Most central air conditioning systems only have a lifespan of 10-15 years, and replacing them can be a very costly affair. No one wants to spend extra money around the holidays. Taking steps to extend the life of your air conditioner is a great investment in your home. There are six crucial steps that you should check off of your to-do list to keep your system running at peak performance.
- Schedule Professional Tune-Ups– Preventive air conditioner maintenance is the single most effective solution to helping your AC unit last longer. Professionally cleaned, inspected and serviced systems can prevent minor issues from turning into major problems down the road.
- Keep the AC Cool and Protected – Avoid placing indoor and outdoor units in direct sun or near other heat-producing appliances. Use heavy blinds and drapes indoors and place the outdoor unit under a shady tree or awning for extra protection. Make sure to keep the area around the unit free of loose dirt and weeds and far enough away so twigs and leaves won’t get stuck in the fan.
- Ensure It’s Clean and Debris-Free– Like any other large appliance in your home, your air conditioner functions more efficiently when it’s clean free of debris. To improve performance, have the indoor coils professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Also check for water pooling in the drain lines, and raise the unit higher if water is collecting near it.
- Remove Air Flow Blockages – In addition to clearing the space around the condenser, make sure that indoor air circulation remains unobstructed too. Keep the area around cooling vents and return inlets clear of obstacles. If the cooled air can flow freely through the house, the air conditioner doesn’t have to fight against pressure imbalances.
- Regularly Inspect Air Ducts – The ducts for your HVAC system push conditioned air from heating and cooling units into your home. If there are leaks, gaps, loose seams or obstructions in the duct work, cool air can escape before reaching rooms, and the air conditioner has to work harder. Check all the ducts on a regular schedule and immediately repair any damage that you notice.
- Change the Air Filters – The air filters in your HVAC are probably the most important component in terms of performance and efficiency. Depending on the quality of your air filters, they can need to be changed every 1-2 months, while others only need changing every 3-6 months.
