How to Extend the Life of Your AC

Air conditioning units and their installation are major household investments; so you want to make sure that you get the most out of your unit.  Here are a few pieces of air conditioner troubleshooting that can help extend the life of your unit past the 10- to 12-year average.

Simple Protective Mechanisms
Outdoor air conditioning units are not only faced with the task of changing your internal environment, but are exposed to the natural and often extreme outdoor elements. Simple adjustments like outdoor awnings to protect the unit from the sun or plants and shrubbery to shield them from the wind and sun can aid in keeping the unit that keeps you cool, cool too (just make sure that the plants don’t grow too close to the unit). This ensures that the unit doesn’t have to work double time to deliver cool air to you. It is very important to remember to also clean the outdoor units as they can have leaves, dust and all sorts of debris gathering in the unit – especially after strong winds and storms.

You can also move your furniture, plants, or trees that are too close to vents and other parts of the air conditioning unit. This removes obstacles and allows a clear path for cool air to be drawn into the unit and into your home, reducing the work of your air conditioner and increasing its efficiency.

Filter Changes
The dust and debris that your air conditioner filters from the air remains in the unit until it is manually removed. Although this may not seem like much, air conditioning filters should be changed every 30-60 days based on usage. A clogged filter means that your system has to work harder and less efficiently resulting in overheating and extra work for your unit. The longer it’s left, the less the functionality of the filter. This can result in some of the dust and dirt in the filter being blown into your indoor air. Calling a professional to check and replace your filters is a quick and easy way to ensure the quality of your air conditioning and a longer AC unit lifespan.

Regular Check-Ups
Regular maintenance on your air conditioner is one of the simplest ways to ensure a properly working unit, to avoid major problems, and to extend your air conditioner’s life for as long as possible. Check-ups can include cleaning and clearing ducts as well as checking for and repairing any leaks in the system. At the very least, an annual check-up should be conducted. It is often recommended that you prepare your AC with a check-up before weather and temperate extremes set in; for example: maintenance in the last weeks of spring or autumn is best to make sure you have a fully functioning unit for the summer and winter. Getting a licensed professional ensures that you have good, reliable tune-ups and troubleshooting to save you trouble and money!

Programmable Thermostats
Installing a programmable thermostat can help regulate and decrease the amount of work your air conditioner has to do. It allows you to regulate the temperature for various situations, for example, when you’re away and out of the house for extended periods of time or at night, when it is naturally cooler, you can give your system, and your wallet, a break by turning it down or even shutting it off.

All methods to extend the life of your AC unit not only add years to your unit but value to your investment. They also decrease the possibility of damages and save you time and money on repairs.  If you are interested in a preventative maintenance plan or replacing your thermostat with a programmable one then contact Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric today – they’ll give you an accurate assessment and recommendations for the best services for your AC unit.