How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is a must for countless homes during the blistering summer months in Windsor. However, the expenses associated with running an AC are substantial. Know how scheduled air conditioning service can lower 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 emptying your wallet.

What Routine AC Service Entails

Air conditioning maintenance is an inexpensive, predictable once-a-year cost that pays you back by decreasing repair costs and increasing your unit’s life span. Here are some crucial maintenance steps that help protect against air conditioner breakdowns:

• Replace the air filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow and makes your air conditioner to work harder, consuming more energy and increasing the risk of overheating. Exchanging your air conditioner’s dirty air filter with a clean one as part of your yearly maintenance service call, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, boosts ideal airflow and efficiency.
• Clean the evaporator coil: The interior evaporator coil collects dirt and dust with time, decreasing its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant inside of the coil to freeze, stopping your air conditioner from working effectively. Cleaning the coil takes out this insulating layer and helps the refrigerant to perform this essential function.
• Clean the condenser coil: The outside condenser coil lets out heat absorbed by the refrigerant. If it’s covered with cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is diminished. Cleaning the condenser coil improves the unit’s function significantly, 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, restricting airflow and negatively affecting your air conditioner’s performance.  Straightening the fins with a fin comb returns them to their original position to reestablish correct airflow.
• Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving parts produces heat and causes excessive wear and tear.  Consistent lubrication minimizes friction, ensuring smooth operation and cutting down on the need for repairs.
• Examine refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another answer for why your AC can freeze up, producing longer run times, comfort problems and unnecessary AC repairs. An HVAC specialist uses specific tools to assess and change refrigerant levels as needed to ensure proper function and prevent a mid-season breakdown.

Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs

Yearly maintenance is a key factor in lessening AC repair charges, but here are some other tips to help your air conditioning unit operate dependably all summer long:

• Turn the temperature up: Increasing the thermostat setting curbs the wear and tear on your air conditioner.  Choose a comfortable temperature and avoid lowering the temperature.
• Invest in 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. An effective technique is to schedule setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to help save on energy costs and further diminish wear and tear.
• Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks near windows and doors allow warm, humid air into your home. Try using caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overburdening your air conditioning equipment.
• Install more insulation: A proper attic insulation level encourages consistent indoor temperatures and lessens your AC’s workload. If you can see the attic floor or joists poking through the insulation you already have in your home, add more.
• Stop solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing cooling demand. Putting in window coverings and pulling the blinds or shades during the hot afternoon blocks solar heat gain and lowers the risk of a mid-season breakdown.
• Run ceiling fans: The wind chill effect produced by ceiling fans makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, which allows 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 live in a humid part of North America, elevated humidity levels can easily make your home feel cool but clammy, encouraging you to turn down the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier removes excess moisture, giving your air conditioner a much-needed break.
• Clear out your vents: Closed or sealed off air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which may cause your HVAC system to break down. To avoid this, leave at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs inadvertently hinder airflow. Improve circulation further by opening the doors between the rooms in your home as much as possible.
• Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, start thinking about upgrading to a more energy-efficient system. In addition to improved efficiency, a new system is also much less likely to break down or experience maintenance issues than an older unit, bringing down your repair fees in the long run.

Schedule HVAC Service in Windsor

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