A/C Tune-Ups Save Money and Prevent Frustration

Summer doesnt officially begin until June 21, but sweltering temperatures will be here before you know it. To minimize skyrocketing utility bills, BBB offers some tips to help you stay cool without breaking the bank.

Regular AC maintenance isimportantto keeping your system running smoothly, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. A yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort, and pre-season check-ups can prevent future problems and unwanted costs

BBB recommends consumers do the following to prevent a breakdown when repair contractors are bombarded with other emergency calls:

Change your air filter regularly. Depending on the type of filter you use, plan to change it at least once per month. If it looks dirty, change it. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you cool. This wastes energy and leads to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly. Before the summer heat really sets in, have a qualified contractor come out and do a tune-up. Nationally, BBB received nearly 1,000 complaints against residential air conditioning service companies in 2013, so its important that you choose a contractor with a good reputation and track record by going to bbb.org. Finding potential problems before they arise will save money on costly repairs down the road. Scheduling a tune-up now might prevent a breakdown when it really gets hot from June through August.

A typical maintenance check-up should include:

Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.

Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.

Lubricate all moving parts. Parts which lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increase the amount of electricity you use.

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A/C Tune-Ups Save Money and Prevent Frustration