There are only a few things better than coming back to a cool, air-conditioned home, enhanced by a proper ventilation system, after being out in the Las Vegas heat all day. However, until the air conditioner, or your entire HVAC system, breaks down, most homeowners tend to take its benefits for granted. Ensure your unit lasts by investing in timely AC maintenance, including inspecting the ductwork and thermostat.
Just as your car will decline in performance without regularly scheduled tune-ups, your cooling systems, including the furnace, will operate less efficiently without proper home air conditioner maintenance too. HVAC systems are at risk of reduced lifespan without regular maintenance.
This is why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends professional air conditioning maintenance, provided by specialized HVAC services, as the most cost-effective way to improve efficiency and performance.
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), air conditioning accounts for around 35 percent of the energy usage in the average American home. In addition to improving system performance, regular air conditioning maintenance saves energy and money.
A study conducted by the EPA found that well-maintained air conditioners reduce energy consumption by an average of 15 to 20 percent.
You’ll not only enjoy significantly lower monthly energy bills with regular AC maintenance but will help conserve energy as well.
4 HVAC Maintenance Tips for Las Vegas Homeowners
Though some aspects of air conditioner maintenance should be done by a trained professional, there are some things you can do as a homeowner to extend its life.
1. Keep the Filter Clean
One of the main things you can do to ensure the efficiency of their air conditioners is to clean or replace the filters. Filters that are clogged and dirty restrict airflow and significantly minimize the system’s efficiency. If normal airflow is restricted, the air that goes around the filter may deliver dirt straight into the evaporator coil and damage the capacity of the coil to absorb heat.
Having an air conditioning unit with an efficient, clean filter can reduce the energy consumption of your air conditioner by 5 – 15%, according to Energy.gov.
2. Clean the AC Evaporator Coils
The conditioner coil and evaporator coil will continue to collect dirt no matter how clean you keep the filter.
The coil becomes insulated by the dirt and hinders its ability to absorb heat, negatively impacting the energy consumption of the air conditioner and costing you money with high energy bills and an eventual unit replacement.
Maintain the cleanliness of the AC evaporator coils by clearing up any debris and dirt around the condenser unit. This may include removing fallen leaves or keeping foliage at a distance of at least 2 feet in order to maintain sufficient airflow.
3. Ensure the Wiring is Intact
Before checking the wiring of your AC unit, turn off the unit’s power. The switch should be located in an exterior shut-off box on your outdoor unit or at the breaker panel in your home.
Check for signs of melting, burned or blackened insulation wires. Also, check to see if all components are tightly screwed in. It would be best to wait for a professional to fix problems with wiring if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself. However, when maintaining your air conditioner, merely checking the wiring can keep you up to speed with how the unit is doing. Intact wiring and components go a long way in making sure the unit has a long life.
4. Hire a Professional to Maintain Your Air Conditioner
Maintaining an air conditioner requires more than regular maintenance. A professional, well-trained technician can do a lot more to ensure your air conditioner unit runs effectively, thus reducing your energy bill and making sure your unit lasts a long time.
How Air Conditioner Repair & Maintenance Can You Save Money
Enrolling in an HVAC maintenance plan, which would include comprehensive inspection and services for all parts of your HVAC system, is the most budget-friendly and convenient way to prevent premature repairs and replacements to your air conditioner.An HVAC unit, whether it’s a heater or air conditioning unit, that doesn’t receive the proper maintenance, is like a ticking time bomb that is bound to malfunction at some point. Many issues, such as leaks or strange sounds, are not noticed initially by customers. In fact, you might not have a clue anything is wrong with your system until it throws in the towel and stops working, often at the most inconvenient times requiring emergency repairs.
1. It Reduces Breakdowns and Potential Disasters
Keep in mind that repairing a broken air conditioner or heater can be quite costly. Just as a vehicle needs regular servicing to extend its lifespan, so too does your HVAC unit. The crucial parts that keep it running smoothly require regular attention to avoid costly breakdowns. If you wait too long to get your HVAC unit fixed, there’s a chance you may have to endure a complete unit replacement, involving extensive parts and installation costs.
The average cost of replacing an HVAC unit can vary, but you can expect to spend a few thousand dollars for a new one—much more than investing in a regular maintenance plan.
Disasters can range from units causing house fires, to having to wait in the chilling cold or unbearable heat for the next available technician to come out and repair the unit. So many headaches and potential mishaps can be avoided through regular investment in HVAC maintenance.
Your HVAC unit most likely uses more electricity than anything else inside of your home. This is why during the peak usage months, many customers notice that their electricity bill skyrockets.
2. It Increases Energy Efficiency & Lowers Operating Costs
Some people turn off their air conditioner or heater to save electricity. However, a simpler, more efficient way to save money on your electric bill is to make sure that your HVAC unit receives regular maintenance and prompt repair as necessary.
Regular maintenance ensures that your unit can do the same amount of work, but will use less energy. If your HVAC unit is using less electricity, then over time you will save a significant amount on your power bills.
In fact, simple HVAC maintenance, such as changing the air filter, and refrigerant checks can improve the efficiency of your unit by as much as 15 percent. Regular maintenance that keeps the equipment cleaner helps safeguard you from the harmful effects airborne allergens like dust, mold, and bacteria can have on your health.
Shockingly, the majority of cases of poor indoor air quality are due to old, dirty filters that are long overdue for a replacement. A heating and cooling unit with such a filter not only provides poor air quality, worsening conditions like asthma or allergies but also poor airflow.
3. It Improves the Quality of Indoor Air Supply
Air from the unit cannot flow easily or evenly if the filter is clogged up with dirt, dust, skin, and hair particles. Regular maintenance of your HVAC unit will guarantee a clean filter, clean air, and adequate airflow.
About The Cooling Company
You depend on your cooling and heating system to provide a comfortable environment for you and your family, especially when Las Vegas temperatures soar or plummet. That’s why engaging in a regular HVAC maintenance plan is essential.
Enrolling in a maintenance program with The Cooling Company is an affordable way to ensure that you enjoy the optimal indoor climate while keeping your monthly energy bills manageable.
During a typical maintenance call, parts of the HVAC unit are meticulously cleaned, tested, adjusted for optimal efficiency, and if needed, emergency repairs can be performed on the spot. From improper refrigerant charges to issues with electrical connections, blowers, and motors, potential problems can often be fixed in one visit, saving you the cost and hassle of an unforeseen breakdown.
Our maintenance plan also offers you the opportunity to develop an ongoing business relationship with The Cooling Company, a partnership that adds real value to your home.
At The Cooling Company we are a reliable resource you can count on to deliver solutions for all your comfort needs, both today and in the future. To learn more or to schedule service, contact the expert technicians at The Cooling Company today.
Our maintenance plan also offers you the opportunity to develop an ongoing business relationship with us.
At The Cooling Company we are a valuable resource that you can count on to provide solutions for all of your comfort needs, both today and tomorrow. To learn more or to schedule service, contact the experts at The Cooling Company today.
