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Discover How AC Maintenance Lowers Your Cooling Costs

TL;DR: Neglecting air conditioner maintenance leads to higher cooling costs and increased CO2 emissions. Regular upkeep improves energy efficiency, prevents costly repairs, optimizes refrigerant levels, extends lifespan, enhances indoor air quality, and ensures safety. Professional maintenance is crucial for thorough inspections, adherence to manufacturer recommendations, and regulatory compliance. Although there’s an initial cost, long-term savings justify the investment. Don’t overlook maintenance; it’s essential for saving money and preserving your cooling system’s integrity.

 

Ineffective air conditioners contribute to the production of 2 million tons of CO2 discharge every year. Thus, air conditioning upkeep is important in ensuring the smooth and cost-effective operation of your cooling system. 

Homeowners in the United States pay over $29 billion annually for air conditioning. However, the expenses may significantly rise if you don’t provide regular upkeep to your AC. Proper AC maintenance can reduce cooling expenses for many reasons, each helping you avoid dealing with bigger and more expensive problems with your system.

In this article, you’ll find out how AC maintenance lowers your cooling costs and prolongs the lifespan of your system. So, let’s dive right in!

Different Ways AC Maintenance Can Lower Cooling Costs

Orderly AC maintenance plays a vital part in lowering cooling costs in various ways. By ensuring that the system operates at its peak efficiency, maintenance helps improve energy-saving, preventing unnecessary energy consumption and reducing the cost of your bills. 

Additionally, timely maintenance addresses smaller problems before they become bigger, ultimately saving on repair expenses. Proper maintenance also optimizes refrigerant levels, prolongs the apparatus’s longevity, and improves indoor air quality, all contributing to reduced cooling costs over time. Here’s how AC maintenance lowers your cooling costs and preserves the quality of your system:

Energy-Saving Benefits

One of the main advantages of regular AC maintenance is increased energy-saving. With regular usage, grime, filth, and dust can accumulate in the AC system, resulting in minimized airflow and excessive energy consumption. 

Maintenance helps the system run more efficiently. This is the result of regularly changing the air filters, inspecting and cleaning coils, and ensuring the moving parts are accurately lubricated. Thus, it reduces the consumption of energy needed to make your home feel cooler.

Preventing Costly Repairs

Neglecting AC maintenance can result in the gradual deterioration of the system, leading to potential malfunctions or breakdowns. These issues often require costly repairs or part replacements, significantly adding to your cooling expenses. 

Orderly maintenance, including detailed inspections and timely repairs, helps detect and resolve minor problems before they turn into bigger issues, ultimately saving you from expensive repair bills.

Optimizing Refrigerant Levels

Regulated refrigerant levels are vital for the improved functioning of an AC system. Over time, refrigerant can leak or become insufficient, leading to diminished cooling productivity and the expansion of energy expenditure. 

During maintenance, repair technicians can inspect and restore refrigerant levels, guaranteeing an efficient operation of your system and reaching peak performance. This not only lowers energy costs but also prevents potential damage to the compressor, which is a significant expense to repair or replace.

Extending Apparatus Longevity

Regular maintenance significantly extends the longevity of your AC apparatus. This minimizes the need to spend money on replacing your old system. 

Maintenance reduces the wear and tear on the system by ensuring that all parts are working at their best, ultimately prolonging its longevity. This means you can avoid the substantial cost of premature AC replacement.

Enhanced Indoor Air Quality

Besides lowering cooling costs, AC maintenance also improves indoor air quality. Dust-free filters and coils, along with well-maintained ductwork, prevent the production of debris and other pollutants in your house. This creates a fresher indoor atmosphere but also ensures that the AC system operates efficiently, further reducing energy consumption and associated costs.

Improved Comfort and Performance

A well-maintained AC system provides more consistent and reliable cooling, leading to enhanced comfort in your living space. 

By ensuring that your system operates at peak performance, maintenance helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without unnecessary energy expenditure. This results in a more enjoyable living atmosphere and, at the same time, minimizes cooling costs.

Enhanced System Safety

Regular AC maintenance also contributes to the safety of your cooling system. By identifying and addressing potential safety hazards such as electrical issues or mechanical failures, maintenance helps prevent dangerous situations that could lead to costly damages or even harm to occupants. 

Ensuring the safe operation of your AC system through regular upkeep can ultimately save you from unexpected expenses related to emergency repairs or replacements. It also protects your and your family’s safety, providing peace of mind and confidence in the system’s operation.

The Importance of Professional Maintenance

When learning how AC maintenance lowers your cooling costs, you must also consider professional help. This is to ensure the maintenance process is carried out properly, using the right techniques that may extend the longevity of your system.

  • Expertise and Experience. Reputable maintenance services ensure that your AC system is serviced by technicians with the knowledge and hands-on practice to detect and resolve potential issues effectively. They perform thorough inspections and maintenance procedures that an untrained individual might overlook.
  • Comprehensive Inspection. Professional maintenance involves a comprehensive inspection of the entire AC system, including intricate components such as coils, motors, and electrical connections. This thorough assessment helps identify and rectify problems before they turn bigger, guaranteeing the best operation of your unit.
  • Manufacturer Recommendations. Professional technicians are well-versed in the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for maintaining specific AC models. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for preserving warranties and ensuring that maintenance is carried out in accordance with the system’s design and specifications.
  • Proper Tools and Equipment. Professional maintenance includes the usage of specific materials and appliances that are essential for conducting precise diagnostics and maintenance tasks. This ensures that the maintenance is carried out to the highest standard, contributing to the efficiency and longevity of your AC system.
  • Regulatory Compliance. Maintenance experts ensure that your AC system is maintained in compliance with industry regulations and standards. This not only secures the system’s safety and functionality but also offers you a sense of peacefulness, knowing that your unit is being serviced under established guidelines.
  • Tailored Maintenance Plans. Professional maintenance services often offer tailored maintenance plans based on the specific needs of your AC system. This personalized approach ensures that your unit receives the care it requires, leading to improved efficiency, reduced energy costs, and an extended lifespan.
  • Timely Service. Professional maintenance services often provide scheduled maintenance, ensuring that your AC system is serviced at regular intervals without you having to remember or schedule appointments. 
  • Long-Term Cost Savings: While professional maintenance may involve an initial cost, the long-term savings in terms of reduced energy consumption, fewer repairs, and prolonged equipment lifespan far outweigh the investment. Professional maintenance is an investment in the long-lastingness and performance of your AC system.

Conclusion

Learning how AC maintenance lowers your cooling costs is essential to start taking proactive measures and properly managing your expenses. With this cost-effective approach, you’ll be able to save your money and the integrity of your cooling system.

Maintenance plays a crucial role in lowering your overall cooling costs by improving energy efficiency, preventing costly repairs, optimizing refrigerant levels, extending equipment lifespan, enhancing indoor air quality, improving comfort and performance, and ensuring system safety. 

Therefore, investing in professional AC maintenance like the one offered by Elevated Comfort – professionals with over 20 years in the field not only saves you money in the long run but also promotes the efficient and reliable operation of your cooling system.

So, call us today and let us breathe life into your AC system!

 

FAQ

Why should I choose Elevated Comfort for AC maintenance?

Elevated Comfort offers over 20 years of expertise in the field, ensuring that your AC system is serviced by knowledgeable technicians who can effectively detect and resolve potential issues. Our comprehensive inspections and tailored maintenance plans guarantee the best operation of your unit, leading to improved efficiency, reduced energy costs, and an extended lifespan.

 

What makes professional maintenance by Elevated Comfort different?

Elevated Comfort’s professional maintenance goes beyond basic servicing. Our technicians are well-versed in manufacturer recommendations and industry standards, ensuring that your AC system is maintained in compliance with regulations. We use proper tools and equipment to conduct precise diagnostics and maintenance tasks, ensuring the highest standard of care for your unit.

 

How does Elevated Comfort help save costs in the long run?

While there may be an initial cost for professional maintenance, the long-term savings are significant. By improving energy efficiency, preventing costly repairs, and extending equipment lifespan, Elevated Comfort’s maintenance services lead to reduced energy consumption and fewer expenses on repairs. Investing in our maintenance plans is an investment in the long-lastingness and performance of your AC system.

 

What are the benefits of choosing Elevated Comfort for AC maintenance?

Choosing Elevated Comfort means you’re choosing enhanced indoor air quality, improved comfort and performance, and enhanced system safety. Our tailored maintenance plans ensure that your AC system receives the care it requires, leading to a fresher indoor atmosphere, consistent cooling, and peace of mind knowing that your unit is being serviced under established guidelines.

Improving Your Air Quality With Regular HVAC Maintenance

TL;DR: Indoor air quality is often overlooked but crucial for health. With most Californians exposed to harmful pollutants, maintaining HVAC systems is essential. Regular tasks like changing filters and cleaning ducts are vital for better air quality. Recognizing signs of poor air, like allergies or excessive dust, prompts action. Additional steps like using air purifiers and incorporating plants can help. Seeking professional help from HVAC experts like Elevated Comfort ensures thorough maintenance. 

You might not always think about the air you breathe inside your home or office, but it can affect your health without you realizing it. Results from recent air monitoring show that over 90% of Californians are exposed to harmful air pollutants, so air quality surely deserves our attention.

One way to ensure what you’re breathing in is safe is to prioritize indoor air quality through HVAC maintenance. Your HVAC system can do more than just keep you warm or cool. It can filter out pollutants and circulate fresh air in your home. Investing a little time and money into keeping your HVAC in top condition can significantly improve the air quality in your living or working space.

This article will give you information on how regular HVAC maintenance can be a game-changer for indoor air quality and discuss the tools you need to create a healthier environment.

Signs Your Place Has Poor Air Quality

Just because the air outside isn’t the best quality doesn’t mean the same must be true for the air in your house. You have to recognize a few signs that indicate the air quality in your home isn’t up to par, so you know it’s time to improve it.

  • Health Symptoms. If you or your family members are experiencing increased allergies, respiratory problems, headaches, or dizziness, it might be time to assess your air quality. These symptoms can be especially telling if they improve once you leave the house. 
  • Dust. A noticeable amount of dust, even after regular cleaning, suggests that your air filters are clogged or that your HVAC system isn’t effectively removing particles from the air.
  • Unpleasant Odors. Smells that linger can also be a sign of poor ventilation or the presence of contaminants. 

 

How the HVAC System Affects Air Quality

Your HVAC system does more than keep your home at a cozy temperature. It can also maintain the quality of the air you breathe. It does that by constantly moving the air around, controlling the moisture, and filtering out harmful particles.

  • Good air circulation ensures that air doesn’t become stagnant. The HVAC system pushes the air throughout your house, ensuring that stale air doesn’t linger in one spot for too long. That dilutes the concentrations of indoor pollutants, which can come from cleaning products, cooking fumes, and even off-gassing from furniture.
  • Humidity control is another way your HVAC system affects indoor air quality. Too much humidity can speed up the spread of mold and spores, triggering allergies and respiratory issues. If the air is too dry, it can irritate your skin, eyes, and throat.
  • Filtering out indoor pollutants is one of the most direct ways your HVAC system improves air quality. Most systems have air filters that trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other particulates. Upgrading to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can further improve your indoor air quality by capturing even smaller particles.

HVAC Maintenance Tasks for Better Air Quality

While you can’t control the air you breathe outside, you can ensure it doesn’t happen inside your house or apartment. Improving the air quality in your home starts with taking good care of your HVAC system, and you can achieve that with a few simple steps.

Changing or Cleaning the Air Filters

The maintenance schedule can vary depending on the type of filters your system uses, whether they are fiberglass, pleated, or HEPA. You must replace fiberglass filters every 30 days, while HEPA filters can last up to six months. 

When they become clogged, the air quality diminishes, and your system has to work harder. That can result in higher energy bills and additional wear and tear on the system.

Deep Cleaning the Ducts and Vents

You should do this every three to five years, depending on whether you have pets, smoke, or if anyone in the household has allergies. You’ll know it’s time for cleaning if you notice dust buildup around the vent areas, inconsistent airflow in different parts of the house, or an unexplained increase in energy bills.

Checking and Refilling Refrigerant Levels

The refrigerant in your HVAC system is what cools the air in your home. If the system has a leak and the refrigerant levels drop, it can lead to decreased cooling efficiency and release chemicals into the air that are harmful to breathe. Keeping an eye on refrigerant levels and addressing any leaks helps keep your air clean and your system running smoothly.

Scheduling Professional Inspections

An expert can spot issues you might miss, from minor leaks to components that are wearing out. During a maintenance visit, a technician will clean parts of the system you can’t easily access, check refrigerant levels, and ensure every component is in good working order. They can take a look at the filters and ducts and tell you if it’s time for a good clean.

Extra Tips for Improving Air Quality

In addition to taking care of your HVAC, you can do a few other things to improve your home’s air quality. They will leave your indoor air feeling and smelling fresh and reduce the load on your air-conditioning system.

You can place a couple of air purifiers, especially in rooms where you spend most of your time. These devices filter out pollutants, allergens, and even odors, providing cleaner air to breathe.

Another thing you can do is improve air circulation. Opening windows to let fresh air in and using exhaust fans can help reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants. This is particularly important in areas like the kitchen, where cooking vents can capture a lot of the particulates and gasses that cooking generates before they spread throughout your home. 

Incorporating indoor plants into your living space can serve a dual purpose. Not only do they add a touch of nature and beauty, but certain species are known for their air-purifying abilities. They can absorb some common indoor pollutants and release oxygen, leaving your indoor environment healthier.

When to Call an HVAC Professional

If you’re consistent with all the cleaning and maintenance tasks for taking care of the HVAC but still notice the air feels stuffy or has a persistent unpleasant odor, it might be time to call a professional. Or, if your HVAC system isn’t cooling or heating as it should, you could be dealing with refrigerant leaks or electrical issues.

These problems can affect air quality but are dangerous if not handled correctly. An HVAC professional can give your system a complete once-over, spotting and fixing any potential issues right away. Professional maintenance often comes with warranty protection, guaranteeing a job well done.

 

Get the Freshest Air in Santa Rosa, CA

Prioritizing indoor air quality through HVAC maintenance is how you make sure it’s clean and healthy. Simple actions like replacing filters regularly and keeping vents clear can help improve the air quality in your home. While your daily practices make a difference, sometimes calling the experts is best.

If you want to have the best indoor air quality and live in the area of Santa Rosa, California, look no further than Elevated Comfort. We’re a local family business that has been operating for 20+ years. If the air in your home is making it harder to breathe, we’re here to inspect, clean, or replace any part of your system.

You can join our “Grandma Mac Club” and get free HVAC service twice a year. So don’t wait; call us and let us elevate the quality of your home today!

 

FAQ’s

What services does Elevated Comfort offer?

Elevated Comfort specializes in comprehensive HVAC services, including installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They also provide air quality assessments and solutions to ensure a healthy indoor environment.

How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance with Elevated Comfort?

It’s recommended to schedule HVAC maintenance at least twice a year with Elevated Comfort. Their “Grandma Mac Club” offers complimentary services twice annually, ensuring your system remains efficient and your indoor air quality stays optimal.

What sets Elevated Comfort apart from other HVAC companies?

Elevated Comfort is a local family business with over 20 years of experience serving the Santa Rosa, CA area. Their dedication to customer satisfaction, attention to detail, and expertise in improving indoor air quality make them stand out in the industry.

I’ve noticed a decline in indoor air quality. What should I do?

If you’re experiencing issues with indoor air quality, such as increased allergies or persistent odors, contact Elevated Comfort for an assessment. Their team of HVAC professionals can inspect your system, identify any problems, and provide effective solutions to improve air quality and comfort in your home.

Best AC Setting for Sleep, Work, and Savings

Best AC SettingSummer may be coming to an end, but it’s never too late to start thinking about how to lower your energy bill. One way to shrink your energy bill is to find the best AC setting for your needs. Elevated Comfort has found the best AC setting for sleep, work, and savings! With the right AC settings, you can keep your house cool and comfortable while keeping your energy bill manageable. Keep reading for more information on how to find the best AC setting for you!

The Best AC Setting For Sleep

According to the Sleep Foundation, the best AC setting for getting a good night’s sleep is 65℉.  This temperature is cool enough to promote restful sleep but not so cold that you’ll wake up shivering in the middle of the night. If you have trouble sleeping, give this AC setting a try! You can even drop it down to 60℉ if you’re still feeling too toasty.

What Is the Most Energy-Efficient Setting for Bedtime?

Here’s where things get a little tricky. If you ask a medical doctor for their recommendation for a nighttime AC setting, you’ll find that most of them recommend a cooler temperature—somewhere between 60℉ and 72℉ at the highest. This is because heat typically disturbs sleep more than cold (and why winter naps are so famously refreshing). But if you ask Energy Star for the best setting to save money, the recommendation jumps up to a sweltering 82℉.

The Best AC Setting For Work

AC Setting for Sleep, Work, and SavingsOSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommends keeping office thermostats set somewhere between 68℉ and 76℉. There isn’t nearly as much research available on the best AC setting for productivity, but 72℉ falls right in the middle of this range and provides the best opportunity to please everyone at your office. Happy people are more productive (and there is research to back that up).

What to Set Your Home AC to While You’re Gone

While you’re at work or running errands, there’s no reason to keep your home as cool as it needs to be when you’re there. In fact, most people find that their homes are actually more comfortable when they’re set a few degrees warmer than usual when they’re gone. The recommended temperature is around 85℉, leaving enough slack to save money and keeping cool enough that your HVAC system won’t struggle to get down to temp when you get home.

The Best AC Setting For Savings

The Best AC Setting for Sleep, Work, and SavingsNow let’s get into the savings side of things. The Energy Star program recommends keeping your thermostat at 78℉ when you’re home and awake for the most significant energy savings.  But, of course, this temperature might not be comfortable for everyone in your home. If that’s the case, aim for the middle ground between comfort and savings by setting your thermostat to 68℉ or above. You’ll still see some energy savings while keeping things comfortable for everyone in your home.

AC Maintenance for More Energy Savings

We hope you have found these recommendations for the best AC setting for sleep, work, and savings helpful in deciding on the ideal temperature for your home and office! By following these simple tips, you can keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long while shrinking your energy bill. Give our team a call today to learn more about how we can help you save money on your energy costs with our AC maintenance services and our maintenance program!