June 19, 2023
It may seem inevitable that your AC will need repairs. But there are a few ways to save money on AC repairs or reduce the odds of needing major work. With summers only getting hotter and electricity costs rising, it’s more important than ever to find ways to cut expenses. We’ll explain a few ways you can save on AC service in West Sacramento, CA, this summer.
Regular inspections and tune-ups can avoid big repairs and even reduce the costs of running your air conditioner. Most HVAC professionals recommend maintenance at least once a year. It’s often included in AC contractors’ service plans. If you’re wondering whether it pays to spend more to save money, maintenance plans cost a fraction of what major AC repairs often do. You can potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of the system.
A tune-up often entails cleaning the unit, lubricating moving parts, replacing air filters, tightening electrical connections, and performing minor repairs. It corrects any issues that will increase wear and tear or cause the unit to break down. But it’s not the only way to save money on AC service in West Sacramento, CA.
Here are some other ways to reduce strain, wear and tear, and AC operating costs in your Northern California home:
How you use the thermostat can impact how your AC runs. It can operate more smoothly if you:
Pick the Right Location: Installing the thermostat on an exterior wall or near a window can lead to inaccurate readings. Therefore, your AC won’t provide sufficient cooling. Placing it in an underutilized room should also be avoided. The temperature there won’t reflect that of the rest of your house.
Set the Thermostat Back a Few Degrees: Turning the temperature as low as possible won’t cool your home any faster or more efficiently. Instead, it will increase your electric bill. Set it higher when not home; an increase of up to 10℉ for eight hours a day can lower your energy bill.
Adjust It Based on the Weather: Aside from the indoor temperature, consider the weather. You may not need the thermostat set to 75℉ every day or when no one is home. Setting it higher on milder days can reduce the strain on your AC system.
A fan can lower the apparent temperature of a room. Therefore, turning on a ceiling fan is an opportunity to reduce the load on your air conditioner. It can allow you to turn back the thermostat setting by about 4℉ without any change in comfort. To avoid wasting electricity, turn the fan off when you leave the room.
Filters should be replaced regularly to avoid contamination and airflow issues that can damage your AC. Also, clean dust and dirt off registers. The evaporator and condenser coils can get dirty, inhibiting heat transfer, reducing cooling performance, or causing the unit to overheat and break down. Cleaning these and other components can save you a lot of money in repairs and premature replacement.
A lack of insulation, poor insulating materials, or cracks and gaps in walls can let cool air escape your home. You won’t benefit from the cool air your AC is producing. The system may also work harder to compensate, increasing wear and tear. Caulking spaces around windows and adding weatherstripping to doorways can save on energy bills and avoid or delay major service.
Whether it’s from natural sources or heat-generating activities, heat can be your AC’s greatest enemy. It counteracts the cooling effect and can strain your air conditioner. To reduce the heat load:
Avoid cooking, showering, or running the dishwasher during the hotter parts of the day.
Grill outside if you're preparing a meal for the family.
Hang your clothes on a clothesline instead of using a dryer.
Use exhaust fans after cooking or taking a hot shower.
Plant trees to increase shade and reduce the amount of direct sunlight on your home.
Use blinds, shades, and solar window screens to block sunlight and prevent energy from being lost.
AC repairs are often costly. But they can be even more expensive if you procrastinate. Call a professional if the AC won’t turn on after you replace a thermostat battery, reset the temperature, or check the circuit breaker. Don’t hesitate to call for help if the unit blows hot air, is leaking water, the evaporator coil is frozen, an AC fan malfunctions, or a duct is leaking air. Foul odors, loud noises, and dustier air are other reasons to call your local AC contractor.
There are many ways to save money on energy bills and AC repairs. But you can always count on us for high-quality service, whether it’s time for annual maintenance or to fix your AC system. If you have an emergency, our technicians can reach your home in minutes in fully stocked trucks, so arrive ready to fix the problem. To request help or learn more about our MVP membership, which includes annual tune-ups to help you save money on AC service, call 833-600-0991 today.