Every year, it’s recommended that you have an HVAC contractor visit your Yorba Linda home and tune up your air conditioner. This visit will ensure the system is ready for the intense, regular use it will receive during the hottest months of the year. How much money can this visit save you, though? Let’s take a closer look.
Cost of Operating Your Air Conditioning
An air conditioning system on average costs a homeowner between $500 and $1500 per year to operate depending on the length of the cooling season and the efficiency of that air conditioner. That number represents top efficiency for the unit, however. When a system has dirty filters, hasn’t been cleaned properly or the thermostat is no longer calibrated accurately, the cost increases – sometimes dramatically.
Just how much more could you be spending on cooling each month when this happens? The EPA’s Energy Star website estimates an increase in cost of between 10-30% resulting from poorly maintained systems, and it can be even higher if your system is old and is severely affected by a drop in energy efficiency.
Annual Tune Up Necessities
So, what should be at the top of your tune up list? If you call a contractor, they will perform a variety of tasks including:
- Inspect Coolant and Pressure Systems
- Calibrate the Thermostat
- Tighten Wiring, Capacitors, Relays and Contacts
- Clean the Evaporator Coil
- Clear and Clean the Condenser and Condensate Drain
- Inspect the Condenser Fan and Motor
- Check Compressor Efficiency
This is just a starter list for standard tune up of a central air conditioning unit. You can supplement this tune up by checking your filters once every 30 days and clearing away debris from around any outdoor units. You should also check your thermostat monthly to ensure it is working properly. If not, call for an inspection to avoid heavy increases in operating costs.
Major repairs to your air conditioning system generally take less than a day and when you’re on an annual maintenance plan, they cost significantly less than if you needed someone to fix the device in an emergency situation.