopting other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with decreased repair costs this summer. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers skilled AC tune-ups to maximize efficiency and prolong your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is past its prime.