Preventing Costly AC Problems: Save Money and Stay Cool

Remember July 2023? Phoenix shattered records with not one, but two days of blistering 119°F heat.

It wasn’t just hot, it was ‘fry an egg on the sidewalk’ hot!

Living in the greater Phoenix area means you know how important a reliable AC system is.

You don’t want to deal with costly AC problems, especially when temperatures soar.

Preventing these issues can save you money and keep your home cool all summer.

Here are a few essential AC maintenance tips to help you avoid expensive repairs and ensure your home stays comfortable in hot weather.

1. Change Your Air Filters Regularly

Changing your air filters is one of the simplest ways to minimize AC repair costs.

Dirty filters block airflow, overworking your AC to use more energy.

This raises your energy bills and increases the wear and tear on your system.

Check your air filters every month, especially during the summer when your AC is running more often.

Replace them at least every three months, or more frequently if they look dirty.

Clean filters improve your home cooling performance by keeping your air clean and your system running efficiently.

Not all AC air filters are created equal.

Selecting the right ones for your residential air conditioner is crucial for maintaining efficient airflow and preventing costly AC issues.

Consider these factors to choose the best filters for your residential cooling system:

Filter Type

Do you prefer reusable or disposable filters? Do you need specialized filters like HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters or filters with activated carbon for better air quality?

Filter Size

Filters come in various dimensions, and using the wrong size can allow dust and debris to bypass the filter, reducing its effectiveness.

Filter Ratings

Air filters come with different ratings that indicate their effectiveness.

The most common rating system is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV).

MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating better filtration. Generally, a filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 12 is ideal for most homes.

Your Home’s Needs

Think about your household’s specific needs when choosing a filter.

If you have pets, allergies, or respiratory issues, you might benefit from a higher MERV-rated filter that captures smaller particles.

However, if you don’t have special filtration needs, a standard filter will do just fine.

For example, if you want to save on energy bills and maintain good air quality for a baby, a mid-range MERV filter will balance filtration efficiency with airflow.

This choice can prevent AC repair costs by reducing the strain on your system while keeping your air clean.

2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean

Your AC’s outdoor unit, or condenser, needs plenty of airflow to work properly.

Over time, dirt, leaves, and other debris can build up around the unit, restricting airflow and causing your system to overheat.

This can lead to costly AC problems if not addressed.

Make it a habit to check the area around your outdoor unit regularly.

Clear away any debris and trim back plants and shrubs to keep at least two feet of clearance around the unit.

This simple step can improve efficiency and reduce energy bills.

3. Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance

Having a professional technician inspect and tune-up your AC system annually can prevent AC repair costs down the road.

A professional can spot and fix minor issues before they become major problems, ensuring your system runs smoothly all summer.

During a maintenance visit, the technician will check refrigerant levels, clean coils, inspect electrical connections, and lubricate moving parts.

Regular professional maintenance is an essential part of effective home cooling and helps extend the lifespan of your AC system.

4. Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help you cut energy bills by allowing you to set different temperatures for different times of the day.

For instance, you can program it to raise the temperature when you’re not home and cool down before you return.

This summer cooling tip can reduce the workload on your AC system, preventing major AC repairs and keeping your home comfortable.

Make sure to set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re away and a comfortable temperature when you’re home.

5. Seal and Insulate Your Home

Proper sealing and insulation can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork can let cool air escape, forcing your AC to work harder to maintain the desired temperature.

Check for and seal any leaks with caulking or weatherstripping, and consider adding insulation to your attic and walls if needed.

Air sealing your home can prevent AC repair costs by reducing the strain on your system and helping you lower energy bills.

6. Keep Vents and Registers Clear

Blocked vents and registers can disrupt the airflow in your home, making your AC system work harder to cool your space.

This can lead to uneven cooling and put extra strain on your system, increasing the risk of breakdowns.

Ensure all vents and registers are clear of furniture, rugs, and other obstructions.

Regularly dust and vacuum these areas to keep them clean.

This simple step can improve your AC’s efficiency and contribute to effective summer cooling.

7. Use Fans to Boost Circulation

Ceiling fans and portable fans can help circulate cool air throughout your home, reducing the burden on your AC system.

This means you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort, which can help you save on energy bills.

Place fans strategically in the rooms you use the most, and make sure they’re spinning in the right direction.

In the summer, ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise to push cool air down.

This enhances the efficiency of your AC system and prevents expensive repairs.

Avoid Costly AC Problems With Professional Home Cooling Solutions

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your AC system runs smoothly, especially during those scorching Arizona summers.

It helps prevent costly AC problems, keeping your home comfortable and your wallet happy.

Investing in professional residential AC maintenance services from Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating will allow you to enjoy a cool, comfortable home without worrying about unexpected breakdowns.

Get in touch now for more summer cooling advice or to schedule service for your AC equipment.

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Turn to Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating for expert installations and maintenance for all your HVAC needs.
Call (480) 571-7219 or request service online now!