How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is important for lots of homes during the hot summer months in Fort Lauderdale. However, the costs associated with running an AC are substantial. Know how regular air conditioning service can decrease AC repair costs, and embrace 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 an inexpensive, predictable once-a-year bill that pays you back by decreasing repair costs and lengthening your unit’s life span. Here are some critical maintenance steps that help prevent air conditioner breakdowns:

• Replace the air filter: A dirty filter slows down airflow and forces your air conditioner to work harder, using more energy and increasing the risk of overheating. Replacing 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 condenser coil: The exterior condenser coil emits heat absorbed 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 efficiency 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, restricting airflow and reducing performance.  Fixing the fins with a fin comb rearranges them to their original position to restore proper airflow.
• Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving hardware generates heat and causes excessive wear and tear.  Consistent lubrication reduces friction, ensuring smooth operation and cutting down on the need for repairs.
• Monitor refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another reason why your AC can freeze up, producing longer run times, comfort problems and unnecessary AC repairs. An HVAC professional uses specialized tools to investigate and modify refrigerant levels as needed to verify proper function and prevent a mid-season breakdown.

Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs

Annual maintenance is an important factor in lessening AC repair charges, but here are some other techniques to help your air conditioning unit operate faithfully all summer long:

• Turn the temperature up: Elevating the thermostat setting reduces the wear and tear on your AC.  Pick a comfortable temperature and avoid lowering the temperature.
• Buy a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps regulate your home’s temperature in a more efficient manner, 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 alleviate wear and tear.
• Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around the edges of windows and doors allow warm, humid air inside. Use caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overburdening your air conditioner.
• Add insulation: A proper attic insulation level promotes stable indoor temperatures and reduces your AC’s workload. If you can see the attic floor or joists poking through the existing insulation, add more.
• Prevent solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing the demand on your AC system. Getting window coverings and drawing 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 created by ceiling fans makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort. Remember to turn 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 country, elevated humidity levels might make your home feel cool but clammy, causing you to turn down the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier eliminates excessive moisture, giving your AC a much-needed break.
• Make sure your vents are not obstructed: Closed or covered 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 block airflow. Boost circulation further by opening the doors between the rooms in your home 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 enhanced efficiency, a new system is also less likely to break down or experience maintenance issues than an older unit, lowering your repair costs in the long run.

Schedule AC Service in Fort Lauderdale

By investing in regular air conditioning maintenance and adopting other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with reduced repair costs this summer. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers top-notch air conditioner tune-ups to boost efficiency and extend your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is past its prime.