Summer is almost here, and temperatures are already on the rise. Balancing comfort and cost can be challenging, but keeping your home cool on the hottest days without sending energy bills soaring is possible.
One of the easiest ways to stay comfortable this summer is to have a professional tune up your air conditioning unit. Over the course of a year, your home’s heating and cooling system runs thousands of hours. Without regular service, the average unit can lose up to five percent of its efficiency each year due to dust buildup and normal wear and tear.
Conway Corp recommends customers schedule a preventative maintenance tune-up on their central air conditioning unit annually to keep it running efficiently. Routine service not only improves comfort but also helps avoid costly repairs. Small issues can often be identified early, before they turn into major problems during peak summer heat.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a seasonal HVAC checkup can extend the life of your system by several years and save you up to 10 percent each month on energy costs. A typical tune-up costs between $70 and $100 and can quickly pay for itself through improved efficiency. Well-maintained units can last up to 15 years, compared to around seven years for neglected systems, potentially saving up to $5,000 in replacement costs.
Conway Corp Energy Smart professionals recommend hiring a local, certified HVAC contractor to perform a tune-up that includes four key steps:
- Measure system airflow to ensure proper capacity and efficiency. Most systems require about 400 cubic feet per minute of airflow.
- Clean the condenser. The outdoor unit should be treated with a foaming cleaner, allowed to sit, then rinsed thoroughly.
- Measure indoor and outdoor conditions, including wet bulb and dry bulb temperatures, to properly assess system performance.
- Adjust refrigerant charge. Improper levels can reduce efficiency and lead to costly repairs.
Homeowners can also help maintain system performance by changing HVAC filters regularly, about four times a year. Clean filters improve airflow, enhance indoor air quality and can boost efficiency by 5 to 15 percent.
If your unit is more than 10 years old or requires frequent repairs, it may be time to consider a replacement. New high-efficiency systems (SEER rating of 13 or higher) can be up to 25 percent more efficient and reduce energy costs by as much as 30 percent.
Conway Corp customers replacing their air conditioning unit may qualify for a zero percent interest loan. Funded by the City of Conway through the American Recovery Act, the program is available to Conway Corp customers with good payment history. Loans range from $500 to $4,500 and are repayable over 36 months.
To learn more about the loan program or Conway Corp’s Energy Smart program, call 501-450-6000 or visit ConwayCorp.com/EnergySmart.
WIN A FREE AC TUNE-UP
Conway Corp’s Energy Smart program helps balance growing energy demands while keeping rates affordable. This month, Energy Smart is giving away an air conditioner tune-up to one Conway Corp customer. To enter, visit ConwayCorp.com/actuneup. Entries must be submitted by midnight May 31, 2026. Winner must be a homeowner in the Conway Corp service area.
