An air conditioning unit is a hefty investment, so it’s important to take good care of it so the unit will last for as long as possible. Thankfully, there are methods to employ that will help you extend the lifespan of your air conditioner. Below are the most important tips to prolong your air conditioner’s life and keep your family comfortable for decades to come.
Clean air ducts
A great way to keep your air conditioner running for a long time is to optimize airflow. A clogged vent or duct prevents your system from running effectively, which causes it to work harder than it needs to and stress its system. By cleaning air vents and ducts regularly, you are clearing the way for air to flow efficiently out into your house. You can clean the ducts yourself, or an HVAC technician can complete this step during HVAC regular maintenance.
Change air filters
Another way to extend your air conditioner’s life is by changing the air filters of the system regularly. Just like the ducts and vents, the air filters are important for allowing air to circulate throughout your home. Most experts recommend that air filters should be changed every few months to maximize airflow and improve indoor air quality. With these filters clean and letting air pass through them efficiently, your air conditioner will not need to strain itself working overtime to circulate indoor air.
Clean outdoor units
If outdoor HVAC units are blocked by debris, branches, or other obstructions, it could keep the system from running efficiently. There should be at least two feet of clear space around an outdoor unit for maximum efficiency. A blocked unit could eventually become damaged, lowering the lifespan of your air conditioner. The less obstructions, the longer the unit will be able to run without issue.
Use the “Auto” thermostat setting
The “Auto” thermostat setting is a major life hack for conserving energy for your air conditioner. With this function, you can set your thermostat to a given temperature and then activate “Auto.” The setting will maintain the temperature and shut off when not needed, which conserves the unit’s energy from being wasted.
Ensure home is properly insulated
The less an air conditioner has to run to cool your home, the longer its lifespan will be. By ensuring that your home is properly insulated, you are making sure that no conditioned air is escaping the house. This will prevent your HVAC unit from working harder than it needs to. The same goes for any kind of duct, window, or door leaks— seal these fissures as soon as possible to prevent energy waste.
Schedule regular HVAC maintenance
The key to maintaining an effective air conditioning unit is not just repairs when something is not working, but also regular checks to prevent issues in the first place. Routine air conditioner maintenance is perhaps the most important step for extending an air conditioner’s life. An experienced technician performing routine checks can catch any problems that would cause major damage to the unit.
Choose Long Heating and Cooling for HVAC service in Dothan, AL
Are you a resident of Dothan Alabama or the general Wiregrass area? If so, Long Heating and Cooling is the HVAC company for all your air conditioner needs. Contact us by calling 334-790-0977 or click here to schedule maintenance.