How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is essential for countless homes during the sweaty summer months in Dayton. However, the costs associated with running an AC are substantial. Discover how regular air conditioning service can decrease 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 draining your bank account.

What Routine AC Service Includes

Air conditioning maintenance is an affordable, predictable yearly bill that pays you back by lowering repair costs and lengthening your unit’s life span. Here are some vital maintenance steps that help prevent air conditioner breakdowns:

Replace the air filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow and forces your air conditioner to work harder, using 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 visit, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, promotes excellent airflow and efficiency.
Clean the evaporator coil: The interior evaporator coil can become covered in dirt and dust over time, lowering its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant within the coil to freeze, keeping your air conditioner from working correctly. Cleaning the coil takes away this insulating layer and will make it easier for the refrigerant to do its job.
Clean the condenser coil: The outdoor condenser coil emits 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 improves the unit’s function greatly, 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 reducing performance. Straightening the fins with a fin comb returns51 them to their original position to regain proper airflow.
Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving elements generates heat and causes undue wear and tear. Scheduled lubrication reduces friction, ensuring smooth operation and decreasing the need for repairs.
Check refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another answer for why your AC can freeze up, producing longer run times, comfort problems and avoidable AC repairs. A technician uses specialized 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 costs, but here are some other ideas to help your AC unit operate faithfully all summer long:

Turn the temperature up: Elevating the thermostat setting limits the wear and tear on your air conditioner. Find a comfortable temperature and avoid changing it to a lower temperature.
Invest in a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps manage your home’s temperature in a more efficient manner, reducing the strain on your AC unit. An effective technique is to set 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 the edges of windows and doors allow warm, humid air inside. Use caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overloading your air conditioning equipment.
Install more insulation: An appropriate attic insulation level helps create 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.
Block solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing cooling demand. Putting in window coverings and pulling the blinds or shades during the hottest part of the day blocks solar heat gain and lowers the risk of a mid-season breakdown.
Use ceiling fans: The wind chill effect produced by ceiling fans makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without losing comfort. It’s a good idea to switch 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 country, elevated humidity levels might make your home feel cool but clammy, encouraging you to turn down the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier takes out excessive moisture, giving your air conditioner a much-needed break.
Make sure your vents are not obstructed123: Closed or covered air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which can cause your air conditioner 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. Improve circulation further by making sure doors between rooms are open as much as possible.
Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, think about upgrading to a more energy-efficient system. In addition to increased efficiency, a new system is also far less likely to break down or experience maintenance issues than an older unit, reducing your repair fees in the long run.

Schedule Air Conditioning Repair in Dayton

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. Stevenson Service Experts offers top-notch air conditioner tune-ups to boost efficiency and prolong your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is past its prime.