Make It Last | 6 Easy Ways to Make Your AC Unit Last Longer

Having a functioning air conditioner is essential to your comfort and well-being during hot summer days. But, if you don’t take good care of your AC unit, it won’t last as long as it should. Fortunately, there are some easy habits you can adopt that will help your AC unit work more efficiently and last longer. Here are some of the most helpful habits that will keep your AC in tip-top shape for many years to come.

Change the Filter Regularly

The filter in your AC unit helps trap dirt and dust particles so they don’t get sucked into the system and cause damage. However, if the filter gets too clogged, it can reduce airflow and make the system less efficient. To prevent this from happening, make sure you change out the filter every 1-2 months depending on how often you use it (check with your manufacturer for more specific instructions).

If you’re handy, you can change out the filter in your AC unit yourself. First, make sure the power is turned off to the unit. Then, locate the filter, which should be located on either side of the indoor unit or on top of it. Remove it carefully and discard it properly. Finally, take your new filter and insert it back into the unit. Make sure you’re following manufacturer recommendations when selecting a new filter to ensure that it fits properly and is suitable for your AC system. Once installed, turn the power back on, and you are good to go!

Keep the Area Around It Clear

If there are any objects blocking or obstructing the vents of your AC unit, it can reduce its efficiency significantly. To ensure proper air flow through the system and make sure it runs at peak performance levels, clear away any debris or furniture from around the vents and keep them free from obstruction at all times.

It’s important to keep pets, animals, and small children away from your AC unit for their safety. An air conditioner can be very noisy and cause physical harm if they get too close. Make sure you keep the area around the unit clear of any furniture or debris that could provide access to it. Additionally, install a fence or other physical barrier around the unit to keep curious creatures and children away. Finally, be sure to educate your family members on the importance of not touching or tampering with the system, as this can cause damage that will require expensive repairs or replacements.

Give It Time to Rest

Air conditioners need time off to cool down after a long day of running continuously in order to prevent overheating and other potential problems. When possible, try to give your AC system at least an hour or two off each day so that it can rest before being used again. This will help ensure that everything is running smoothly when you do turn it back on again.

The best time to let your AC unit rest is at night when the temperatures have cooled down and you don’t need it running. This will allow the system a chance to cool off and store up energy for use during the day, making it more efficient than if it was running constantly. Additionally, try to avoid using your AC unit during peak hours of the day when temperatures are at their highest and demand is at its greatest. This will help to conserve energy and also extend the life of your AC system by reducing wear and tear on its components.

Finally, if you know that you won’t be needing the air conditioner for an extended period of time, such as during a vacation or when away at work, turn off the system completely to save on energy and make sure it is running in tip-top shape when you need it again.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Even if nothing seems wrong with your air conditioner, regular maintenance checkups are still important in order to keep things running smoothly and spot any potential issues before they become more serious problems down the line. Talk with a professional AC repair technician about scheduling regular maintenance checks for your system so that any small issues can be dealt with quickly before they become bigger headaches later on down the road.

Finding a great HVAC company that will do repairs for you doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Start by asking friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations for reliable companies. Also, check online reviews to make sure other customers have had good experiences with the ones you are considering. You should also look into the credentials of any potential HVAC companies to make sure they are licensed and insured.

Make sure the company offers the services you need and ask for estimates on repair costs upfront. Finally, find out if they offer any warranties on their work so that you can be sure your unit is in good hands. Once you’ve found a reliable HVAC company, you can rest assured that your AC unit will be properly serviced and repaired to keep it running efficiently for many years to come.

When it comes to keeping your air conditioner in optimal working order, regular maintenance from an HVAC company is essential. Most companies recommend scheduling a maintenance check at least once a year, or more if you have an older unit that is prone to problems. A professional technician can give your system a thorough inspection and make any necessary repairs or tune-ups to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible. It’s also important to call for maintenance if you notice any strange noises or smells coming from your unit, or if the air conditioning isn’t working properly. Getting regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your AC unit and prevent costly repairs down the line.

Check for Leaks

Leaks in an air conditioner can be caused by anything from old age to broken seals or gaskets inside of it, so make sure you check regularly for signs of leaks around your unit just in case something has gone wrong inside of it without you noticing until now! If you do find a leaky pipe or area where coolant is escaping from the system then call a technician right away to get help fixing the issue before it becomes worse over time.

When it comes to recognizing an AC leak, the most common signs are visible pools of liquid around the unit, loud noises coming from inside of the system, or a sudden drop in cooling performance. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to call an HVAC repair technician right away for help. They can diagnose and repair the problem quickly and efficiently to make sure your AC unit is running in top condition again. It’s also important to check for any loose connections or damaged parts around the area of the leak to ensure that everything is secure and functioning properly.

It’s never a good idea to try and fix an AC leak yourself, as the system contains refrigerants that can be hazardous to your health if inhaled. Additionally, you may not have the right tools or knowledge needed to properly diagnose and repair the issue. If you notice any signs of a leak in your air conditioner, your best bet is to call an experienced HVAC technician right away for help. They have the expertise and equipment needed to quickly identify and fix the problem before it causes any further damage.

Use It Smartly

One of the best ways to ensure your AC unit lasts for years is to use it smartly. The key here is to maximize its efficiency and minimize wear-and-tear on its vital components. This includes setting the temperature correctly, not running it at full blast, turning it off when you’re away from home, and using it sparingly during peak hours. Additionally, you should avoid overloading the system by running multiple appliances at once.

Using fans and shades for windows is another great way to maximize your AC efficiency. Fans help circulate the cool air throughout your home quicker, which helps reduce strain on your AC unit and make it last longer. Additionally, using blinds or shades to block out direct sunlight will help keep the interior of your home cooler so you don’t have to rely as heavily on your AC unit.  This is especially important during hot summer months when temperatures are at their highest and demand for air conditioning is at its peak. These simple strategies can help reduce the workload of your AC system, resulting in a longer lifespan and lower energy bills in the long run!

Taking good care of an air conditioning unit is essential for keeping both energy costs low and its performance high throughout its lifetime—and these five simple tips are great ways to start doing just that! From changing out filters regularly to checking for leaks periodically, these habits will help ensure that your AC unit runs as efficiently as possible while lasting longer than ever before! So what are you waiting for? Start incorporating these easy habits into daily life today and enjoy higher quality cooling while saving money on energy bills tomorrow.