As a homeowner, you know that your air conditioner is one of the most important appliances in your home. Not only does it keep your home cool and comfortable during the hottest months of the year, but it also helps to improve your indoor air quality.
While most air conditioners are designed to last for many years, they need to be replaced if they are not properly maintained. AC repair and replacement can be expensive, so it’s important to do everything you can to extend the life of your air conditioner unit. AC service companies like Conejo Valley Heating and Air are committed to helping homeowners keep their air conditioners in top condition.
Here are 10 easy ways that can help you extend the life of your air conditioner unit:
- Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance Appointments
One of the best ways to extend the life of your air conditioner is to have it serviced by a professional HVAC technician at least once a year. This will ensure that your unit is running efficiently and that any potential problems are caught early before they have a chance to cause major damage.
During a maintenance visit, your technician will inspect your air conditioner unit and perform any necessary AC repairs. They will also clean your unit and make sure that it is properly lubricated.
- Keep Your AC Unit Clean
In order to keep your air conditioner running efficiently, it is important to keep the unit itself clean. You should regularly check and clean the outdoor condenser coils as well as the indoor evaporator coils. If these coils become dirty, it will make your air conditioner work harder than necessary and this can shorten its lifespan.
- Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Your air conditioner’s air filter is responsible for trapping dust, dirt, and other airborne particles that could potentially damage your unit. It’s important to check your filter regularly and change it as needed, usually every 1-3 months.
However, if you have pets or someone in your home suffers from allergies, you may need to change your filter more often. A dirty air filter will not only shorten the life of your air conditioner, but it will also make your unit work less efficiently, which will end up costing you more money in the long run.
- Keep Your Vents and Registers Clear
In order for your air conditioner to work properly, it is important to keep all of your vents and registers clear of any obstructions. This includes furniture, rugs, drapes, carpets, and anything else that might block the flow of air. If your vents are blocked, it can put unnecessary strain on your unit which can cause air conditioner useful life depreciation.
- Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
If you want to save money on your energy bills and extend the life of your air conditioner, investing in a programmable thermostat is a great idea. A programmable thermostat will allow you to set your AC to automatically turn off or on at certain times of the day, so you’re not cooling your home when no one is there. This can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bill and help your air conditioner unit last longer.
- Check Your Weather Striping
If your home is not properly sealed, cool air can escape and hot air can enter, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary in order to maintain the desired temperature in your home.
To prevent this from happening, you should check your weather stripping around doors and windows regularly to make sure that there are no gaps or holes. You may need to replace your weather stripping if it is worn out or damaged. This is a quick and easy AC repair hack that can make a big difference in how well your air conditioner works.
- Keep the Air Conditioner Outside Unit Clean & Clear
The outdoor unit of your air conditioner is responsible for dissipating heat. It can become dirty or covered in debris over time. You should make sure that there is nothing blocking your air conditioner’s outside unit, as this can restrict airflow and cause your unit to overheat which can split AC lifespan. In addition, you should make sure that there is at least two feet of clearance around the unit to ensure proper airflow.
- Give Your AC a Break
Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool in the summer, so it is important to give it a break in the fall and spring when the weather is cooler. You can do this by opening up your windows and allowing the fresh air to circulate through your home. Additionally, if you’re planning on leaving your house for an extended period of time, it’s important to turn off the air conditioner. This will give your air conditioner a much-needed break and help to extend its lifespan.
- Upgrade Insulation & Windows
If your home is not properly insulated, cool air can escape and hot air can enter, making your air conditioner work harder than necessary in order to maintain the desired temperature in your home. To prevent this from happening, you should check your insulation and upgrade it if necessary. The same goes for windows.
If your windows are old and drafty, they might need to be replaced. This is a larger investment, but it will pay off in the long run by maintaining the useful life of the air conditioner.
- Make Use of Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can be a great way to supplement your air conditioner and keep your home cool.
When used in conjunction with your air conditioner, ceiling fans can help to circulate the cool air throughout your home, making it more comfortable without overworking your AC unit. This can save you money on your energy bill and help to extend the life of your air conditioner.
Extend the Life of your Air Conditioner Unit by Contacting Conejo Valley Heating and Air
No matter what kind of air conditioner unit you have, it is important to take care of it so that it will last as long as possible. If you need help maintaining your AC unit or if you think it might be time for an upgrade, contact Conejo Valley Heating and Air.
Our team of experienced HVAC professionals can help you keep your AC unit in top condition and advise you on how to protect the central air unit. We offer a variety of services, including AC repair, replacement, and maintenance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
