2015 Summer Comfort by Bob Townsend,
Without regular maintenance an air conditioner loses about 5% of it's
original efficiency for each year of operation. This means that the 15
SEER unit that you bought just a few years ago may be functioning like a
12 SEER unit today! The good news is that you can recover most of that
lost efficiency through regular maintenance. Studies show that with
regular tune-ups a unit will maintain up to 95% of it's original
efficiency. This means that the cost of an annual tune-up is recovered
very quickly in savings on your monthly electric bill and reduced repair
costs. A properly serviced air conditioner will also do a better job of
dehumidifying your home. The service check should include cleaning the
condensing unit coils, checking the amp draw of the compressor, oiling
the fan motors, checking that belts are well adjusted, and checking the
system operating pressures and temperatures against the manufacturers
specifications. One of the most important items to check is the coolant
level (previously known as Freon) in the air conditioner. A system that
is only 10% low on coolant will cost about 20% more to operate! The Air
Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) recommends that coolant
levels be checked every year. There are some things in addition to
yearly tune-ups that you can do to help ensure a high level of comfort
and proper system operation. First, buy good filters and change them
regularly. Next, keep bushes and other materials away from the outside
unit of your air conditioner. Another good idea is to avoid closing
supply air outlets in your house. In almost all cases, closing supply
outlets is harmful to the operation of the overall system. All
equipment, even the most reliable, needs routine maintenance.
Complicated equipment like today's air conditioners benefit in many ways
from annual service. They recover much of their lost efficiency, they
are less likely to suffer a major break down, they have a longer life
span, they increase your comfort, and they operate for less money.
Call Bob @ (434) 981-0247
"Your Best Bet...Hire a Vet."
Master HVAC # 2710000790