Breaking or failing appliances is a homeowner’s worst nightmare and a faulty air conditioning unit is no exception! On average, an AC unit should be able to last eight to ten years before needing to be replaced. However, there are a host of simple ways that homeowners can extend the life expectancy of their air conditioning system. Here are the top five ways you can give your AC unit an extra two to three years of life.
Give Your Air Conditioner a Break
Running your AC unit (as with any other large appliance) adds more wear and tear and can cause it to become more inefficient faster. Consider turning your air conditioning off when you’re out of the home for an extended period of time and turning it down at night when it is naturally cooler in your home. Also putting it on a timed schedule as opposed to having it run constantly throughout the day can be an easy way to reduce the work put on your AC unit.
Clean Your Unit Every Month
Your home’s air conditioning system requires proper maintenance and care. If the unit is outdoors, spend 30 minutes once a month clearing away any trash or plant debris that has accumulated around it. When your AC unit is clean, it prevents the chance of a mechanical breakdown from happening or from something getting accidentally jammed into the unit. It’s also a great idea to build a protective cage around your outdoor unit to also prevent wildlife from using it as a makeshift home as well.
Good to Know
Replacing your AC’s filters is probably the easiest way to add extra years onto the life of your unit.
Don’t Skip Your A/C Maintenance
Have your AC unit checked and cleaned at least once a season, especially in the spring before the hot summer months. Regular tune-ups can be an important part of maintaining your AC unit and can extend its life. A reputable and licensed HVAC professional will be able to properly inspect the working parts, clean the filters and fix any possible issues before they become catastrophic problems later. Preventative maintenance is the best way for you to catch things early and to reduce costly repairs
Check Your Air Vents
Your air conditioning unit will only work well if the ducts leading into your home are clear and open for cool air to circulate. Many times obstructions in the ducts or things blocking your interior home vents will cause your AC unit to have to work harder to cool the same space. That’s why it’s important not to block your vents with furniture and to ensure that all of the air ducts leading into and through your home are free from dirt and debris. Plus, by having clean ducts you can increase the air quality of your home. It’s always advised to have your home’s ducts cleaned at least once a year to proactively prevent any blockages or obstructions.
Change the Filter
Air conditioning filters get clogged very quickly as they are constantly interacting with particles in the air. Replacing your AC’s filters is probably the easiest way to add extra years onto the life of your unit. It is highly recommended that you change your AC filters at least once every 60 to 90 days (more frequently if you use your AC more often).
These five tips are all low-cost ways to maximize the years you get out of your AC unit. A well-maintained cooling system can easily last 12-15 years, but it will require proactive and preventative maintenance on your part. Do the regular work now to keep your AC unit in the best working order and you will reduce the hassle, headache, and cost of a failing air conditioning system later. But if you do need the help of an HVAC professional, At Home Pros can put you in touch with licensed, insured, certified pros right in your area.