
Furnace cleaning is an essential annual chore to keep your home safe. Find out common furnace cleaning costs by type and size of furnace with this guide.
Stay cool, calm, and collected with this AC maintenance to-do list
Regular maintenance is key to an AC that runs smoothly and keeps you cool even in the hottest months of the year. Even a little bit of upkeep can go a long way in terms of protecting your AC’s components and avoiding expensive energy bills and repairs. So, what do you have to do to make sure your AC stays in good shape? Let’s run through an ideal air conditioner maintenance checklist.
Having your air conditioner serviced every year will help it run more efficiently, extend its life span, and prevent minor issues from turning into expensive repairs. Even better? Staying up-to-date with your AC tuneups can save you money by decreasing your unit’s energy consumption by up to 15%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
On average, annual AC maintenance costs between $60 and $200, depending on the type of air conditioner you have. During the appointment, your HVAC technician will run through several tasks, including:
Replacing the air filter
Cleaning the coils
Removing blockages from air ducts
Checking electrical connections
Testing the thermostat
Your air conditioner’s filter collects dust, dirt, hair, and other debris, preventing it from entering your AC unit and potentially damaging it. When your filter is dirty, it becomes less effective, and it forces your air conditioner to work harder, resulting in higher energy usage and utility costs.
It’s important to change your air filter every one to three months to keep your system running efficiently. Fortunately, it’s a straightforward job that should take less than 15 minutes. It involves:
Identifying the filter type and size
Turning off the AC unit
Removing the old filter
Inserting the new filter and checking the fit
For reference, HVAC filters cost between $10 and $50, depending on the type, thickness, and efficiency rating.
Even though your HVAC pro will inspect your air conditioner’s components during your annual service appointment, you’ll want to check them throughout the year, as well. Every few months, make sure to:
Remove debris from your AC unit’s fan with a brush, rag, or hose
Clean your AC coils using a soft brush, cloth, and cleaning solution
Straighten crooked or bent fins with a fin comb or butter knife
Confirm that your AC unit is level
Note: Before you perform any maintenance, make sure your AC is turned off
Keeping your air conditioner at a steady temperature (in other words, not changing the settings frequently or turning it on and off repeatedly) is another way to prolong its life.
Here’s the best temperature to set your AC:
When you’re at home and awake: 78 degrees Fahrenheit
When you’re asleep: 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit
When you’re out of the house: 85 degrees Fahrenheit
If there are drafty areas in your home, your air conditioner will have to work overtime to cool it. To save energy (and money), call a pro to close up any air leaks in these areas:
Windows and door frames
Baseboards
Outlets
Entries to appliances
Attic entrances
Fireplaces
Except for the annual tuneup, most of the items on this air conditioner maintenance checklist are easy enough to tackle without professional help. And it’s important to do so because basic AC upkeep can save you money on future repairs.
Rather recruit an expert to handle all of your HVAC maintenance? Contact a local AC repair company. But heads up: Some of these tasks need to be done every few months (or more often), so calling a pro every time can get pricey.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Furnace cleaning is an essential annual chore to keep your home safe. Find out common furnace cleaning costs by type and size of furnace with this guide.
If your furnace is malfunctioning, it could be a faulty control board. Find out what a furnace control board replacement costs for parts, labor, and more.
If your air conditioning unit isn’t functioning properly, you might need an AC recharge. Our guide will detail what a typical AC recharge cost looks like.
Discover the average wall heater installation cost, key price factors, and expert tips to help you budget and save on your next home heating project.
Poor airflow and high energy bills? It might be static pressure. Learn what it is, how it affects your HVAC system, and how to get it under control.
This guide goes over the pros and cons of radiant floor heating, an energy-efficient alternative to traditional radiators and forced air heating systems.