AC repair bills can really add up, especially if you’re not proactive about maintaining your unit. Considering that your AC works extra hard, especially during the hotter months, to ensure that your home is cool and comfortable, it only makes sense to take some steps to minimize the amount you spend on repairs.
Here are five ways you can do just that:
Keep Your AC Unit Clean
One of the best ways to keep your AC repair bills down is to simply keep your AC unit clean. Over time, dust and dirt can build up on the coils and other parts of your unit, making it work harder and reducing its efficiency. A simple cleaning once or twice a year can make a big difference in how much you’ll spend on repairs.
An HVAC repair company notes that to keep your AC unit clean, you also need to change the air filter regularly. A clogged air filter can cause all sorts of problems, including affecting the air quality in your home and affecting performance. By changing the air filter regularly, you can help keep your AC unit running smoothly for years to come.
Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
While an AC unit may run smoothly without seemingly showing any issues, there might be some minor problems that could quickly escalate into bigger and more expensive repairs. To avoid this, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance check-ups for your AC unit. This way, any potential issue can be caught early on and fixed before it has a chance to cause major damage.
Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also help to extend the lifespan of your AC unit. Schedule regular maintenance with professional AC experts to ensure that your AC unit is running properly and efficiently throughout the year. Don’t wait until there’s a problem to call for help.
Be Mindful of Your Thermostat Settings
To save money on your AC repair bills, you should also be mindful of your thermostat settings. During the warmer months, it’s tempting to crank up the AC to stay cool, but this can actually end up costing you more in the long run. Instead, try to keep your home at a comfortable temperature and only use the AC when absolutely necessary.
You may also want to consider investing in a programmable AC thermostat, which can help you save even more money on your energy bills. The latest thermostats are very user-friendly and can be programmed to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule and even autonomously learn your preferences over time.
Don’t Close Off Vents
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking that they can save money by closing off vents in unused rooms. But your AC unit is designed to cool your entire home, and when you block off vents, it has to work harder to do its job. As a result, you’ll actually end up spending more on your energy bills.
So instead of closing off vents, be sure to keep them open so that your AC unit can do its job efficiently and allow air to flow freely throughout your home. Closed vents can cause your AC unit to freeze up, leading to even more expensive repairs. Ensure that vents are free of any obstructions, such as furniture or drapery, so that air can circulate freely.
Check for Leaks
AC leaks are one of the most common signs of AC failure that could cause unexpectedly high repair bills. The most common problem is around the AC unit’s compressor and condenser coils. You can check for leaks by feeling around the unit for cold spots or moisture. If you find a leak, tighten the screws or bolts that hold the coils in place. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the gasket or sealant around the coils.
Another way to check for leaks is to measure the amount of Freon in your unit. Freon is the coolant used in AC units, and if there’s a leak, you’ll need to add more Freon to the unit. You can check the Freon level with a pressure gauge. Look out for any hissing, bubbling, or other strange noises coming from your AC unit, as these could also be signs of a leak, and call an AC professional to inspect the unit.
Don’t Wait to Address Problems
Whether your AC unit is new or old and running smoothly, don’t wait to address potential problems. The sooner you identify and fix issues, the less expensive repairs will be. Annual tune-ups can save you money by prolonging the lifespan of your unit and preventing small issues from turning into big ones.
Be sure to keep an eye on your energy bills, too, as sudden spikes could indicate that your AC unit is working overtime to compensate for an issue. Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs.
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