How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is a must for many homes during the hot summer months in Canada. However, the expenses associated with running an AC are substantial. Learn how routine air conditioning service can lower 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 Involves

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

Change the air filter: A dirty filter obstructs airflow and causes your air conditioner to work harder, consuming 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 appointment, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, encourages ideal airflow and efficiency.
Clean the evaporator coil: The indoor evaporator coil collects dirt and dust over time, limiting its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant within the coil to freeze, stopping your air conditioner from working effectively. 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 lets out heat absorbed by the refrigerant. If it’s caked in cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is diminished. Cleaning the condenser coil improves the unit’s performance substantially, 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, reducing airflow and decreasing performance. Straightening the fins with a fin comb rearranges51 them to their original position to regain ideal airflow.
Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving elements produces heat and causes undue wear and tear. Routine lubrication minimizes friction, ensuring smooth operation and decreasing the need for repairs.
Monitor refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another answer for why your AC can freeze up, producing longer run times, comfort problems and preventable AC repairs. A skilled Expert uses specialized tools to assess and modify refrigerant levels as needed to assure proper performance and prevent a mid-season breakdown.

Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs

Once-a-year maintenance is an important factor in getting rid of avoidable AC repair charges, but here are some other recommendations to help your AC unit operate reliably all summer long:

Turn the temperature up: Elevating the thermostat setting limits the wear and tear on your cooling system. Find a comfortable temperature and avoid lowering the temperature.
Invest in a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps control your home’s temperature more effectively, reducing the pressure on your AC unit. It's a good idea to set setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to save 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. Use caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overburdening your air conditioning equipment.
Put in additional insulation: An appropriate attic insulation level promotes stable indoor temperatures and reduces your AC’s workload. If you can observe 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 workload of your air conditioner. Putting in window coverings and closing the blinds or shades during the hottest part of the day blocks solar heat gain and lowers the danger of a mid-season breakdown.
Use ceiling fans: The wind chill effect provided by ceiling fans makes your room feel about 4 degrees cooler, which allows you to raise the thermostat setting without surrendering comfort. Remember to turn 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, high humidity levels can easily make your home feel cool but clammy, causing you to turn down the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier takes away excess moisture, giving your AC a much-needed break.
Clear out your vents123: Closed or blocked 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 block airflow. Enhance circulation further by making sure doors between rooms are open as much as possible.
Invest in an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioning system is more than 10 years old, start thinking about 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, lowering your repair expenses in the long run.

Schedule HVAC Service in Canada

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. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers top-notch AC tune-ups to boost efficiency and extend your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is starting to have problems.