How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is important for countless homes during the blistering summer months in Clearwater. However, the costs associated with running an AC are substantial. Find how scheduled air conditioning service can decrease AC repair costs, and take up energy-saving habits to help your unit run more efficiently. With these tips, you’ll enjoy a comfortable home this summer without spending a lot.

What Routine AC Service Includes

Air conditioning maintenance is a reasonably priced, predictable once-a-year bill that pays you back by lowering repair costs and lengthening your unit’s life span. Here are some critical maintenance steps that help protect against air conditioner breakdowns:

Change the air filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow and causes your air conditioner to work harder, utilizing more energy and increasing the risk of overheating. Replacing your air conditioner's dirty air filter with a clean one as part of your yearly 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 with time, limiting 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 will make it easier for the refrigerant to perform this essential function.
Clean the condenser coil: The outdoor condenser coil emits heat taken in by the refrigerant. If it’s covered with cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is diminished. Cleaning the condenser coil increases 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, reducing airflow and negatively affecting your air conditioner's performance. Fixing the fins with a fin comb puts51 them to their original position to restore ideal airflow.
Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving elements produces heat and causes excessive wear and tear. Scheduled lubrication diminishes friction, ensuring smooth operation and decreasing the need for repairs.
Double check refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another answer for why your AC can freeze up, causing longer run times, comfort problems and preventable AC repairs. An HVAC specialist uses specific tools to investigate and change refrigerant levels as needed to verify 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 costs, but here are some other techniques to help your AC unit operate dependably all summer long:

Turn the temperature up: Increasing the thermostat setting limits the wear and tear on your AC. Pick a comfortable temperature and avoid setting the thermostat any lower.
Invest in a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps regulate your home’s temperature more efficiently, reducing the pressure on your AC unit. An effective technique is to set setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to save on energy costs and further reduce wear and tear.
Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks near windows and doors let warm, humid air into your home. Try using caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overworking your air conditioner.
Put in additional insulation: A proper attic insulation level encourages reliable indoor temperatures and will reduce your AC’s workload. If you can see the attic floor or joists poking through the current insulation, add more.
Stop solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing cooling demand. Installing window coverings and drawing the blinds or shades during the hot afternoon blocks solar heat gain and lowers the chance of a mid-season breakdown.
Try using ceiling fans: The wind chill effect produced by ceiling fans makes your room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without surrendering comfort. Don’t forget to switch 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, increased humidity levels might make your home feel cool but clammy, motivating you to lower the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier takes out unwanted moisture, giving your air conditioner a much-needed break.
Clean your vents123: Closed or sealed off air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which can cause your air conditioning to break down. To avoid this, keep at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs unintentionally block airflow. Enhance 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 model. In addition to improved efficiency, a new system is also much less likely to break down or have maintenance issues than an older unit, bringing down your repair bills in the long run.

Schedule Air Conditioning Repair in Clearwater

By investing in routine air conditioning maintenance and following other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with reduced repair costs this summer. Midway Services offers skilled AC tune-ups to optimize efficiency and lengthen your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is past its prime.