AC Maintenance Tips For Spring

By Dayna Hottle

Spring has sprung in most parts of the country, and that means it’s time to step outside and enjoy the fresh air.

It also means higher utility prices are on the way since we will soon be turning on our air conditioners.

This summer, energy costs are expected to rise throughout the country as utility companies increase rates and upgrade infrastructure.

But there are a number of things homeowners can do to maximize the efficiency of their HVAC systems so they can save money on energy bills this summer. There are also changes they need to consider as they research their cooling options.

Get a checkup

Once a year, many of us head to the doctor, even when we’re feeling well, just to make sure our health is good and to keep an eye on issues that may turn into more serious problems down the road.

Your A/C unit needs similar attention.

Getting an annual checkup is crucial for maintaining a “healthy” air conditioning system, and spring is the perfect time to schedule your unit’s checkup. This is considered preventative maintenance, and technicians will not only replace worn parts but will also inspect the unit for issues that might lead to a breakdown this summer.

Catching small problems early can prevent them from becoming more expensive later and can save you from a breakdown during a 100+-degree heatwave.

From an energy-savings standpoint, having a checkup helps your air conditioner run at its peak efficiency, which can save you money this summer.

Benefits of Efficiency

Efficient air conditioners save money because they consume less electricity to achieve the same cooling output.

By keeping your air conditioner properly maintained and your air filters changed on a regular basis, you optimize your energy usage and your A/C unit doesn’t have to work as hard.

You can also consider purchasing a smart or programmable thermostat. These thermostats “learn” your family’s behavior and adjust so that your A/C does not turn on as frequently when you’re not at home.

Another avenue you might consider is the purchase of a new air conditioner, particularly if your system is more than 10 years old.

Newer air conditioners have a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating and the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient your A/C unit is. Newer units have a SEER rating of between 13 and 25, while older units only have a rating of between eight and 10.

Even though you will have to spend money to purchase a new system, a higher SEER rating adds up to significant savings in the long run.

And you might be able to save some money by purchasing a newer system. Many local utility companies and governments will offer rebates or incentives if you buy a more efficient A/C system.

New Regulations

If your budget allows it, you need to be aware of some new regulations on refrigerants before you make the decision to buy a new system.

The federal government now requires that new air conditioners and heat pumps be equipped to handle A2L refrigerants. While homeowners can still legally purchase units that use the old refrigerants until January 2026, it’s a better bet to go ahead and purchase a system that uses the new A2L refrigerants.

Once a refrigerant is phased out, it is no longer manufactured, and you may have a difficult time getting new refrigerant later in your air conditioner’s life cycle.

The A2L refrigerants have a significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than the R-410A and the E-454B used in most current air conditioners and heat pumps.

Other Ways to Save

Finally, you can take other actions throughout your home to cut costs, such as pulling the blinds during the hottest part of the day, running fans to boost your A/C’s circulation and unplugging electronics and major appliances when not in use.

Rather than suffering through the heat to cut costs, implement these strategies to keep cool and comfortable without overspending.

Dayna Hottle is the general manager and a co-owner of C & C Heating & Air Conditioning in the greater Detroit area. Her family has owned and operated C & C since 1948 when her grandfather started the company. Hottle got her start in the skilled trades by working in the C & C office before leaving for Albion College. Upon receiving her economics degree, she returned to C & C in 2005 and worked to improve the company’s call center and customer service as the operations manager. She has served as the general manager for the HVAC company since January 2022.