Air conditioning is crucial for countless homes during the sweltering summer months in Daytona Beach. However, the operating costs associated with running an AC are substantial. Learn how regular air conditioning service can reduce AC repair costs, and learn energy-saving habits to help your unit run more efficiently. With these tips, you’ll enjoy a comfortable home this summer without emptying your wallet.
What Routine AC Service Entails
Air conditioning maintenance is an inexpensive, predictable annual cost that pays you back by decreasing repair costs and lengthening your unit’s life span. Here are some crucial maintenance steps that help avoid air conditioner breakdowns:
- Replace the air filter: A dirty filter obstructs airflow and forces your air conditioner to work harder, using more energy and increasing the risk of overheating. Changing 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, promotes optimal airflow and efficiency.
- Clean the evaporator coil: The interior evaporator coil accumulates dirt and dust as time goes by, limiting its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant inside of the coil to freeze, keeping your air conditioner from working properly. Cleaning the coil takes out 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 diminished. Cleaning the condenser coil boosts the unit’s efficiency dramatically, 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, restricting airflow and negatively affecting your air conditioner's performance. Correcting the fins with a fin comb rearranges51 them to their original position to restore proper airflow.
- Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving components produces heat and causes unnecessary wear and tear. Consistent lubrication diminishes 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, causing longer run times, comfort problems and avoidable AC repairs. An HVAC professional uses specialized tools to assess and adjust refrigerant levels as needed to ensure proper operation and prevent a mid-season breakdown.
Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs
Yearly maintenance is a crucial factor in getting rid of avoidable AC repair costs, but here are some other recommendations to help your air conditioning unit operate reliably all summer long:
- Turn the temperature up: Elevating the thermostat setting curbs the wear and tear on your AC. Pick a comfortable temperature and avoid changing it to a lower temperature.
- Install a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps manage your home’s temperature more efficiently, reducing the strain on your AC unit. An effective technique is to program setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to save yourself on energy costs and further reduce wear and tear.
- Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around windows and doors permit warm, humid air into your home. Try using caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overburdening your air conditioner.
- Add insulation: A proper attic insulation level promotes stable indoor temperatures and lessens your AC’s workload. If you can see the attic floor or joists poking through the existing insulation, add more.
- Stop solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing the demand on your AC system. Installing 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.
- Use ceiling fans: The wind chill effect provided by ceiling fans makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without surrendering comfort. Remember 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 the United States, increased humidity levels can easily make your home feel cool but clammy, causing you to lower the temperature on your thermostat. A whole-house dehumidifier removes excessive moisture, giving your air conditioning a much-needed break.
- Clear out 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, always keep at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs accidentally obstruct airflow. Boost circulation further by keeping interior doors open as much as possible.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. In addition to increased efficiency, a new system is also much less likely to break down or have maintenance issues than an older unit, bringing down your repair bills in the long run.
Schedule AC Service in Daytona Beach
By investing in regular air conditioning maintenance and adopting other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with lower repair costs this summer. All American Air Service Experts offers quality air conditioner tune-ups to maximize efficiency and lengthen your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is starting to have problems.