At A-1 Comfort Systems, we provide outstanding HVAC services and products at competitive prices. As you know, it is important for your HVAC unit to be properly maintained to ensure that it functions efficiently and effectively. There are a number of reasons as to why HVAC maintenance is useful to homeowners.

On average, a good air conditioning unit lasts between 10-15 years. At some point, you will need to repair the unit before replacing it. Over the course of its lifetime, a cooling unit requires regular servicing to prevent it from malfunctioning. Most of these problems can be easily identified and dealt with before they can shut down the HVAC unit.

Thirteen percent of a home’s energy costs are for cooling, according to Energy Star. Here are three easy ways to rein in these expenses—even on hot summer days.

1. Turn your fan on. Instead of setting the air conditioner to 74° or 76° F, set it to 78° F and let your ceiling fan do the rest. It costs little to run and can make the temperature feel as much as 4° F cooler, according to the Department of Energy.
2. Make simple changes that increase efficiency. Close curtains during the day to keep the sun from heating up the house, reduce oven use, repair leaky AC ductwork, and plug cracks around windows and doors.
3. Replace your thermostat. If you have central air condition­ing, one of the most effective ways to save money on cooling is to install a programmable or smart thermostat. (As a bonus, you’ll also save money on heating this winter.)