How Routine Air Conditioning Service Can Reduce AC Repair Costs

Air conditioning is important for lots of homes during the hot summer months in Winnipeg. However, the operating costs associated with running an AC are substantial. Find how routine 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 be able to appreciate a comfortable home this summer without breaking the bank.

What Routine AC Service Includes

Air conditioning maintenance is an inexpensive, predictable yearly bill that pays you back by reducing repair costs and lengthening 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, utilizing 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 excellent airflow and efficiency.
Clean the evaporator coil: The interior evaporator coil can become covered in dirt and dust with time, limiting its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant within the coil to freeze, stopping your air conditioner from operating properly. 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 exterior condenser coil emits heat absorbed by the refrigerant. If it’s blocked by cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is weakened. Cleaning the condenser coil boosts the unit’s function greatly, 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, cutting down on the airflow and negatively affecting your air conditioner's performance. Fixing 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 components produces heat and causes undue wear and tear. Consistent lubrication diminishes friction, ensuring smooth operation and lowering 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 preventable AC repairs. An HVAC professional uses specialized tools to investigate and modify 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 charges, but here are some other techniques to help your air conditioning unit operate faithfully all summer long:

Turn the temperature up: Raising the temperature on the thermostat setting limits the wear and tear on your cooling system. Find a comfortable temperature and avoid setting the thermostat any lower.
Install a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps manage your home’s temperature more effectively, reducing the demand on your AC unit. Remember to set setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to save on energy costs and further diminish wear and tear.
Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks around windows and doors allow warm, humid air indoors. Use caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overworking your air conditioner.
Install more insulation: An appropriate attic insulation level encourages 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 demand on your AC system. Putting in window coverings and drawing the blinds or shades during the hottest times of the day blocks solar heat gain and lowers the risk of a mid-season breakdown.
Try using ceiling fans: The wind chill effect produced by ceiling fans makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler, which allows 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 are located in a humid part of North America, elevated humidity levels can easily make your home feel cool but clammy, motivating you to turn down the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier eliminates excess moisture, giving your air conditioning a much-needed break.
Make sure your vents are not obstructed123: Closed or blocked air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which might cause your air conditioner to break down. To avoid this, always keep at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs inadvertently hinder airflow. Enhance circulation further by opening the doors between the rooms in your home as much as possible.
Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, think about upgrading to a more energy-efficient system. In addition to enhanced efficiency, a new system is also much 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 Winnipeg

By investing in routine air conditioning maintenance and implementing other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with lower repair costs this summer. Winnipeg Supply Service Experts offers quality air conditioner tune-ups to optimize efficiency and lengthen your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is getting up there in age.