When the Kansas heat and humidity hit Shawnee every summer, your air conditioner becomes the hardest-working appliance in your home. However, if your system isn’t running at its optimal level, you may be paying far more than necessary to keep your family comfortable. That’s where an AC tune-up comes into play.
Let’s examine how our professional maintenance service helps reduce your summer energy bills, prevent expensive breakdowns, and ensure your cooling system operates efficiently on Shawnee’s hottest days.
Why Does Your AC Work So Hard to Keep You Cool?
Scorching temperatures and muggy air during Kansas summers push your cooling unit to its limits. The hotter it gets, the harder your air unit needs to work to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Dirt, clogged filters, worn parts, and even a slightly low refrigerant level can cause your system to run longer cycles more frequently. This results in higher energy usage during the peak summer months. Without annual maintenance, newer units can lose efficiency quickly, and minor issues can escalate during a heatwave.
What Happens During an AC Tune-Up?
A professional AC tune-up from our team at Air Care Heating & Cooling provides your cooling system with a complete checkup. When you call us, we’ll send one of our trained technicians to bring your system back to peak performance.
Here is what a typical tune-up includes:
- A thorough cleaning of coils
- A filter check and replacement
- A refrigerant level check
- An electrical inspection
- A thermostat calibration
- Lubrication of moving parts
- A drain line cleaning
How Tune-Ups Lower Your Energy Bills
How does all that work translate to lower energy bills? Let’s explore ways that a regular tune-up can lower your energy bill.
Improved Efficiency
When your coils, filter, and refrigerant levels are clean and balanced, your cooling unit does not have to run as long to achieve the same temperature in your living space. Even a 5% to 15% boost in efficiency makes a noticeable difference in your home during the hottest weeks of the year.
Fewer Breakdowns
A tune-up can identify minor issues before they develop into significant problems that are more expensive to repair. Our team can quickly replace a failing capacitor or worn belt during a maintenance appointment, which prevents a costly emergency repair in the middle of July.
Longer System Lifespan
Running your air conditioner in poor condition causes parts to wear out faster. Annual tune-ups reduce unnecessary strain, allowing your unit to last 12 to 15 years.
Better Humidity Control
In Shawnee, the combination of heat and humidity can make your home feel sticky if your AC isn’t up to the task. A properly maintained system removes moisture more effectively, allowing you to stay comfortable at higher thermostat settings.
How Often Should You Schedule a Tune-Up?
The best time to have your AC tuned up is in the spring, before peak cooling season begins. This gives our team time to fix any issues before you start relying on your cooling system 24/7. If you haven’t scheduled one yet this year, it’s not too late. Even a mid-season tune-up can make a big difference in your comfort and costs, especially if your system hasn’t had professional care in a while.
Tips to Keep Summer Energy Bills Down
An AC tune-up is your best defense against soaring energy costs in the Shawnee summer heat. However, pairing it with smart daily habits can stretch your savings even further.
Replace Your Air Filters Frequently
Filters can clog up quickly during Kansas summers, especially if you have pets. A clogged filter causes your system to work much harder than it should, wasting energy and increasing your bill. Inspect your filter every 30 to 60 days and replace it when it looks dirty.
Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat lets you control your cooling more efficiently by adjusting the temperature when you’re asleep or away from home. This allows you to set your thermostat higher when you’re at work and program it to turn back on before you return. Smart thermostats can also learn your habits, helping you find energy savings without sacrificing comfort.
Seal Up Air Leaks
Even the most efficient AC unit can’t do its job correctly if cooled air leaks outside. Check for drafts near your windows, doors, the attic, and around ducts or plumbing where outside air could seep into your home. Use weatherstripping to seal gaps and add insulation where needed.
Use Ceiling Fans and Exhaust Fans
Ceiling fans help circulate cool air, making rooms feel up to 4 degrees cooler. Just remember to run fans counterclockwise in the summer. Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans when cooking or showering to remove heat and humidity from your living space.
Block Out the Sun’s Heat During Peak Hours
In Shawnee, sunny afternoons can quickly heat your home. Close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows during the hottest time of the day to reduce heat gain. Reflective shades are beneficial for rooms that receive full afternoon sun.
Keep Vents and Registers Clear
Make sure furniture, rugs, or clutter are not blocking your vents. Obstructed vents reduce airflow, force your system to run longer, and create hot spots in your home. Take a few minutes to walk around the inside of your home and verify that there are no obstructions.
Limit Heat-Producing Activities Indoors
Appliances such as ovens, dryers, and dishwashers can add extra heat to your living space. During Shawnee’s hottest months, try to do laundry or run the dishwasher in the evening when it’s cooler. The utility company may even offer incentives for using heavy-load appliances during off-hours to prevent brownouts. Consider grilling outside on really hot days to keep indoor temperatures lower.
Maintain Your Outdoor Unit
Ensure that your outdoor condenser unit is free from leaves, bushes, tree limbs, grass clippings, and other debris. There should be at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit to create good airflow and expel heat more efficiently.
When a Tune-Up May Not Be Enough
If your air conditioner is more than 12 years old or has frequent breakdowns, consider replacing it. Newer systems can be significantly more energy-efficient than those installed even a decade ago, resulting in substantial long-term savings. Contact us at Air Care Heating & Cooling for a consultation to help you compare the cost of repairs versus replacement. We will also recommend the right size and type of system for your home.
Contact Air Care Heating & Cooling for Reliability
It’s easy to forget about your air conditioner until you’re hit with a shockingly high utility bill or a breakdown in the middle of a Kansas heatwave. A simple AC tune-up each year is a great way to protect your comfort, avoid repairs, and lower your energy bills this summer. At Air Care Heating & Cooling, we have over 40 years of experience providing HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation services in Shawnee.
If you can’t remember the last time your system had a check-up, now is the perfect time to schedule one or sign up for a preventative maintenance plan to save money on HVAC services. Contact us at Air Care Heating & Cooling today!
