Although most air conditioners have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years
,
several factors affect their health, efficiency, and lifespan. Proper care and
maintenance can keep your AC functioning efficiently and reduce premature
failure and costly repairs. Learn seven simple ways to extend your AC's life
and get a good return on your investment.
1. Change Your Air Filter
One of the most critical AC maintenance tasks is changing or
cleaning your unit's air filter, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
After continued use, your air filter becomes dirty and cannot 'filter' air
appropriately. A dirty filter overworks your unit and increases the probability
of breakdowns.
2. Install Your AC Properly
AC installation should never be a DIY project; you should
work with an HVAC professional to choose the right AC system for your property
and install it correctly. A wrong-sized AC shortens your system's life while
causing massive inefficiency. For instance, a too-small unit struggles to cool
your home, resulting in significant wear, high energy bills, and premature
replacement.
3. Clean Ducts
Your ducts distribute cooled air in your home. If they clog
with dirt and debris, your AC has to work harder and longer to cool your home.
Also, your home's air quality suffers along with your wallet. You can invest in
regular duct cleaning to significantly increase your AC system's efficiency and
lifespan and enhance your indoor air quality.
4. Give Your AC a Break
When your AC operates continually, it wears out faster. An
excellent way to reduce this premature wear is to turn off the AC when it is
not in use or when you leave your home for work or vacation. In addition, take
deliberate action to reduce unnecessary strain on your AC.
First, turn off unused electronics as they generate heat and
make your AC work harder to cool your home. Second, address any air leaks in
your home, such as around windows, doors, ducts, and crawl spaces. Third, use
ceiling fans to help circulate air and make you feel cooler. Lastly, use window
coverings during the day to block the sun's heat from entering your home and
raising temperatures.
5. Keep the Condenser Clean
Since the condenser is the AC system's outdoor unit, it is
vulnerable to obstruction by dirt, leaves, stones, and shrubs. Debris can hurt
the fan and cause tremendous damage and leakage, resulting in the condenser's
inability to discharge heated air. It is best practice to ensure the unit is
clean and clear of any debris to enhance its functioning and prolong your AC
system's life.
6. Turn Off Your Humidifier in the Summer
A humidifier is vital to attain the optimal humidity levels
in colder months to increase comfort and air quality. However, during summer, a
humidifier is unnecessary since the air already has adequate moisture.
An AC works to cool your home's air and eliminate excess
moisture. If you introduce more moisture to the air with a humidifier, your AC
will work overtime to get rid of it, resulting in greater
wear.
7. Schedule Routine Maintenance
Many AC owners make the mistake of ignoring AC maintenance.
They may only call in a technician when something is wrong. However, this
should never be the case; you should hire an HVAC professional to check your AC
unit regularly, even when it's working well.
If you invest in regular maintenance, your technician can
identify AC issues early, before they damage your unit and result in expensive
repairs. Also, maintenance ensures that your AC functions efficiently, which
increases its lifespan and reduces AC bills.
An AC is a significant investment, and you want to use it
for as long as possible. Get in touch with C.J. Services, Inc.
,
for AC maintenance in the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. We offer unbeatable
heating and cooling services, and our team of trained and experienced
technicians is ready to help you anytime. You can enjoy great service every
time you do business with us.
