Air conditioning is important for countless homes during the sweltering summer months in Edmonton. However, the expenses associated with running an AC are substantial. Discover how scheduled air conditioning service can decrease AC repair costs, and adopt energy-saving habits to help your unit run more efficiently. With these tips, you’ll be able to appreciate a comfortable home this summer without spending a lot.
What Routine AC Service Entails
Air conditioning maintenance is a reasonably priced, predictable yearly expense that pays you back by decreasing repair costs and lengthening your unit’s life span. Here are some crucial maintenance steps that help prevent air conditioner breakdowns:
- Swap out the air filter: A dirty filter slows down airflow and forces 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 regularly scheduled 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 collects dirt and dust with time, limiting its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant within the coil to freeze, keeping your air conditioner from working effectively. Cleaning the coil removes this insulating layer and will make it easier for the refrigerant to operate effectively.
- Clean the condenser coil: The exterior condenser coil emits heat soaked up by the refrigerant. If it’s caked in cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is impaired. Cleaning the condenser coil improves the unit’s performance significantly, 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, reducing airflow and reducing performance. Correcting the fins with a fin comb puts51 them to their original position to restore proper airflow.
- Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving elements generates heat and causes excessive wear and tear. Regular lubrication minimizes friction, ensuring smooth operation and lowering the need for repairs.
- Check refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another explanation for why your AC can freeze up, resulting in longer run times, comfort problems and avoidable AC repairs. An HVAC specialist uses specific tools to assess and modify 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 key factor in lessening AC repair charges, but here are some other ideas to help your air conditioner operate faithfully all summer long:
- Turn the temperature up: Raising the temperature on the thermostat setting curbs the wear and tear on your cooling system. Pick a comfortable temperature and avoid setting the thermostat any lower.
- Use a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps manage your home’s temperature more effectively, reducing the strain on your AC unit. Remember to schedule setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to conserve on energy costs and further reduce wear and tear.
- Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around the edges of windows and doors let warm, humid air indoors. Try using caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overloading your air conditioning equipment.
- Add insulation: A correct attic insulation level encourages consistent 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.
- Block solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing cooling demand. Getting window coverings and drawing the blinds or shades during the hot afternoon blocks solar heat gain and lowers the risk of a mid-season breakdown.
- Try using ceiling fans: The wind chill effect provided by ceiling fans makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler, which allows you to raise the thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort. Don’t forget to turn the fan off when you leave the room, as fans cool people, not spaces.
- Use a dehumidifier: For those who are located in a humid part of the country, high humidity levels can make your home feel cool but clammy, encouraging you to lower the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier takes away excessive moisture, giving your AC a much-needed break.
- Clean your vents123: Closed or covered air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which might cause your AC to break down. To avoid this, always keep at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs unintentionally obstruct airflow. Improve circulation further by opening the doors between the rooms in your home as much as possible.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, think about upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. In addition to improved efficiency, a new system is also much less likely to break down or encounter maintenance issues than an older unit, lowering your repair fees in the long run.
Schedule Air Conditioning Repair in Edmonton
By investing in routine air conditioning maintenance and following other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with reduced repair costs this summer. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers top-notch air conditioner tune-ups to boost efficiency and lengthen your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is starting to have problems.