If you’re wondering whether you can save money servicing your AC yourself, the answer is no. It might seem like you save money at first, but in the long run, the AC is more likely to break down. This is because the average person doesn’t have the knowledge and skills to properly diagnose and repair AC issues. Only professionals have the training and experience to service cooling systems effectively and safely. Joining an HVAC maintenance club program is a great way to take the guesswork out of scheduling and get discounts on related services such as priority calls and repairs.
Why Are Air Conditioners So Difficult to Work On?
Air conditioners are difficult to work on because they have so many parts. They involve intricate electrical systems, refrigerant lines, compressors, coils and more. The refrigerant system is one of its most complicated parts and requires careful handling to avoid leaks. The electrical components are very delicate and sometimes require specialized tools for troubleshooting.
When you don’t know what you’re doing, you greatly increase the risk of damaging the system when working on an AC. Take, for example, that you accidentally tamper with the thermostat wires. This will do much more than hinder the AC’s ability to maintain the right temperature. It can also cause the system to malfunction or fail to turn on altogether. Our professionals here at Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing know the exact steps to take to address thermostat issues. We also know how to clean and replace fan blades, coils, refrigerant lines, compressors, capacitors and more.
Is It Dangerous to Work on an Air Conditioner Myself?
Another reason you shouldn’t work on an air conditioner yourself is because it’s dangerous. If you touch the wrong electrical wires together, you risk shocking yourself or causing a fire. If the refrigerant leaks out on you, it can cause frostbite or burn your skin. Inhaling the refrigerant is dangerous because it can lead to respiratory issues or poisoning.
Working on the compressor or condenser unit can cut you or cause injury because of the sharp edges and moving parts. If the AC short circuits while you’re working on it, you might electrocute yourself. For these reasons, it’s always a good idea to let a professional service your AC instead of trying to do it yourself.
Can I Service the Air Filter Myself?
Yes, the air filter is the one part of AC maintenance that you can and should perform yourself. A dirty filter makes it much harder for the AC to keep your home cool. It restricts airflow and causes the AC to use a lot more energy than normal. This not only compromises indoor air quality but also raises your energy bills. Changing the filter regularly will improve airflow and reduce indoor pollutants. It will also help the AC to last longer because it will experience less strain.
How Often Should I Get the AC Serviced?
A great way to keep the AC working like it should is to schedule an annual AC maintenance visit with a professional HVAC company. We will inspect the whole cooling system when doing a tune-up, including the compressor, refrigerant lines and electrical components. If the coils are dirty, we will clean them. This helps the AC perform better by reducing energy consumption.
If we notice any signs of damage, like corrosion on the wires or coil fins, we might repair or replace them. When there’s severe corrosion, it’s usually best to replace the affected parts. We will also calibrate the thermostat to ensure it provides accurate readings. Ultimately, annual maintenance prevents expensive repairs and breakdowns and helps extend the AC’s lifespan.
Unique Ways to Help the AC Perform Better
Although it’s best to avoid servicing your AC system yourself, you can enhance its performance in ways that don’t present a risk of damage. Following these simple tips is an excellent way to create more comfortable living spaces.
Clean and Check Air Vents Regularly
When air vents are dirty, this hurts the performance of the AC by hindering airflow. Cleaning them once every week or two can help prevent airflow problems that lead to breakdowns and repairs. When cleaning the vents, you need to remove and clean the covers, followed by vacuuming down inside the vents.
Next, you need to check that all vents are open. Closed vents create pressure imbalances, which add unnecessary wear to the cooling system. If you want to close vents in rooms that go unused, we highly recommend using a zoned HVAC system. This lets you set different temperatures for various parts of the home without causing pressure imbalances. You can even add ductless AC to your home to achieve zoned HVAC without having to add or retrofit ductwork.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you’re not using a programmable thermostat, it’s time to make the upgrade. Many experts agree you can reduce your cooling expenses by as much as 10-20% with a programmable thermostat. This can equal several hundred dollars in savings each year. These devices let you set heating and cooling schedules that precisely meet your home’s unique preferences. Smart programmable thermostats even connect to the internet, letting you make adjustments on your smartphone via remote access. By setting schedules that achieve great energy efficiency, you’ll not only save money but also help the AC last longer.
Get an Energy Audit
A home energy audit helps to identify areas of your home that are wasting heated or cooled air from your HVAC system. A typical audit can significantly improve your home’s efficiency and lower your heating and cooling costs. An HVAC technician will look at airflow, ventilation, seals on doors and windows, window insulation, attic insulation, and other factors. They will also check the efficiency of your AC. A lot of homeowners achieve significant savings on their cooling and heating bills, and the improvements will help reduce stress on the AC.
Insulate the Ductwork
Duct insulation keeps cool air from escaping, which enables your AC to function more effectively. The insulation works to stop condensation from forming, too, which otherwise could create mold and mildew issues. Professionals should handle ductwork insulation because incorrect installation can result in airflow restriction and system damage.
Use Natural Ventilation
Another way to help the AC perform better is to use natural ventilation by opening the windows from time to time. Ideally, the best time to do this is during cool weather to produce a chill effect in the house. The breeze will bring in cool, fresh air, which can help you use the AC less. Just make sure to close the windows after an hour or so to prevent warm air from entering once the temperature goes up.
Install a Whole-Home Dehumidifier for Better Humidity Control
When your home has too much humidity in it, it will feel warmer than it actually is. As a result, you might turn the temperature down on the thermostat. This will cause the AC to cycle on more frequently, making it use more energy and wearing out its parts faster. To get rid of excess humidity, you can use a whole-home dehumidifier. This type of device connects directly to the AC and delivers automatic dehumidification to help maintain a comfortable, balanced indoor climate. The house will feel naturally cooler without having to use the AC more.
Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers fast, reliable AC services year-round to keep your home comfortable. We also specialize in air filtration, UV lights and heating services to improve your indoor air quality and overall comfort. Call Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing now to book professional AC services in Jacksonville Beach, FL.
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