How Does An Air Conditioner Tune-Up Save Me Money?
Summer is just around the corner and this means that temperatures are rising to an incredible degree. Many homeowners will be seeking shelter from the sweltering heat in the comfort of their air-conditioned homes. Not only does a good AC unit cool the home, but it reduces the relative humidity experienced in the hot summer months.
To ensure that your comfort is not costing you a small fortune and to avoid the costs of unnecessary air conditioner repair work, an annual air conditioner tune-up is in order.
How Does An Air Conditioner Tune-Up Save Me Money?
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Here are some of the ways that a regular AC tune-up can save you cash this summer.
Lowers Your Power Bills
According to the statistics by the US Department of Energy, roughly half of the energy used in the household is spent on cooling and heating the home. While it will not be possible to eliminate these expenses entirely, at least not without enduring the heat and cold outside, there are many things that can be done to make these expenses as manageable as possible.
A properly cared and maintained air conditioner saves you cash. On the other hand, an AC that has lost its lubrication has weak belts or has dirty coils and filters that will not function as well. The various issues that can present themselves in a rundown unit mean that the cool, clean air needed to keep the home comfortable will barely flow.
The result is that it takes more energy to accomplish less work. The US DOE estimates that the average home can improve its energy consumption by as much as 15% by simply replacing the filters once they have become clogged.
Repairing or Replacing Your Air Conditioner Is Much More Costly Than AC Maintenance
Just like the functionality of your car or your level of good health, it is far cheaper to maintain optimal function with your AC unit than seek treatment for serious problems. An AC that has received a lifetime of proper care and maintenance will last as long as 15 years more than an AC that has never received this important attention.
The average cost of regular maintenance may cost as much as $200 for an, especially advanced unit. This figure can be reduced depending on how much attention your AC receives, what parts need to be replaced, and other small details.
By comparison, the cost of replacing the same AC unit can be as high as $3000. Furthermore, the costs of repairing an AC that has stopped functioning can cost less than a new AC, but far more than investing in regular tune-ups. As you can see, it is far cheaper to preserve the AC you have than provide maintenance when it has malfunctioned.
Negligence Of Air Conditioner Maintenance Can Void Your Warranty
If you are not on top of your AC maintenance and care, your AC manufacturer could void your warranty. If you are negligent in your AC tune-ups, you may face the high costs of repairs and replacements even if you have a warranty. Without regular care and attention, you lose the advantage of the warranty that can save you thousands of dollars on AC maintenance and repairs. To keep your warranty intact, and protect your investment, you will want to collect the receipts that state your AC has received the proper care and maintenance it needs.
Maintain Healthy Air Quality
The air quality of your home is another factor that must not be ignored. The consequences of poor air quality can be especially costly in the long run. The US Environmental Protection Agency warns of the health consequences of airborne contaminants in the home. Mold spores are one of the most common risks that can result from poor air quality.
Molds can have a detrimental effect on the health of those living in the home. Mold growth can result in asthma and a variety of other respiratory conditions. This includes headaches, skin conditions, and reduced immune function. Furthermore, mold colonies can impact the structural integrity of your home and cause thousands of dollars to remove effectively.
But AC maintenance includes deep cleaning of air passages and the removal of clogged filters. This means that the air being circulated throughout the home will be of the highest quality. After you have had your filters removed and your AC cleaned, your AC technician may be able to provide you with other important tips on how to keep the air quality of your home at an optimal level.
Cooling Energy-Saving Tips
In addition to the skill and experience your AC technician will provide in keeping your AC unit working well, they have other valuable skills to provide. A good AC technician can provide you with a host of other small tips and tricks that can optimize the functionality of your AC unit. This will result in less energy being used to provide better cooling. Tips can include sealing air ducts, pointing the cool airflow away from windows and sources of exterior heat, and proper filter usage. In the long run, the advice of your AC technician will help you reduce your energy costs in the long term, meaning that regular tune-ups will eventually pay for themselves.
Common AC Problems Addressed By Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance
According to the US DOE, the major causes of AC failure are dirty and neglect. Here are some of the problems that can be avoided and remedied by regular AC unit maintenance:
- Leaks Or Improper Refrigerant Charge- if the refrigerant level of your AC is low, even just 20% lower, you can end up paying twice as much on cooling bills.
- Electric Control Failure- electric control failure can be avoided by having the compressor and fans regularly inspected and serviced. Corroded wires, loose connections and dirty contacts can cause all kinds of electrical problems and result in failures.
- Dirty HVAC Filter- Dirty filters block airflow and make your AC unit work harder. They can also result in dirty coils and other important components that will experience a reduced service life.
- Clogged Condensation Drain- As the AC unit extracts moisture from the indoor areas, this condensation is released out the condensation channels. If these channels become blocked, all kinds of issues can result. The AC can shut off automatically or a build-up of ice can thwart the smooth function of your unit.
Conclusion
A regular inspection and maintenance from a professional AC company have many benefits for your economy and the service life of your AC. If you have not had your AC unit serviced recently, it is a good time to make that call and protect your investment and health. In the long run, you will save money and avoid costly repairs.
Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
When you need superior HVAC services in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, do not hesitate to call Point Bay Fuel. We only hire the best professionally certified and highly trained technicians who can do HVAC services like maintenance, replacements, installations, and repairs. All our friendly techs are skilled, knowledgeable, and experience in conducting accurate and prompt services at all times.
Rest assured that Point Bay Fuel offers the most competitive HVAC service rates in the area. We can improve your home’s comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency with our maintenance services. If you need to replace your old HVAC system, we can find the best make and model to suit your needs and budget. Book an appointment with Point Bay Fuel today for a free, in-home estimate.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!