How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

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

What Routine AC Service Entails

Air conditioning maintenance is a reasonably priced, predictable annual bill that pays you back by shrinking repair costs and extending your unit’s life span. Here are some vital maintenance steps that help protect against air conditioner breakdowns:

Swap out the air filter: A dirty filter slows down airflow and causes your air conditioner to work harder, consuming more energy and increasing the risk of overheating. Changing your air conditioner's dirty air filter with a clean one as part of your regularly scheduled maintenance appointment, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, boosts excellent 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 within the coil to freeze, stopping your air conditioner from operating correctly. Cleaning the coil takes away this insulating layer and will help the refrigerant to do its job.
Clean the condenser coil: The exterior condenser coil lets out heat taken in by the refrigerant. If it’s blocked by cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is diminished. Cleaning the condenser coil increases the unit’s function substantially, 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, cutting down on the airflow and negatively affecting your air conditioner's performance. Straightening the fins with a fin comb returns51 them to their original position to reestablish proper airflow.
Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving elements generates heat and causes undue wear and tear. Routine lubrication reduces friction, ensuring smooth operation and lowering 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. A skilled Expert uses special tools to check and modify refrigerant levels as needed to assure proper function and prevent a mid-season breakdown.

Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs

Annual maintenance is an important factor in getting rid of avoidable AC repair expenditures, but here are some other techniques to help your air conditioning unit operate reliably all summer long:

Turn the temperature up: Raising the temperature on the thermostat setting limits the wear and tear on your AC. Choose a comfortable temperature and avoid setting the thermostat any lower.
Buy 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 yourself on energy costs and further diminish wear and tear.
Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around windows and doors permit warm, humid air indoors. Try using caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overloading your air conditioning equipment.
Install more insulation: A proper attic insulation level helps create consistent indoor temperatures and reduces your AC’s workload. If you can see the attic floor or joists poking through the current insulation, add more.
Prevent solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing cooling demand. Installing 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.
Try using ceiling fans: The wind chill effect created by ceiling fans makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler, which enables 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 live in a humid part of North America, increased humidity levels can easily make your home feel cool but clammy, encouraging you to lower the temperature on your thermostat. A whole-house dehumidifier takes away excess moisture, giving your AC 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 may 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 inadvertently hinder airflow. Boost circulation further by keeping interior doors open as much as possible.
Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioning system is more than 10 years old, think about 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, bringing down your repair costs in the long run.

Schedule HVAC Service in Louisville

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. Becht/Givens Service Experts offers top-notch 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 past its prime.