How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is crucial for lots of homes during the hot summer months in Savannah. However, the operating costs associated with running an AC are substantial. Find 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 breaking the bank.

What Routine AC Service Includes

Air conditioning maintenance is an affordable, predictable yearly charge that pays you back by shrinking repair costs and increasing your unit’s life span. Here are some critical maintenance steps that help protect against air conditioner breakdowns:

Swap out the air filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow and forces your air conditioner to work harder, burning 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 service call, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, promotes ideal airflow and efficiency.
Clean the evaporator coil: The indoor evaporator coil accumulates dirt and dust as time goes by, reducing its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant in the coil to freeze, preventing your air conditioner from working correctly. Cleaning the coil removes this insulating layer and will make it easier for the refrigerant to operate effectively.
Clean the condenser coil: The outdoor condenser coil releases heat taken in 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 performance greatly, 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 decreasing performance. Correcting the fins with a fin comb puts51 them to their original position to reestablish proper airflow.
Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving parts creates heat and causes undue wear and tear. Consistent lubrication diminishes friction, ensuring smooth operation and lowering the need for repairs.
Check refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another explanation for why your AC can freeze up, resulting in longer run times, comfort problems and unnecessary AC repairs. An HVAC specialist uses specific tools to check and adjust refrigerant levels as needed to ensure proper performance and prevent a mid-season breakdown.

Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs

Once-a-year maintenance is an important factor in lessening AC repair costs, but here are some other ideas to help your AC unit operate dependably all summer long:

Turn the temperature up: Increasing the thermostat setting reduces the wear and tear on your cooling system. Pick a comfortable temperature and avoid lowering the temperature.
Use a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps control your home’s temperature in a more efficient manner, reducing the demand 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 indoors. Try using caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overloading your air conditioner.
Add insulation: An appropriate attic insulation level promotes stable indoor temperatures and lessens your AC’s workload. If you can observe the attic floor or joists poking through the current insulation, add more.
Block solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing cooling demand. Putting in 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.
Try using ceiling fans: The wind chill effect produced by ceiling fans makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without losing 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 are located in a humid part of the United States, increased humidity levels might make your home feel cool but clammy, motivating you to lower the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier takes out excess moisture, giving your AC a much-needed break.
Clean your vents123: Closed or blocked air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which may cause your HVAC system to break down. To avoid this, leave at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs accidentally hinder airflow. Improve 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, start thinking about upgrading to a more energy-efficient design. 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 expenses in the long run.

Schedule HVAC Service in Savannah

By investing in regular air conditioning maintenance and following other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with reduced repair costs this summer. Coastal Service Experts offers skilled 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.