Ensuring Your Air Conditioner Lasts

Spending time and money on an air conditioning (AC) unit is a big investment, so it is essential to recognize the preventative care required to extend your AC’s lifespan. When maintaining your AC unit, you save financially and through the overall comfort of your environment. It may be a sign that it is time to repair your AC unit if you are experiencing leaks, electrical issues, clogged filters, or general system neglect. Preventative care and regular maintenance are crucial in preserving an AC’s lifespan, so let’s look at our top tips for extending the life of your AC.

Key Maintenance

Do-It-Yourself Maintenance Tips for Your AC System

It doesn’t always require a professional to keep up with your AC maintenance. Here are a few simple things you can do yourself to upkeep your AC system and extend its lifespan.

Be sure to change out your AC filters regularly. The frequency of when you should change your AC filters varies based on the types of filters you use and how often you run your AC. If you are utilizing a standard AC filter, it should be replaced every 30–60 days.

Regularly clean up any debris accumulating around your outdoor AC unit. Leaves, dust, and debris can accumulate, blocking airflow, and this can cause damage to your unit and reduce the efficiency of your AC unit.

Check for air leaks around your doors and windows, and seal up any leaks you find. By sealing the air leaks, your AC unit will not have to work as hard, improving your energy bill and the lifespan of your AC unit.

Types of AC Filters

There are three main types of AC air filters. The right choice of filters for your unit will depend on your specific needs, budget, and HVAC system.

Standard Filters: Standard fiberglass filters last approximately 30–60 days. This option is affordable and easily accessible.

Pleated Filters: Pleated filters are of higher quality than a standard filter, and tend to last 90 days.

High-Efficiency Filters: HEPA filters have a longer lifespan and are highly effective when improving air quality. These filters cost a bit more but last up to 6 months.

Signs It's Time to Call an AC Professional

It is important to recognize the signs of when to call in an AC professional. Regular maintenance is vital, but don’t wait to call the AC Guy if any of the following occur:

Unusual noises coming from your unit

Weak airflow coming from your vents

A sudden increase in your energy bill

Inconsistencies with cooling

If you experience any of these issues, don’t wait to schedule a professional inspection. These are minor problems that can lead to major repairs if you wait too long to address them.

How Often Should I Service My AC Unit?

Many factors affect how often you should service your AC unit. As a rule of thumb, having your AC unit serviced at least once a year is recommended. If you are to experience any indicators of trouble in between your regular tune-ups, you must schedule an additional service appointment. By being proactive in maintaining your AC unit, you can extend its lifespan and keep it running reliably.

Annual or Semi-Annual Tune-ups by AC Technicians

Regular maintenance appointments allow skilled professionals to inspect, clean, and optimize every aspect of your AC system. This allows for your system to continue to run smoothly. Scheduling an annual or semi-annual tune-up maintains your AC’s efficiency, reliability, and longevity. Tune-ups allow professionals to find potential minor issues before they become major complications. By consistently maintaining your AC unit, you can prolong your unit's lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

5 Proven Tips to Expand the Lifespan of Your AC System

Regular Maintenance: Regularly servicing your AC unit can drastically prolong your AC’s lifespan. During a routine inspection, your AC filters will be replaced or cleaned, and the refrigerant and electrical levels will be checked. Schedule a routine service with the AC Guy today to ensure your AC unit continues to operate efficiently.

Programmable or Smart Home Thermostat: By installing a programmable thermostat, you will begin to optimize your home’s climate control. With your AC working less throughout the day and only turning on when you are home, you will save on both energy costs and the lifespan of your AC unit.

Utilize Proper AC Size: The size of your AC unit matters and plays a role in how long your system will last. If your AC unit is too large for the space, your unit may be improperly cycling on and off. If your unit is too small, it could be working overtime to maintain the proper temperature. By utilizing the correct AC size, you can extend the life of your AC unit.

Seal Air Leaks: Insulation and sealing of door and window cracks and gaps can cause an AC unit to work more efficiently. Sealing up any gaps that could allow air to escape is important, causing the AC unit to become overloaded.

Limit the Heat: Cutting back on tasks that generate heat, such as cooking during the warmest times of the day, can cause an AC unit to work more efficiently. By reducing excess heat, you can cut back on the need for your AC to run as often, expanding the lifespan of your AC unit.

Give the AC Guy a Call

At The AC Guy, our customers are our top priority, and we are here to make your AC last! With our expertise and commitment, we desire to provide you with the best guidance and support in maintaining your AC unit for as long as possible. We are here to help with advice on routine maintenance, DIY tips and tricks, troubleshooting guidance, or professional assistance. Our team is committed to delivering excellent service to ensure your AC system operates efficiently and effectively. Call The AC Guy today to schedule a tune-up!