Your AC is the heart of your home, especially when you live in the southeast, where high summer temperatures can quickly become bothersome. Thankfully, HVAC systems can last well over a decade with proper care. If you’re looking for ways to extend your AC unit life, trust the pros to help. Learn more about the importance of regular maintenance and the simple steps you can take to prolong your unit’s life span and ensure efficiency.
Creating a comprehensive maintenance schedule can help you prolong your HVAC system’s life and make your home more comfortable. Following the best practices for air conditioner maintenance leads to benefits like:
With the undeniable importance of HVAC maintenance, it’s essential to implement strategies that ensure system efficiency and longevity. Check out these tips to extend AC life:
While factors like system age and usage patterns may impact how often you need AC service, you should plan for an annual professional inspection and service tuneup. Professional HVAC technicians can evaluate each component and catch minor problems that you might not notice. They use comprehensive checklists to ensure performance and reliability and can provide personalized advice for extending your system’s life.
Quality air filters keep your home healthy and clean by trapping dirt, dust, pet dander and other contaminants that can harm your health. However, every filter requires some level of upkeep to prevent clogs and optimize efficiency. If you have a reusable filter, you need to clean it regularly by vacuuming or washing it. Disposable filters don’t need to be washed but will need to be replaced as needed.
Consider swapping your current filter type for a more efficient one that meets your unique system and home needs.
Removing debris and cleaning the outdoor HVAC unit is a simple but effective way to optimize life span. Preventing dust and dirt buildup ensures system efficiency and prevents natural elements from clogging the system. Turn the unit off before attempting to clean it, then remove large pieces of debris by hand. Use a clean, small brush to address debris on the outer fins. Clean the condenser coil with an appropriate cleaner and allow the unit and components to dry before resuming use.
Upgrading to higher-quality insulation traps air in your home, keeping it cool or warm as needed. Poor insulation allows air to escape, causing the system to run more frequently to achieve the desired temperature. Along with wasting energy, this places more stress on components, decreasing efficiency and reducing the unit’s life span.
Dirt and debris can clog ducts, preventing cold air from passing through. This can cause your system to work harder to deliver the air you need. Cleaning your ducts annually can improve your airflow and air quality while putting less stress on your AC.
Refrigerant leaks can result in wasted energy, excessive system stress and higher utility bills. In some cases, they can even cause system breakdowns, leaving you with a costly and inconvenient problem. A visual inspection for frost on the evaporator coils can help you identify leaks in the refrigerant. You can also listen for bubbling or hissing sounds, monitor your energy bills and complete ductwork checks to identify potential problems. If you’re not sure how to spot or address a leak, connect with a professional repair team.
Proper airflow is crucial for efficient operation. Along with preventing you from feeling the cool air you need, obstructing air flow forces the HVAC to work harder, stressing components and reducing their longevity. It’s important to keep any obstructions, like furniture or curtains, away from the vents in your home and remove dirt and debris frequently.
A final tip for extending AC unit life is to give it a rest every once in a while. Continuous operation can cause premature system failures. There are many ways to relieve your system. For example, a programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on peak usage times. You can also schedule the system to power down when you’re at work or away on a trip and kick back on when you’re on your way home.
In the spring and fall when temperatures aren’t as high, consider using alternative methods for staying cool, such as opening the windows at night when temperatures drop. These small steps can be a big relief for your system and help you save money in the process.
Strada Air Conditioning & Heating is your reliable HVAC service, repair and maintenance team. We happily service homeowners throughout the southeast region, including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. With more than 20 years of experience and a knowledgeable team ready to deliver a personalized experience, you can trust us to get the job done right. Our experts are here to provide peace of mind and ensure your long-lasting comfort.
Schedule an appointment to learn more about our services and how we can extend your AC unit’s life.
