How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is crucial for lots of homes during the sweltering summer months in Canada. However, the expenses associated with running an AC are substantial. Find out how scheduled air conditioning service can minimize 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 Involves

Air conditioning maintenance is an affordable, predictable once-a-year expense that pays you back by shrinking repair costs and extending 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 restricts airflow and causes your air conditioner to work harder, consuming more energy and increasing the risk of overheating. Exchanging 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 optimal airflow and efficiency.
• Clean the evaporator coil: The interior evaporator coil accumulates dirt and dust over time, lowering its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant in the coil to freeze, preventing your air conditioner from running correctly. Cleaning the coil removes this insulating layer and helps the refrigerant to do its job.
• Clean the condenser coil: The outdoor condenser coil lets out heat absorbed by the refrigerant. If it’s covered with cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is diminished. Cleaning the condenser coil improves the unit’s function greatly, 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 puts them to their original position to regain proper airflow.
• Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving components produces heat and causes undue wear and tear.  Regular lubrication reduces friction, ensuring smooth operation and lowering the need for repairs.
• Check refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another reason why your AC can freeze up, resulting in longer run times, comfort problems and avoidable AC repairs. An HVAC professional uses specialized tools to investigate and adjust 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 key factor in lessening AC repair expenditures, 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 air conditioner.  Find a comfortable temperature and avoid setting the thermostat any lower.
• Install a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps control your home’s temperature in a more efficient manner, reducing the strain 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 on energy costs and further diminish wear and tear.
• Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around windows and doors let warm, humid air into your home. Try using caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overloading your air conditioning equipment.
• Put in additional insulation: A proper attic insulation level helps create reliable 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.
• Prevent solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing cooling demand. Installing window coverings and drawing 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 created 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 live in a humid part of the country, high humidity levels can make your home feel cool but clammy, motivating you to turn down the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier removes excessive moisture, giving your air conditioning a much-needed break.
• Clear out your vents: Closed or covered air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which can cause your HVAC system to break down. To avoid this, always keep at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs inadvertently obstruct airflow. Boost circulation further by opening the doors between the rooms in your home as much as possible.
• Invest in 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 experience maintenance issues than an older unit, bringing down your repair bills in the long run.

Schedule HVAC Service in Canada

By investing in regular 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 & Plumbing offers skilled air conditioning tune-ups to optimize efficiency and prolong your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is past its prime.