How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is important for countless homes during the sweaty summer months in Livermore. However, the costs associated with running an AC are substantial. Learn how scheduled air conditioning service can reduce 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 draining your bank account.

What Routine AC Service Entails

Air conditioning maintenance is a low-cost, predictable annual bill that pays you back by decreasing repair costs and increasing your unit’s life span. Here are some significant maintenance steps that help avoid air conditioner breakdowns:

Swap out the air filter: A dirty filter obstructs airflow and makes 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 annual 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 accumulates dirt and dust with time, lowering its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant in the coil to freeze, blocking your air conditioner from working effectively. Cleaning the coil removes this insulating layer and will help 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 caked in cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is weakened. Cleaning the condenser coil boosts the unit’s performance dramatically, reducing wear and tear on your air conditioner that could bring on 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. Fixing the fins with a fin comb rearranges51 them to their original position to regain proper airflow.
Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving hardware generates heat and causes excessive wear and tear. Regular lubrication diminishes friction, ensuring smooth operation and lowering the need for repairs.
Monitor refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another answer for why your AC can freeze up, producing longer run times, comfort problems and avoidable AC repairs. A skilled Expert uses special 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

Annual maintenance is a crucial factor in reducing AC repair costs, but here are some other techniques to help your AC unit operate faithfully all summer long:

Turn the temperature up: Increasing the thermostat setting reduces the wear and tear on your AC. Pick a comfortable temperature and avoid changing it to a lower temperature.
Buy a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps manage your home’s temperature more efficiently, reducing the strain on your AC unit. An effective technique is to program setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to help save on energy costs and further reduce wear and tear.
Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around the edges of windows and doors permit warm, humid air inside. Apply caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overloading your air conditioner.
Put in additional insulation: A correct attic insulation level helps create 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.
Block solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing cooling demand. Getting window coverings and pulling the blinds or shades during the hottest part of the day blocks solar heat gain and lowers the chance 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 enables you to raise the thermostat setting without losing comfort. Remember to shut 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, elevated humidity levels can make your home feel cool but clammy, motivating you to lower the temperature on your thermostat. A whole-house dehumidifier removes unwanted moisture, giving your air conditioning a much-needed break.
Clear out your vents123: 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, leave at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs accidentally obstruct airflow. Enhance circulation further by keeping interior doors open as much as possible.
Install an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioning system is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. In addition to increased efficiency, a new system is also much less likely to break down or encounter maintenance issues than an older unit, bringing down your repair costs in the long run.

Schedule Air Conditioning Repair in Livermore

By investing in routine air conditioning maintenance and adopting other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with decreased repair costs this summer. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers skilled air conditioner 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.