Air conditioning is important for countless homes during the sweltering summer months in the U.S.. However, the costs associated with running an AC are substantial. Find out how regular air conditioning service can decrease AC repair costs, and adopt 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 Entails

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

Swap out the air filter: A dirty filter slows down airflow and makes your air conditioner to work harder, utilizing more energy and increasing the risk of overheating. Changing your air conditioner’s dirty air filter with a clean one as part of your yearly maintenance visit, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, encourages optimal airflow and efficiency.
Clean the condenser coil: The outside condenser coil releases heat absorbed by the refrigerant. If it’s caked in cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is impaired. Cleaning the condenser coil improves the unit’s efficiency significantly, reducing wear and tear on your air conditioner that could lead to breakdowns.
Straighten the coils’ fins: The aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils can become bent, cutting down on the airflow and decreasing performance. Correcting the fins with a fin comb rearranges them to their original position to reestablish correct airflow.
Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving components produces heat and causes undue wear and tear. Consistent lubrication minimizes friction, ensuring smooth operation and cutting down on the need for repairs.
Check refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another reason why your AC can freeze up, causing longer run times, comfort problems and preventable AC repairs. A technician uses specific tools to check 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 reducing AC repair expenditures, but here are some other tips 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 cooling system. Find 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 effectively, reducing the pressure on your AC unit. It's a good idea to set 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 windows and doors let warm, humid air inside. Use caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overburdening your air conditioning unit.
Put in additional insulation: A proper attic insulation level encourages 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 demand on your AC system. Installing window coverings and closing the blinds or shades during the hottest times of the day blocks solar heat gain and lowers the chance of a mid-season breakdown.
Try using 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 losing comfort. It's a good idea 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 might make your home feel cool but clammy, encouraging you to turn down the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier takes out excessive moisture, giving your air conditioner a much-needed break.
Clean your vents: Closed or covered air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which can cause your air conditioning to break down. To avoid this, always keep at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs inadvertently obstruct 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 conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient design. In addition to improved efficiency, a new system is also far 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 the U.S.

By investing in regular air conditioning maintenance and implementing other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with lower repair costs this summer. Service Experts offers quality air conditioner 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.