A Quick Guide on Avoiding Costly Air Conditioning Repair and Preserving Your AC Unit

1. May 2, 2017 A Quick Guide on Avoiding Costly Air Conditioning Repair and Preserving Your AC Unit Image 1: How You Can Avoid Air Conditioning Repair and Prolong Your AC Unit If you think the heat is getting to you, just think how much it's getting to your AC unit as you run it 24/7 to stymie the swelter. You want to keep your family comfortable and cool, yet you don’t want to drive up your energy bills or overtax your AC system. You can find the right balance by employing the right preventative measures. Page | 1

2. Use the Right Thermostat Sometimes your AC unit is perfectly fine, but it’s the thermostat that keeps malfunctioning or simply needs an upgrade. There are so many thermostat models from which to choose that you may be puzzled about which one is right for your system. Try to learn about the variety of these devices, which include learning, programmable, mechanical, digital non-programmable, and remote energy management. Learning thermostats are unique in that they actually learn about your cooling preferences and set schedules accordingly. They can also shut off when you’re not home and provide monthly energy reports so you can see how well your AC unit is actually working. Think of them as a computer with sensors. You can even customize their settings by using a computer, smartphone, and tablet because they are Wi-Fi compatible. A programmable thermostat is a smart option worthy of consideration. These thermostats make your unit extremely efficient by adjusting the set temperatures throughout the day. Unlike learning models, you dictate the cooling schedules in accordance to what you and your family prefer. If you’re home often and therefore cooling schedules are not as important, basic mechanical models work just fine and are generally the most affordable. Reduce Operating Costs Because summer cooling costs can break the bank if you’re not careful, you need to do everything you can to reduce operating costs. A simple yet often overlooked step is to turn your AC unit on and leave it running. Switching it from on to off makes your unit work harder, increasing your energy costs. You should also consider keeping your unit’s fan on while its running because it helps distribute air evenly throughout your home. This way, everyone in your house can feel cool and comfortable. In addition, these fans help sustain the cool air overall so your unit is not short cycling—constantly turning on and off. Replace Old Air Conditioner No matter how hard you try, your AC unit may just refuse to work properly. There are several clues that hint of whether it is time for a unit replacement, such as your ac unit’s age. Generally, central air conditioning units last between 10-15 years, depending on the amount and quality of annual maintenance performed. If your unit is past this age, consider switching to a new, more efficient system. A qualified technician who deals with air conditioning repair in Myrtle Beach can offer model suggestions and ensure a safe, quick setup. They can also provide maintenance tips so you can prolong the life of your unit and save on energy costs. Page | 2

3. About Brown & Reaves Services, Inc.: AC unit repairs are never fun to deal with, which is why you should let Brown & Reaves Services, Inc. take care of them. Our family-owned business in Myrtle Beach, SC gives you access to professionals, who can inspect your current unit and install a new system if needed. Our technicians are friendly, insightful, and can find solutions quickly. Sources: How Long Should a Furnace & Air Conditioning Unit Last?, homeguides.sfgate.com 5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Air Conditioner, time.com Page | 3