The average central air conditioner has a life span of approximately 15 years. Understanding that replacing a unit is expensive, air conditioning service provider Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning strives to help customers extend the lives of their AC units. Here are 10 steps you can take to prolong your AC’s effectiveness:
1. Keep the condenser clear.
The large component of your AC that sits outside the house, the condenser, works to cool the liquid in your AC’s coils. To boost system performance, take the time to regularly clean the condenser of weeds and plants.
2. Utilize natural shade.
Reducing the burden on your AC can help it last longer. For best results, make use of natural shade from plants and trees to help your AC unit stay cool.
3. Clean the air conditioner on a regular basis.
Like any piece of equipment, your AC must be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain its efficiency. Additionally, keeping your air conditioner clean helps prevent the need for expensive repairs in the future.
4. Change the filters in your air conditioner regularly.
Not only do dirty air filters slow down your system, but they also affect the quality of the air in your home. By cleaning filters on a regular basis, you can increase your AC’s lifespan while preserving your family’s health and comfort. Make it a habit that when your power bill comes in, it is time to change the air filter in your AC unit
5. Keep cooling vents unobstructed.
Take the burden off your AC unit by keeping furniture and other obstacles away from the cooling vents. Doing this helps your system achieve more in less time.
6. Install a programmable thermostat.
With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature higher or lower based on whether or not you’re at home. In the long run, running your AC less frequently helps preserve its efficiency while cutting your overall energy costs.
7. Check the ducts.
Unsealed ducts allow warm or cold air to escape, forcing the system to work harder to control your home’s climate. To protect the life of your AC unit, you should identify and seal up ducts and loose seams.
8. Utilize alternative methods of cooling.
Reduce your AC’s workload by making its job easier. For example, you can close curtains during the day when the sun is bearing down and turn off unneeded lights to reduce overall temperatures.
9. Have your air conditioner serviced regularly.
Periodic maintenance helps to keep your AC functioning at top capacity while extending its lifespan. As an added bonus, detecting problems early means that repairing them down the road is less expensive.
10. Sign up for a Del-Air maintenance plan.
Regular service keeps performance up and costs down. This is the service philosophy you use with your vehicles, so why should your HVAC equipment be any different?
Air conditioning services leader, Del-Air provides complete heating and cooling services throughout Central Florida. For more information about preserving the life of your AC, call us today at 888-831-2665 or book your AC tune-up online.
