Saving Moolah While Protecting Your HVAC Unit

Many consumers neglect calling for air conditioning service because their unit is running well and they don't want to waste money on an unnecessary service call. This negligence can be hazardous to your heating and air conditioning unit over time. This is because dirty evaporator coils can lead to larger and more costly problems.

Saving Money by Scheduling Bi-Annual Maintenance

Schedule maintenance on your HVAC unit once during the spring and again in the autumn to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible. Jot down the dates on a calendar if you have trouble remembering this task.  The evaporator coils in your air conditioning unit eventually get a dusty buildup, even if you are diligent about changing the filter. The filter isn't able to catch all the dust and grime from the air. This restricts the passage of air through the unit. Dirty coils can increase your utility costs by 5 percent each year; over time, this adds up to a lot of money.  

Other Problems Caused by Dirty Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils contain a chemical called refrigerant. This chemical helps remove heat from hot air that passes over the coils; therefore, your air conditioning unit doesn't have to work as hard to make the indoor temperature cooler. It also enables the heat exchange process to work more efficiently. Clogged and dusty evaporator coils are susceptible to corrosion and mold. In the long run, either of these problems can lead to costly HVAC repairs.

Problems with Cleaning the Coils Yourself

Some homeowners try to save money by cleaning the evaporator coils themselves. This is not a difficult task if you do it correctly. Many people try to conserve elbow grease by using compressed air to blow off the grime, and this can be unhealthy. The technique forces the mold and other pollutants into the air that is circulating throughout your home.

Hiring a professional like one from Coastal Heating and Cooling ensures that your evaporator coils are cleaned properly. He or she will check for other problems that may cause your unit to run poorly, like refrigerant or seal duct leakage, or a broken thermostat. The professional will also check for wear and tear on the motors and belts, the amount of refrigerant, and clean and tighten the connections in the system.

Detecting minor problems before they turn into costly repairs allows homeowners to keep their unit running efficiently. It is also likely to save them money by preventing major repairs.