Your air conditioner is one of the most important appliances in your home, especially when the hottest months of the year arrive. When the sun starts beating down on you, you’ll want to make sure that you have an AC you can trust to function without breaking down or running inefficiently. The trouble for many people is that having work done on your air conditioner can cost a lot of money. Repairing a broken or malfunctioning unit isn’t the only instance when you might find yourself going over budget, either—even AC preventative maintenance can be quite pricey.
Here’s the good news: while preventative maintenance for your air conditioner can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be. By following a few simple strategies, you can keep your costs down while maintaining your AC in good shape—which in turn can lower the risk of a major malfunction and save you money you might otherwise spend on more complicated repairs. In the following paragraphs, we’ll look at the most cost-effective ways to keep your air conditioner in good shape without spending too much. Here are a couple of sure-fire ways:
Use Your AC More Effectively and Save Money for Maintenance
Most people don’t realize that they could be using their air conditioners more adequately, and a good number of AC owners run their systems in such a way that they end up overpaying on their energy bills. This is because a lot of HVAC system owners have a limited understanding of the factors that affect utility bills in their regions—including peak rates for energy providers.
The truth is that most A/C owners use their air conditioners during the same narrow window of time each year. As a result, most air conditioners are running when overall demand for power is already high. The result is that power companies must spend more resources trying to meet this demand and consequently, hike their prices during those periods.
How can you make this work to your advantage? There’s one easy thing you can do, and that’s ensuring your A/C is off any time you leave the house during those hot months. Be sure to keep your ventilation fans running while you’re gone so that cool air can still circulate throughout the home. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can also set it to turn on just before you plan to return. You might also consider running your air conditioner at off-peak hours and then rely on fans to circulate cool air during periods of escalated usage.
Put Your A/C in a Shaded Area
Preventative maintenance goes beyond DIY fixes and careful usage. Even seemingly insignificant factors like where you install your A/C can have a significant impact on its efficiency and lifespan.
Try to have your air-conditioner mounted in a shady place. This can save up to 5% more energy than an A/C located in direct sunlight, and prevent your air conditioner from having to work as hard.
Other Quick and Cheap Maintenance Tips
Once you’ve made sure your A/C is in a proper place, and you’re using it advantageously, there are some simple things you can do yourself to keep it running optimally. Firstly, you’ll want to regularly check the unit to make sure that it isn’t being clogged up by leaves, pollen or grass. There should always be at least two feet of clearance around any air conditioning unit located outside. It doesn’t cost anything to clear debris away from your system, and it will save you the costs of having it removed from your system by a professional once it gets stuck inside and causes problems.
Also, the installation of a high-efficiency pleated filter is another excellent way to keep bacteria and other small forms of debris from entering your system and causing damage. In any case, you should be checking your filter once every 90 days or so to make sure it isn’t dark or full of dirt and debris. Pet owners should be even more diligent, replacing their filter monthly.
All the above strategies are excellent ways to increase the longevity of your HVAC system and to make sure you’re using it efficiently. Remember: at some point, every air-conditioner is going to need some professional maintenance, but the longer you can keep it running yourself the more money you can save on repairs. Additionally, running your A/C efficiently will help you save up enough to mitigate the costs of any maintenance you can’t do on your own. Use both strategies, and you’ll find that maintaining your HVAC system is a breeze. Contact us for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are the Best Ways to Save on Air Conditioner Maintenance Costs?
To save on air conditioner maintenance, focus on regular DIY tasks such as cleaning filters and ensuring there’s no debris around the unit. Keeping your A/C in a shaded spot can improve efficiency by up to 10%, reducing strain and lowering energy costs. Additionally, using your air conditioner during off-peak hours can significantly cut down on energy expenses.
2. How Often Should I Replace My Air Conditioner Filter?
The frequency of replacing your air conditioner filter depends on your living situation. Typically, every 90 days is ideal, but if you have pets or allergies, you should check and replace it monthly. A clean filter not only enhances air quality but also prevents strain on your A/C, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs.
3. Can I Perform Air Conditioner Maintenance Myself?
Yes, basic air conditioner maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners, such as cleaning the filters, ensuring proper ventilation, and checking for blockages around the unit. However, for more technical issues like refrigerant levels and electrical components, it’s best to consult a professional to avoid damaging your system.
4. How Can I Increase My Air Conditioner’s Efficiency?
Increasing your air conditioner’s efficiency can be achieved by ensuring it’s placed in a shaded area, using energy-efficient filters, and maintaining a clear space around the unit. Additionally, using a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature when you’re not home can prevent unnecessary energy use.
5. What Are the Signs My Air Conditioner Needs Professional Maintenance?
Common signs that your air conditioner needs professional maintenance include inconsistent cooling, unusual noises, and higher-than-usual energy bills. If you notice any of these issues, it’s wise to have a professional inspect your unit to prevent a minor problem from becoming a costly repair.
6. Why Is Shading My Air Conditioner Important?
Shading your air conditioner is crucial because it helps the unit operate more efficiently by keeping it cooler. An A/C placed in direct sunlight can consume up to 10% more energy, whereas one in a shaded area can run more effectively, reducing wear and tear and extending its lifespan.
7. How Can I Use My Air Conditioner More Efficiently?
To use your air conditioner more efficiently, consider setting your thermostat to a slightly higher temperature when you’re home and turning it off when you’re away. Also, use fans to circulate air, allowing your A/C to work less while still maintaining a comfortable environment. This approach can lower energy consumption and reduce utility bills.
8. What Should I Do If My Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping the Circuit Breaker?
If your air conditioner consistently trips the circuit breaker, it could indicate a serious electrical issue, such as a short circuit, an overloaded system, or a failing motor. It’s essential to contact a professional to diagnose and fix the problem to prevent further damage to your system.
9. Is Professional Maintenance Necessary If I Perform Regular DIY Checks?
Even if you perform regular DIY maintenance, professional inspections are still crucial. Professionals can detect and fix potential problems that may not be visible to the untrained eye, ensuring your system operates efficiently and prolongs its lifespan. Annual professional maintenance can also help avoid expensive repairs down the line.
10. What Are the Most Common Causes of Air Conditioner Breakdowns?
The most common causes of air conditioner breakdowns include neglecting regular maintenance, clogged filters, refrigerant leaks, and electrical issues. Regular maintenance, such as changing filters and scheduling annual professional check-ups, can prevent these problems and ensure your A/C stays in top condition.