The cooling season in the Corpus Christi, Texas, area is well underway. From experience, we know that there will be many more days in which we will be relying on our air conditioners around the clock. For your air conditioner to stand up to the weather in our area and provide effective temperature and humidity control, maintenance is a must. If you’ve not yet scheduled an AC tuneup, now is the time.
An AC Tuneup Matters in the Long Run
Your air conditioner works overtime to keep you comfortable all sweltering summer long. You need air conditioner maintenance if you want to:
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Increase your system’s efficiency to lower utility bills and your carbon footprint.
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Extend the operating life of the air conditioner.
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Prevent common and costly AC problems during the hottest time of the year.
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Increase your comfort level while decreasing energy consumption and lowering cooling costs.
Over time, dust builds up on essential components inside the air conditioner. Connections become loose, debris settles in the condensate drain, and the electric control can get out of whack. An annual AC tuneup addresses these issues and more.
What Does an AC Tuneup Include?
During the inspection, your HVAC technician will completely examine your HVAC system. Internal and external components will be analyzed thoroughly. Critical steps include:
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Lubricating the fan, motor, and other moving parts to prevent friction.
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Cleaning essential components.
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Inspecting terminals and wires for corrosion, tightening the connections, and applying nonconductive coating if necessary.
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Measuring the refrigerant level, testing for leaks, and topping off the system if needed.
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Testing the electric control of your air conditioner to ensure it cycles properly.
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Inspecting ductwork for air leaks and obstructions that can restrict airflow.
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Measuring airflow to ensure the system cools effectively.
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Flushing the condensate drain to prevent clogs and mildew.
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Testing the thermostat for accuracy and calibrating it if necessary.
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Inspecting the coils for scale and grime buildup, which can interfere with optimum heat exchange.
Always hire a reputable contractor with skilled technicians to perform the AC tuneup to ensure excellent service and guaranteed work.
Maintenance Tasks Homeowners Should Tackle
After the AC tuneup, it will be up to you to maintain your air conditioner’s efficiency for the rest of the cooling season. Here are three tasks you should perform regularly to keep the air conditioner operating efficiently and problem-free:
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Inspect the air filter and replace it with a clean one whenever it is dirty. A dirty filter restricts airflow, causes dust to build up inside the system, and lowers indoor air quality. In fact, dirty air filters are one of the top causes of common problems with AC systems.
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Clean and vacuum regularly to reduce the amount of dust, pet hair, and other debris that can clog the filter.
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Keep shrubs and tree branches away from the outdoor unit. During landscaping try to prevent grass and other landscaping debris from blowing into the unit. Dirty coils result in inefficient heat transfer and can reduce your comfort considerably.
Reducing Energy Consumption
No matter how efficient the air conditioner operates after an AC tuneup, there are some factors that can cause the system to work harder than it should, resulting in higher energy bills and reduced comfort. Here are some things you can do to take a load off of your air conditioning system to help it work more effectively to optimally cool your home:
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Keep drapes closed during the day to help combat solar heat gain from the sun’s radiant energy beating down on windows.
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Use heat-generating appliances, such as the clothes dryer and oven, during the early morning and late evening hours.
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Ceiling fans help you feel cooler by moving the air around and creating a breeze. Turn it off when you leave the room to save on electricity costs.
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Seal air leaks around doors, windows, and service entrances. As you try to cool your home, air leaks reduce comfort by letting hot air inside and cool air out. The air conditioner must then work extra hard to compensate, raising energy bills and increasing wear and tear on the system.
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Install a programmable thermostat to help you save money and conserve energy. A programmable thermostat allows you to pre-program settings so that you’re using less energy when you’re away from home or sleeping.
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Make sure supply registers are unobstructed by furniture and drapes to ensure good airflow to your system and optimal distribution of conditioned air.
For more expert solutions about keeping your home cool this summer or to schedule your spring AC tuneup with one of our highly qualified technicians, please contact Bodine-Scott today at (361) 883-9900.
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