An AC is a big investment, often costing homeowners $3,200 to $7,800 depending on the size, brand, SEER rating, and features. As such, you likely want the AC to last as long as possible so you get a return on investment. Accomplish this by investing in adequate AC care and maintenance. Learn five simple ways to prolong your AC’s life, avoid huge repair bills, and prevent premature replacement.
1. Reduce the Unit’s Workload
Giving your AC a helping hand can increase its expectancy significantly, which you can do in several ways. First, switch off your AC when you don’t need it, such as when no one is home or at night when temperatures are cooler. Second, seal your home tightly, so that cooled air does not escape leaks and gaps in doors, windows, and crawl spaces.
Third, set the thermostat as high as possible to avoid overworking the AC. However, ensure that your home remains cool for optimal thermal comfort. Fourth, promote proper airflow in your home by keeping vents open and free from obstructions. Lastly, close curtains and blinds during hot summer afternoons to prevent heat gain.
2. Buy a High-Quality and Properly Sized Unit
A high-quality unit should have a high SEER rating and come with modern features. Although AC systems with a higher SEER rating tend to be more costly, they can save you money in maintenance, utility bills, and longer life. State-of-the-art features like a programmable thermostat, zoning, and variable speed air handler enhance the AC’s functioning and make it less vulnerable to unexpected failure.
When buying an AC, ensure it is correctly sized for your home. A too-small unit works harder to cool your home, thus increasing energy bills and wearing components prematurely. Similarly, an oversized unit short cycles a lot, making it prone to wear and damage. The best unit is one that resonates with your property’s size and cooling needs.
3. Clean Air Ducts
Air ducts are among the most neglected AC components yet affect your unit’s life. Cleaning your ducts ensures that dirt and debris do not obstruct airflow in the AC. Anything obstructing airflow in the unit forces it to put more effort to cool your home, thus making the AC unit break down sooner than normal.
If your home is unusually dusty, you notice mold on the vent covers, or you suspect a rodent infestation, your ducts often need cleaning. Since duct cleaning requires expertise and specialized equipment, an HVAC professional should handle it.
4. Check for Common Problems
A problematic AC has numerous symptoms, including uneven cooling, unusual sounds and smells, fluid leaks, constant running, and reduced airflow. For instance, uneven cooling can signify dirty air filters, leaky air ducts, a faulty thermostat, or blocked vents. Once you notice anything unusual with your AC, contact a professional immediately before the problem escalates and harms your unit.
5. Invest in Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is an inexpensive way to increase your AC’s lifespan. It is a proactive approach to AC maintenance and does not wait for an AC to break down. Instead, it diagnoses AC issues before they wreak havoc on your AC and pocket.
During a preventative maintenance session, an HVAC professional examines all components of the AC, such as the refrigerant, condenser, air ducts, and fans, to ensure they work effectively and efficiently. Also, the professional identifies any potential issues before they escalate and cause huge and expensive repairs or even damage your unit.
Contact Triangle Heating & Cooling for AC preventative maintenance in Western KY and Southern IL. Our HVAC Service Plus Prevention Program can increase your AC’s lifespan and save money by preventing costly breakdowns. Our factory-trained HVAC professionals can ensure your AC offers a long and trouble-free operating life.
