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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.