Ways to Reduce Stress and Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioning Unit
The life expectancy of your air conditioning unit depends on how well you take care of it. This is not only for comfort purposes but also to prevent the onset of severe damage that can shorten its lifespan.
Salty, corrosive air can be tough on your unit if you live in a coastal area. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the stress placed on your team and extend its lifespan.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
A new air conditioning unit is a significant investment for any home or business. Schedule regular maintenance visits with a professional to get the best lifespan out of your team.
A reputable HVAC company can help you schedule a routine maintenance visit twice yearly for your AC. These sessions can catch minor issues before they become more significant problems that require extensive repairs or a complete replacement.
Regular maintenance is also essential for preventing the buildup of dirt in the coils and other parts of your air conditioner. Dirty components can restrict airflow, which causes the unit to work harder and reduces efficiency. Regular cleanings by Dallas AC repair prevent this from happening and keep your team operating correctly for years.
Another benefit of regular maintenance is that it helps you save money on energy bills. Dirty air conditioners require more power than clean units, so a professional tune-up can improve energy efficiency and cut costs.
To further lower your utility bills, install a programmable thermostat that adjusts the temperature to match your schedule. This will further reduce the workload on your air conditioning system and extend its life. You can also lower your bill by removing any obstructions from your vents and ensuring that the outside unit is free of debris and other items that can interfere with its operation.
Change the Filter
Air conditioners are made to last a long time, but their lifespan depends on how well they are maintained. Air filters must be changed regularly to help the system run efficiently and extend its life expectancy.
If the filter isn’t replaced frequently enough, the airflow throughout the home will be restricted, and the system will have to work harder to keep cool. This puts a strain on the unit and reduces its lifespan.
Changing your filter regularly will also save you money on energy bills. Dirty filters cause the AC to use more energy, so purchasing high-efficiency filters with a MERV rating of 8 or higher is a good idea.
The HVAC technician can show you how to remove the old filter and replace it correctly. When replacing the filter, line up the notches on the frame with the spaces inside the filter compartment. This will ensure that the filter is installed correctly and won’t be damaged out of the package.
If you want to extend the life of your air conditioning unit even more, consider installing a smart thermostat. These are easy to program and can be used anywhere in the world with an internet connection. They can decrease the number of times your air conditioner runs, reducing its wear and tear.
Clear the Condenser
Your air conditioner’s condenser sits outside and is built to withstand the elements, but it can still be damaged by hail and windblown debris. Check on it periodically, especially after severe storms, and remove any accumulated leaves or debris. If bushes or tree roots are planted too closely, consider cutting them back to give the condenser room to breathe.
It would help to clean your condenser coils to keep the system running smoothly and efficiently. Vacuum any dirt or dust clogging the waves using a shop vac. After vacuuming, you can rinse the curls with a hose. Be sure to turn off the power to the unit before working on it. You should also ensure that your air conditioning drain is clear, which can help prevent water back up into the system and causing damage.
Another essential tip to extend the life of your air conditioning unit is to insulate your attic. Insulation keeps conditioned air in the home instead of escaping through the roof, and it also helps reduce the amount of work the air conditioning system has to do. This means that your air conditioning system will last longer, and you’ll be able to save money on energy bills.
Turn Down the Thermostat
Your AC unit works hard to remove heat and humidity from your indoor air. This process can strain the system if forced to work harder than usual. In addition, overworking your air conditioner will cause it to consume more energy, which in turn, will lead to higher utility bills.
You can extend the life of your air conditioning unit by lowering its workload during off-peak hours. Your electric company usually designates off-peak hours as 8 pm to 6 am. By using this time to turn down the thermostat, your AC unit can take a break while you’re sleeping or away at work.
Ensure your home’s programmable thermostat is set several degrees higher during these off-peak hours and lower it back down about an hour before you usually wake up or get home. You can also invest in a smart thermostat that will allow you to control the settings from your phone or tablet.
Keeping the air conditioning unit outside clean and free of debris is essential. A dirty outdoor unit can lead to an airflow obstruction, which causes your system to overwork itself and shorten its lifespan. Be sure to trim overgrown shrubs and regularly hose down the unit to avoid dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris from building up on the condenser.
