How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is essential for countless homes during the blistering summer months in West Chester. However, the expenses associated with running an AC are substantial. Discover how scheduled air conditioning service can reduce AC repair costs, and take up energy-saving habits to help your unit run more efficiently. With these tips, you’ll have a comfortable home this summer without breaking the bank.

What Routine AC Service Entails

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

Replace the air filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow and forces your air conditioner to work harder, utilizing 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 appointment, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, promotes excellent airflow and efficiency.
Clean the evaporator coil: The in-house evaporator coil accumulates dirt and dust over time, limiting its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant within the coil to freeze, keeping your air conditioner from working properly. Cleaning the coil takes out this insulating layer and will help the refrigerant to do its job.
Clean the condenser coil: The outside 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 dramatically, 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. Correcting the fins with a fin comb rearranges51 them to their original position to regain ideal airflow.
Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving elements generates heat and causes unnecessary wear and tear. Scheduled lubrication reduces friction, ensuring smooth operation and decreasing the need for repairs.
Double check refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another answer for why your AC can freeze up, resulting in longer run times, comfort problems and avoidable AC repairs. An HVAC specialist uses specific tools to investigate and change refrigerant levels as needed to verify proper function and prevent a mid-season breakdown.

Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs

Annual maintenance is a crucial factor in lessening AC repair expenditures, but here are some other ideas to help your air conditioning unit operate dependably all summer long:

Turn the temperature up: Increasing the thermostat setting limits the wear and tear on your AC. Choose 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 stress on your AC unit. Remember to program setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to conserve on energy costs and further alleviate wear and tear.
Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around the edges of windows and doors let warm, humid air inside. Apply caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overloading your air conditioning equipment.
Install more insulation: An appropriate attic insulation level promotes consistent indoor temperatures and reduces your AC’s workload. If you can spot the attic floor or joists poking through the current insulation, add more.
Prevent solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing the demand on your AC system. Putting in window coverings and closing the blinds or shades during the hot afternoon blocks solar heat gain and lowers the chance of a mid-season breakdown.
Run ceiling fans: The wind chill effect provided by ceiling fans makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, which enables you to raise the thermostat setting without losing comfort. Remember to turn the fan off when you leave the room, as fans cool people, not spaces.
Use a dehumidifier: For those who reside in a humid part of the United States, elevated humidity levels can make your home feel cool but clammy, causing you to lower the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier removes excess moisture, giving your AC a much-needed break.
Clear out your vents123: Closed or blocked air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which might cause your AC to break down. To avoid this, leave at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs unintentionally block airflow. Enhance circulation further by keeping interior doors open as much as possible.
Invest in an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient design. In addition to improved efficiency, a new system is also less likely to break down or have maintenance issues than an older unit, reducing your repair bills in the long run.

Schedule Air Conditioning Repair in West Chester

By investing in scheduled air conditioning maintenance and following other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with decreased repair costs this summer. Wesley Wood Service Experts offers quality AC tune-ups to boost efficiency and prolong your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is starting to have problems.