Austin’s summer heat waves have been well-documented.
Living in one of the country’s warmest cities has its perks, but during the summer, the sweltering heat can be overwhelming. Most Austin residents will combat the heat by running their air conditioners non-stop. The more you use your AC, the more wear and tear it goes through and the higher your bills will be.
It’s essential to perform regular AC maintenance to keep your system running efficiently. More wear and tear on your system means less efficiency, but with the right maintenance plan in place, you can keep it in tip-top shape for longer, which will help you avoid crazy utility bills.
In today’s post, we’ll explain the various ways that AC maintenance can help you save money and what you should include in your preventative AC maintenance plan. Keep reading and save yourself some serious cash this summer.
How AC Maintenance Can Save Money
You won’t find an HVAC professional in the country who doesn’t recommend regular inspections and maintenance. When you pay attention to your system, you can keep it running efficiently and prolong its lifespan.
An air conditioner, like anything mechanical, goes through wear and tear when it is in use. In Austin, where you’re likely using it every day during the summer, it’s going through an inordinate amount of wear and tear. Regular maintenance will catch small issues that add up to serious efficiency problems.
Whether it’s keeping condenser coils clean, changing air filters, or maintaining coolant levels, every little bit of maintenance works to enhance your system’s efficiency. When it’s working efficiently, your bills stay low and predictable.
It’s when you neglect basic maintenance that your bills go up. Often, skyrocketing bills are the first thing that tells you about HVAC problems. If you don’t know what kinds of maintenance you should perform, let us enlighten you in the next section.
Creating a Good Preventative AC Maintenance Plan
Air conditioner upkeep requires a well-rounded plan. Here are some of the most important aspects of HVAC system care that’ll guarantee AC efficiency.
Change AC Filters
Your AC filters cost about $10, but they play a major role in how your air conditioner functions. They do exactly what it sounds like – they filter out dust and other airborne debris from entering your air conditioner.
If contaminants enter your system, they’ll shoot through your ducts into your home. Your indoor air quality will suffer, which is problematic for most Americans, who spend 90% of their time indoors. Poor indoor air quality leads to short and long-term health problems.
A clogged air filter also puts strain on your air conditioner, causing it to have to work harder to cool your home. The harder your system has to work, the higher your bills become. You’ll also have more wear and tear on its internal components, which may mean you’ll need to replace the air conditioner sooner.
Clean Ducts
The same is true of your ducts. When they’re kept clean, air will flow freely from your air conditioner. When they’re clogged, your system will struggle to push the air through, making it less efficient.
Seasonal duct cleaning from a professional will keep your ducts clean and help you avoid mold. Mold in your ducts is a common cause of poor indoor air quality and the health problems that result.
Keep the Outer Unit Clean
Basic air conditioner upkeep should always involve the condenser unit. This is the outer part of your central air conditioner and releases the heat from your home to the outside.
Being outside, this part of the air conditioner is exposed to the elements. If you allow branches and leaves to accumulate on your condenser unit, it’ll struggle to do its job. In the end, you’ll lose a lot of energy efficiency and your bills will increase significantly.
At the start and end of every season, take the time to clear any debris from your condenser unit. Clean the condenser coils with a soft brush and homemade solution, and rinse it off using your hose with a low-pressure setting.
Inspect the Drain Lines
When the evaporator coils – the component that absorbs heat from inside your home – do their job, condensation is created. This falls into the condensate drain pan and enters the drain line, which releases the condensation outside.
Debris from your AC unit often enters the condensate drain line and can sometimes cause it to clog. If you fail to notice this clog, you’ll end up with frozen evaporator coils and an overflowing drain pan. Frozen coils stop refrigerant from flowing into your system and decrease AC efficiency.
Inspect the drain line regularly for clogs and use a wire brush or homemade solution to clear them. Keeping your lines clean will keep your air conditioner working optimally.
Test the Thermostat
You should test your thermostat frequently to make sure it’s communicating properly with your air conditioner. If the thermostat isn’t working, your air conditioner may go rogue and cost you a lot of money on your bills.
As a side note, you can save a lot of money on energy bills by investing in a smart thermostat. These allow you to program your AC to turn on at certain times and in certain areas of the home. The more targeted you are with your cooling, the more money you’ll save.
Look for Leaks
The last thing to do is visually inspect the system for leaks. Water leaks often signal refrigerant leaks, which is the thing that can hurt your energy efficiency. If you’re leaking refrigerant, your system is running at full capacity without cooling your home properly.
The Importance of Professional HVAC Care
A DIY AC maintenance plan is essential for keeping your air conditioner functioning at a high level, which keeps your bills stable. There are certain aspects of home cooling maintenance that require a professional touch.
By hiring a dedicated professional to inspect your air conditioner and handle AC unit troubleshooting, you can avoid any dips in performance. At Trusted Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping Austin stay cool during sweltering summers since 2014, but our roots date back to the 1950s.
To have your AC unit inspected and maintained by one of our technicians, contact us today.
