An air conditioning system is an essential part of many homes, especially during the hot summer months. However, it can be costly to replace or repair when it breaks down. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prolong the lifespan of your AC unit and keep it running smoothly for years to come. Here are six tips to help you extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system:
Tip 1: Regular Maintenance
One of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your air conditioning system is to schedule regular maintenance. Professional maintenance should include cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, and more. Regular maintenance can help catch potential problems before they become major issues and keep your AC unit running efficiently.
Most experts recommend scheduling AC maintenance at least once a year in the spring or early summer months before heavy use begins.
Tip 2: Change Air Filters Regularly
Air filters play an essential role in keeping your AC system running efficiently by trapping dust, dirt, and other particles that could damage internal components. Over time, these filters become clogged with debris and need to be replaced.
Experts recommend changing your air filter every one-to-three months, depending on usage levels. You may need to change them more frequently if you have pets or live in an area with high pollution levels.
When choosing a new filter, look for one with a high MERV rating (minimum efficiency reporting value). This rating measures how effectively a filter captures particles from the air.
Tip 3: Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean
Your outdoor AC unit is exposed to all sorts of debris year-round – including leaves, grass clippings, dirt, and even small animals. Over time this debris can clog up condenser fins and affect airflow, which puts additional strain on your air conditioner’s compressor.
To keep your outdoor unit clean:
- Turn off the power supply.
- Remove any debris from around the unit.
- Use a hose (not too high pressure) or soft brush to gently clean any visible dirt or grime from the fins.
- Straighten any bent fins using a fin comb.
Tip 4: Check Ductwork for Leaks
Ductwork carries cool air throughout your home. If there are leaks in ductwork, then cool air may not reach parts of your home as intended, which means that some areas will feel warmer than others while putting extra strain on your AC unit.
To check ductwork for leaks:
- Turn on the blower fan.
- Run hand along ducts looking for drafts
- Seal leaks with mastic tape (not duct tape) or use metal-backed tape if necessary
- Consider hiring professional duct sealing services
Tip 5: Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to adjust temperature settings based on time-of-day schedules so that you don’t waste energy cooling empty rooms when no one is home. By using less energy overall, you’ll save money on monthly bills while reducing wear and tear on HVAC equipment over time.
When shopping for thermostats, look for features like multiple temperature settings per day (for example, morning/afternoon/evening), remote control via smartphone app or web interface so that you can adjust settings even when away from home; and compatibility with smart home automation systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant.
Tip 6: Use Ceiling Fans or Portable Fans
Ceiling fans can be used in conjunction with central heating/cooling systems by helping circulate cool air throughout rooms more efficiently, thus reducing reliance solely upon HVAC equipment. In addition, portable fans placed strategically near windows can help draw cooler outside breezes into homes while also providing added circulation benefits indoors.
When selecting ceiling fans, consider blade size (larger blades move more air, but smaller blades are quieter), number of blades (more blades move more air, but fewer blades create less turbulence), motor type (AC motors are cheaper but louder than DC motors), light fixtures (some fans come with built-in lighting options).
Conclusion
By taking steps such as scheduling regular maintenance and changing filters regularly; cleaning outdoor units; checking for leaks in ductwork; investing in programmable thermostats; and using fans strategically, homeowners can extend life expectancies significantly, thereby saving money over the long term while ensuring comfortable indoor temperatures year-round!
The post The Ultimate Guide to Extending the Lifespan of Your Air Conditioning System appeared first on AC Service in Greater Phoenix AZ | Worlock Air Conditioning Specialists.