How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is a must for countless homes during the sweltering summer months in Edmonton. However, the expenses associated with running an AC are substantial. Learn how routine 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 spending a lot.

What Routine AC Service Includes

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

• Replace the air filter: A dirty filter obstructs airflow and makes 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 annual maintenance visit, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, encourages optimal airflow and efficiency.
• Clean the evaporator coil: The indoor evaporator coil collects dirt and dust over time, reducing 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 removes this insulating layer and will help the refrigerant to operate effectively.
• Clean the condenser coil: The outside condenser coil lets out heat soaked up by the refrigerant. If it’s blocked by cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is impaired. Cleaning the condenser coil increases the unit’s performance 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 decreasing performance.  Fixing the fins with a fin comb rearranges them to their original position to restore proper airflow.
• Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving components generates heat and causes excessive wear and tear.  Regular 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, resulting in longer run times, comfort problems and unnecessary AC repairs. A skilled Expert uses specialized tools to investigate and change refrigerant levels as needed to assure proper function and prevent a mid-season breakdown.

Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs

Annual maintenance is a crucial factor in getting rid of avoidable AC repair costs, but here are some other ideas to help your AC unit operate reliably 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 changing it to a lower temperature.
• Install a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps regulate your home’s temperature more efficiently, reducing the pressure 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 alleviate wear and tear.
• Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around windows and doors let warm, humid air inside. Try using caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overloading your air conditioning unit.
• Add insulation: an appropriate attic insulation level encourages consistent indoor temperatures and will reduce your AC’s workload. If you can spot the attic floor or joists poking through the current 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 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 created by ceiling fans makes your room feel about 4 degrees cooler, which enables you to raise the thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort. It’s a good idea to turn 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, elevated humidity levels can easily make your home feel cool but clammy, causing you to turn down the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier takes out excess moisture, giving your air conditioner a much-needed break.
• Make sure your vents are not obstructed: 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, leave at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs inadvertently hinder airflow. Improve circulation further by keeping interior doors open as much as possible.
• Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, start thinking about upgrading to a more energy-efficient design. In addition to improved efficiency, a new system is also less likely to break down or encounter maintenance issues than an older unit, reducing your repair fees in the long run.

Schedule AC Service in Edmonton

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. McKinley Heating Service Experts 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 getting up there in age.