Save On Energy Bills And Repairs With AC Maintenance
TL;DR: As summer approaches, AC becomes vital but can spike energy bills. Regular maintenance like filter cleaning, coil and fin checks, and thermostat calibration can save up to 15% on energy costs, extend AC lifespan, and prevent costly repairs. DIY tasks like filter replacement help, but professional checks ensure all components work efficiently. Air Docs Heating and Air in Vero Beach, Florida, offers affordable maintenance services to keep your AC running smoothly and your bills low.
As the summer months approach and the warm season kicks into full gear, you start relying more on your air conditioning to keep your home cool. But with that relief comes a familiar worry of high cooling costs. Keeping your space at a comfortable temperature all summer can strain your household budget, especially during the peak summer months.
In Florida, the average person pays around $154.51 on their monthly electricity bill. And that’s before the summer heat pushes you to use your AC more intensely. But there is a way to keep those unavoidable expenses from skyrocketing.
This article will discuss how AC maintenance lowers your cooling costs and reduces other unexpected expenses. Staying on top of your AC upkeep can lead to substantial savings on your utility bill while keeping your home at the perfect temperature for summer.
Why You Need AC Maintenance
Like any major appliance you use daily, your AC needs more attention to keep running efficiently. Regular AC maintenance can prevent unexpected malfunctions that leave you sweating because of the temperature and the repair bill. Your AC has many components that must be running in perfect order. Otherwise, they can cause the unit to work harder for worse results. The parts that need regular inspections and maintenance include:
- Filters: A clean filter allows the air to flow freely, reducing the strain on your system and improving the air quality and AC efficiency. Something as simple as cleaning or replacing your AC filters every few months can improve your AC’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
- Coils: Over time, the evaporator and condenser coils can lose their ability to absorb heat because they are covered in dust and dirt. That inefficiency causes the AC to work harder to cool your home and use more energy. The result is increased wear and tear of the AC unit and higher energy costs.
- Fins: The fins on the evaporator and condenser coils can bend easily and block air from moving through them. To help your AC work more efficiently, maintain these fins and straighten any bends with a “fin comb.”
- Thermostat: If it’s not working correctly, the thermostat could tell your AC to run more than necessary, spiking your energy usage. Setting your thermostat to an optimal temperature can help save energy, and investing in a smart thermostat offers even more benefits. You can tell it not to cool the house while you’re away or asleep and save up to 10%.
- Refrigerant Levels: Running your AC with low refrigerant can lead to higher running costs and might even damage the compressor. That’s not an easy part to repair or replace, and it can get expensive. When your system has the right amount of refrigerant, it can cool your home effectively without overworking.
The Cost-Saving Outcomes of Regular AC Maintenance
Household upkeep often focuses on areas that need immediate attention, like a leaky roof or a busted pipe. Sometimes, we forget about the AC system until it gets too hot to ignore. Regular AC maintenance might seem like an added expense at first glance, but when you break down the benefits, it’s clear that the savings outweigh the initial costs. Keeping your air conditioning system in good condition can reduce energy bills, among other expenses.
Reduced Energy Bills
According to a recent survey, using ACs accounts for about 12% of all energy expenditures in American homes. A properly serviced AC unit doesn’t have to strain to cool your home and drive up your bill. Dirty filters, clogged drain lines, and other minor issues can make your system work overtime to reach and maintain temperature.
Regular maintenance checks ensure that your system operates at optimal efficiency, especially during the seasons when you need it the most. Technicians can spot and rectify anything causing your unit to expend more energy than necessary, ensuring that it uses what it needs to keep your space at the right temperature.
Prolong The Lifespan of Your Unit
An AC or an HVAC system typically lasts 15 to 20 years, depending on the model and use. A well-maintained AC unit can serve you well beyond the average lifespan, saving you money on repairs. This period becomes much shorter if you neglect to maintain your AC system.
During maintenance visits, technicians can identify parts that are wearing out and replace them before they cause system breakdowns. That keeps your AC running more efficiently for longer and saves you from the expense of having to replace the entire system prematurely.
Avoiding Expensive Repairs
Many people don’t realize how quickly a minor issue can become an expensive problem. They usually dismiss it, thinking it’s nothing, and end up paying $100 to $650 for AC repairs. With routine maintenance checks, technicians can identify and fix minor issues on the spot.
This preemptive approach prevents minor problems from adding up over time. For example, a refrigerant leak is easy to fix if you spot it early. But if you don’t, it can lead to compressor failure. That is a repair that comes with a hefty price tag.
DIY Maintenance AC Tips
If you want to be even more cost-effective, you can do a few DIY maintenance tasks yourself. They include simple things like cleaning or replacing the air filters in your indoor unit. A clogged air filter can drastically reduce your AC’s efficiency, so checking it monthly and swapping it out can make a big difference.
Another task you can handle is cleaning the condenser unit. The outdoor AC unit can gather a lot of debris, and gently hosing it off can prevent your system from overworking. Just make sure not to bend the fins while you clean them. You can also check the drain line to ensure it’s not clogged or growing mold.
If you have central air conditioning, one way to prevent your system from overworking is to remove any vent obstruction. Look for rugs, carpets, furniture, or other objects in the way and move them to restore airflow.
Finally, there are maintenance tasks you should leave to the professionals. If your AC needs more refrigerant, don’t attempt to do it on your own. The same goes if you notice any electrical issues or inconsistent cooling. These are signs your system needs a look by someone trained to spot and fix such issues.
The Benefits of Professional AC Maintenance
When a skilled technician inspects your AC system, they will look at every part and every component. They will check the refrigerant levels to ensure your unit isn’t working on fumes and overexerting itself. They also inspect the electrical components for any signs of wear, such as worn-out wires, bent fins, dirty coils, or anything else that can impede the performance of your AC.
If you have central air, they will check your ducts to ensure they’re clean and distributing air efficiently. They will also check the thermostat to see if it’s properly calibrated. And if you want your home to be more energy efficient, they can swap it out for a smart thermostat.
Save Big With AC Maintenance in Vero Beach, Florida
Simple steps, like cleaning the air filters and checking your system’s coils and fins, can improve your unit’s efficiency and prevent malfunctions. You can tackle many maintenance tasks on your own to keep your AC running smoothly, but you will need the help of professional HVAC services for a thorough maintenance check.
If paying less on your utility bill and getting more out of your AC sounds tempting, the HVAC experts at Air Docs Heating and Air in Vero Beach, Florida, can help you. We want our customers to maximize their savings, so we have fair and affordable pricing for our repair and maintenance services. We are available any time of day, so don’t wait until your system is struggling, and contact us immediately!
FAQ
What services does Air Docs Heating and Air offer?
Air Docs Heating and Air provides comprehensive HVAC services including AC repair, maintenance, and installation. Our skilled technicians can handle everything from routine maintenance checks to complex repairs, ensuring your system runs efficiently and reliably.
How often should I schedule maintenance for my AC unit with Air Docs Heating and Air?
For optimal performance and energy efficiency, it’s recommended to schedule AC maintenance at least once a year. However, if you live in a particularly hot or humid climate like Florida, bi-annual maintenance checks may be beneficial. Contact Air Docs Heating and Air to schedule your maintenance appointment and keep your AC running smoothly all year round.
Can I trust Air Docs Heating and Air technicians to handle my AC system?
Absolutely. Air Docs Heating and Air takes pride in employing experienced and certified technicians who undergo rigorous training to ensure they’re equipped to handle all HVAC issues. Our technicians are knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to providing top-notch service to our customers.
How can Air Docs Heating and Air help me save on my energy bills?
By regularly maintaining your AC unit, Air Docs Heating and Air can ensure that it operates at optimal efficiency, reducing energy consumption and lowering your monthly utility bills. Additionally, our technicians can identify and address any issues that may be causing your system to work harder than necessary, further maximizing energy savings. Contact us today to start saving on your energy bills with professional AC maintenance.
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