Tips To Ease The Strain On Your Air Conditioning System

Living in or around the Piedmont Triad, where summer humidity and heat can push your air conditioner to the limit? At Webb Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical, we’ve been helping homeowners surrounding Winston-Salem, Advance and Greensboro maintain their air conditioning systems since 1978. Located at 170 Webb Way in Advance, NC, near Advance Dance and the Humane Society of Davie County, our AC experts share five expert tips for easing the strain on your air conditioner, extending its lifespan, and potentially saving you time and money on premature repair or replacement costs.

If you are like most people, you love saving money. When it comes to your air conditioning system, the best way to do that is to ease the strain on the system as much as you can. This will reduce your utility costs, extend the life of the system, and prevent unnecessary repair costs. Follow these five tips to keep your AC running smoothly and prevent:

Tip #1 – Annual Maintenance Service: You should have your air conditioning system serviced by a professional at least once a year, preferably before you turn it on in the summer. They will test the components, including checking the refrigerant, ducts, and condenser coil. They will provide any minor repairs, adjustments, or lubrication, and clean your system to operate at peak performance. Annual tune-ups prevent strain, catch issues early, and maintain efficiency. In the Piedmont Triad, where ACs run heavily, this is essential. To learn about our Home Service Agreements, which provide two maintenance visits per year, call us today!
Tip #2 – Change the Filters Regularly: Clogged air filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder. In Greensboro, where dust and pollen are all too common during the Spring and Summer months, this can spike your energy use by 15%. Your HVAC professional can provide you with a recommendation about changing the filters on your air conditioning system. Every home is a bit different, but at least once a month you should check to make sure the filters are not clogged or dirty (homes near Tanglewood Park may need more frequent changes due to tree pollen). A dirty filter is often the cause of poorly-operating HVAC systems.

Tip #3 – Adjust the Thermostat: The colder you keep your home, the more the air conditioning system has to work. While you shouldn’t adjust it to the point you are uncomfortable or you risk humidity issues, most households find a one to two degree change is acceptable. In addition, the use of a programmable thermostat to save energy when nobody is at home is a great way to reduce strain on your air conditioning system and better serve you for years to come.
Tip #4 – Insulation and Ductwork: Make sure your home has adequate insulation and all leaks are addressed. Check the windows and doors, as well as attic insulation. One common culprit to higher air conditioning usage is recessed lighting. If you have this in your home, make sure it has air-tight housings and that there is proper insulation above. An attic fan is another great idea as it will help to reduce the temperature in your home. Within Advance and Greensboro, older homes are prone to this issue, with the average home being roughly 30–50 years old (built between 1975–1995). Older neighborhoods in the Triad, like Fisher Park and Glenwood, may be even older (50–100 years).
Tip #5 – Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear: Debris like leaves, grass, or dirt around your AC’s outdoor unit (or “condenser”) reduces efficiency, and it’s often forgotten how quickly these can accumulate in your unit. During the warmer months, grass and dirt are commonly dispersed during yard work. In the Fall, leaves typically find their way into your system. In Advance, near Bermuda Run Country Club, our experts tend to see this issue quite often.

Why AC Maintenance is Important In The Triad

Greensboro and the Piedmont Triad’s hot, humid summers (often exceeding 90°F) put heavy strain on air conditioners and homeowners, alike, leading to higher energy bills and premature breakdowns. Regular AC maintenance:

Saves Money: Has potential to reduce energy costs by up to 10-30%.
Extends Lifespan: Adds 3-5 years to your AC’s life.
Improves Air Quality: Filters pollutants and allergens, critical in the Piedmont Triad where pollen is prevalent to protect your home’s air quality.

Get Started with Webb Today

Keep your air conditioner in tip-top shape with these tips and professional maintenance from Webb HVAC. Serving Greensboro and Advance, NC as well as the surrounding areas close to home, we’re ready to help your HVAC system serve you for many years and, most important, help you and your family stay cool. Call today or schedule online for a tune-up.

Air Conditioner Lifespan Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I schedule maintenance on my AC to prevent premature repair costs?
Ideally in Spring on an annual basis, but there’s never a bad time to catch up on missed maintenance. Call Webb for a tune-up, today!
How do I reduce AC strain in humid Greensboro summers?
Change filters on a monthly basis, clear coils regularly, and use a smart thermostat. Webb’s maintenance will also help!
What’s the average lifespan of an air conditioner?
The average lifespan of a well-maintained central air conditioning system is generally between 15 and 20 years.