Keys to Reducing the Need for AC Repair
As a homeowner, it may seem like unexpected costs have a way of popping up when you are least prepared to cover them. For example, your AC unit could suddenly break down in the middle of the summer, when summer is at its hottest. On the other hand, there are steps you can take to reduce the strain on your AC unit and thus reduce the wear and tear on your system, which in turn will reduce the need for repairs. The best news is that you don't need to have a great deal of technical savvy in order to complete most upgrades.
Install Window Film
Low-e window film will filter out the sun's UV rays before they have a chance to stream through your windows and heat up the interior surfaces of your home. Window film costs between $5–$15 per square foot. However, experts estimate that heat gain through windows accounts for up to 40% of a home's heating requirements. In other words, for every $100 you spend on cooling your home, $40 stems simply from UV rays coming into your home through your windows. In that installing window film costs much less than replacing windows and can dramatically reduce your cooling requirements, it is one of the most cost-effective options you have for reducing the strain on your AC unit.
Install a White Roof
The color of your roof can have quite an impact on your cooling requirements. Dark colors will absorb more of the sun's energy than lighter colors. In fact, a white roof will reflect more of the sun's energy than any other color. What does this mean in terms of cooling costs? A white roof can reduce your cooling costs by up to 20%. After all, the less heat you have entering your home, the less you have to pay to cool your home back down.
The key thing to remember when trying to reduce the strain on your AC system is that the more you can can do to reduce heat gain, the less need you will have to run your AC system. Thus, for every step you take to eliminate heat gain, you will receive two key benefits. First, you will reduce the amount of money you spend from month to month to keep your home cool. Second, you will reduce wear and tear on your system, so you won't have as much need for air-conditioning repair. If your goal is to save money, it makes sense to spend a little money on a one-time purchase like window film or a white roof in order to reduce your energy costs from month to month and to reduce your repair costs over the long run.