10 Tips to Extend the Life of Expectancy of Your Air Conditioner

There’s nothing worse than an air conditioner blowing hot air when summer temperatures start to heat up. Your air conditioning unit can last for decades if properly maintained and cared for. Here are ten tips to keep your AC running like a champ through the heat of the summer:

1. Change your air filters regularly: It’s easy to forget about this simple maintenance step, but it is one of the most important things you can do. Replace or clean your air filters every 1-3 months. In fact, if you feel like your unit isn’t keeping up, this is the first item to check. Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce unit efficiency.
2. Clear debris from around the unit: As part of your regular yard maintenance, make this part of your AC maintenance routine as well. Keep leaves, dirt, and vegetation clear of the unit. Two feet of clearance ensures proper airflow.
3. Avoid overworking the system: Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature and avoid drastically cooling the home. Keep windows and doors shut to ensure efficiency.
4. Install shades and insulation: If your unit is sitting in direct sunlight, it may have a hard time keeping up. Installing a shade or insulation around the unit will help keep it from fighting the sun.
5. Install a programmable thermostat: Install a programmable thermostat that will regulate the temperature based on whether you’re home or at work. This will help reduce unnecessary strain.
6. Address air leaks in the home: Check your home for cracks or gaps around exterior doors and windows that may be allowing air to escape.
7. Keep the intake clear: Proper intake is an important part of the unit. Check the intake vent for pet hair, dust and ensure that there’s no furniture, boxes or other items that might be blocking it from bringing in air.
8. Close vents to unused rooms: If you have rooms in your home that are not used regularly, close the vents to avoid unnecessarily cooling these spaces.
9. Keep shades and curtains drawn during the heat of the day: Creating shade in the home can help keep the room temperatures down and reduce the strain on your unit.
10. Work with an HVAC company to ensure regular maintenance: An HVAC maintenance plan will ensure coils are clean, refrigerant levels are inspected and maintained, and that there are no leaks that could damage your compressor.

Following these simple tips will help to maximize the life of your air conditioner. Elite HVAC is here to help you ensure that your HVAC unit lasts for years and decades to come. Our regular annual maintenance plans will ensure that your unit is operating efficiently and that any potential issues are caught before they become costly repairs.