How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is important for lots of homes during the sweltering summer months in Fort Lauderdale. However, the expenses associated with running an AC are substantial. Learn how routine air conditioning service can minimize AC repair costs, and embrace energy-saving habits to help your unit run more efficiently. With these tips, you’ll be able to appreciate a comfortable home this summer without breaking the bank.

What Routine AC Service Includes

Air conditioning maintenance is a reasonably priced, predictable once-a-year expense that pays you back by decreasing repair costs and lengthening 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 obstructs airflow and forces your air conditioner to work harder, burning more energy and increasing the risk of overheating. Exchanging your air conditioner’s dirty air filter with a clean one as part of your regularly scheduled maintenance visit, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, boosts optimal airflow and efficiency.
• Clean the condenser coil: The outdoor condenser coil releases heat soaked up by the refrigerant. If it’s covered with cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is reduced. Cleaning the condenser coil increases the unit’s efficiency significantly, reducing wear and tear on your air conditioner that could lead to 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.  Fixing the fins with a fin comb rearranges them to their original position to restore ideal airflow.
• Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving components produces heat and causes excessive wear and tear.  Routine lubrication reduces friction, ensuring smooth operation and lowering the need for repairs.
• Examine 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 investigate and change refrigerant levels as needed to assure proper performance and prevent a mid-season breakdown.

Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs

Annual maintenance is an important factor in reducing AC repair charges, but here are some other ideas to help your AC unit operate dependably all summer long:

• Turn the temperature up: Elevating the thermostat setting reduces the wear and tear on your cooling system.  Pick a comfortable temperature and avoid lowering the temperature.
• Invest in a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps manage your home’s temperature more effectively, reducing the stress on your AC unit. An effective technique is to schedule setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to conserve on energy costs and further diminish wear and tear.
• Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks near windows and doors permit warm, humid air inside. Use caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overloading your air conditioner.
• Add insulation: A proper attic insulation level encourages stable indoor temperatures and lessens your AC’s workload. If you can spot the attic floor or joists poking through the insulation you already have in your home, add more.
• Stop solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing the workload of your air conditioner. Installing window coverings and closing the blinds or shades during the hottest times of the day blocks solar heat gain and lowers the danger of a mid-season breakdown.
• Run ceiling fans: The wind chill effect provided by ceiling fans makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler, which allows you to raise the thermostat setting without losing comfort. Don’t forget to shut 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 North America, high 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 air conditioning a much-needed break.
• Clean your vents: Closed or sealed off air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which may cause your air conditioner to break down. To avoid this, always keep at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs accidentally block airflow. Boost circulation further by keeping interior doors open as much as possible.
• Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient design. In addition to increased 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 Fort Lauderdale

By investing in scheduled air conditioning maintenance and implementing other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with lower repair costs this summer. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers quality air conditioner tune-ups to optimize efficiency and extend your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is starting to have problems.