Maximize the life of your air conditioner
If you are like most homeowners, you want your air conditioner to run efficiently when it gets hot and you want it to last as many years as possible. HVAC experts agree there are several simple things you can do to make sure your air conditioner’s life is maximized.
Tips for extending the life of your AC
- Change the filter – Dirt and debris will clog your system and shorten its life. Be sure to change your filter at least every three months. If your home environment is dusty (due to remodeling, for example) or allergies are a problem for your family, change it as frequently as once a month.
- Keep air flowing freely – Closing off registers to avoid cooling an unused room will tax your cooling system. Instead, keep all registers open and be sure return air vents are not blocked by furniture. If you have unused spaces you don’t want to cool, invest in a zone control system for your home.
- Set a consistent temperature – Changing your thermostat by more than a few degrees will cause your cooling system to work harder to get your home back to the temperature you want. Your air conditioning will be most efficient if you choose a temperature and stick with it.
- Maintain outdoor unit – Check the outdoor unit frequently throughout cooling season to ensure debris is not blocking air flow. Be sure to trim shrubbery and keep it away from all sides of the unit.
- Get a checkup – The most important thing you can do to keep your AC running for many years is schedule annual maintenance before it gets hot enough to need cooling. Your local HVAC technician will clean your AC unit, check wiring and circuits, ensure there are no leaks, and test your thermostat.
The life of your air conditioning unit will vary based on the quality of the system you buy and your family’s comfort. An AC system will work harder and more often during a hot summer and in a home where the thermostat is kept at a lower average temperature. However, by ensuring your cooling system is always working at its peak efficiency, you can maximize its life even if it gets a lot of use.
If your AC needs a checkup or you are concerned about its efficiency, contact Falls Heating & Cooling to schedule service. Click here for more information about all Falls Heating’s HVAC services, including furnace and AC repairs and installation.