How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is a must for lots of homes during the hot summer months in Longmont. However, the expenses associated with running an AC are substantial. Find how routine air conditioning service can decrease AC repair costs, and learn 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 a reasonably priced, predictable once-a-year bill that pays you back by reducing repair costs and extending your unit’s life span. Here are some vital maintenance steps that help prevent air conditioner breakdowns:

Replace the air filter: A dirty filter obstructs airflow and forces 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 annual maintenance visit, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, boosts excellent airflow and efficiency.
Clean the evaporator coil: The indoor evaporator coil accumulates dirt and dust as time goes by, decreasing its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant in the coil to freeze, keeping your air conditioner from running correctly. Cleaning the coil takes away this insulating layer and helps the refrigerant to operate effectively.
Clean the condenser coil: The exterior 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 weakened. Cleaning the condenser coil boosts the unit’s efficiency dramatically, 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 reducing performance. Fixing the fins with a fin comb returns51 them to their original position to reestablish correct airflow.
Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving elements generates heat and causes excessive wear and tear. Scheduled lubrication diminishes 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, causing longer run times, comfort problems and avoidable AC repairs. An HVAC professional uses special tools to check and change 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 a key factor in lessening AC repair expenditures, but here are some other techniques to help your air conditioner 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. Choose a comfortable temperature and avoid lowering the temperature.
Invest in a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps manage your home’s temperature more effectively, reducing the pressure on your AC unit. It's a good idea to program setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to save on energy costs and further diminish wear and tear.
Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks near windows and doors let warm, humid air into your home. Apply caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overloading your air conditioner.
Put in additional insulation: A correct attic insulation level helps create reliable indoor temperatures and reduces your AC’s workload. If you can observe the attic floor or joists poking through the current insulation, add more.
Stop solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing the workload of your air conditioner. Getting window coverings and pulling the blinds or shades during the hottest part of the day blocks solar heat gain and lowers the risk of a mid-season breakdown.
Run ceiling fans: The wind chill effect provided by ceiling fans makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler, which enables you to raise the thermostat setting without surrendering comfort. It’s a good idea 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 might make your home feel cool but clammy, motivating you to lower the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier eliminates excessive moisture, giving your air conditioning a much-needed break.
Make sure your vents are not obstructed123: Closed or covered air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which can cause your air conditioner to break down. To avoid this, keep at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs accidentally hinder airflow. Boost circulation further by keeping interior doors open as much as possible.
Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, think about upgrading to a more energy-efficient system. In addition to increased efficiency, a new system is also much less likely to break down or experience maintenance issues than an older unit, lowering your repair expenses in the long run.

Schedule AC Service in Longmont

By investing in regular 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 offers top-notch air conditioning tune-ups to boost efficiency and prolong your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is past its prime.