Guest Blog: What Makes an Air Conditioner System Lasts Longer

Air conditioning systems are an investment in energy efficiency. By and large, most systems last from 10 to 15 years. There are some steps you can do to ensure that your air conditioner system lasts longer so you get the most out of the money and enjoy a comfortable home for years to come.

Get the right size.

Make sure that your air conditioning unit is just the right size for your home. If it is too small, it will find it difficult to perform efficiently to cool the area. If it is too big, it will cycle on and off more often. The right-sized unit will run more efficiently and continuously – and last longer.

Schedule preventive maintenance.

Scheduling regular professional tune-up ensures a longer lifespan for your AC. Having a trained technician inspect, clean, and service the system addresses minor kinks before they can turn into major problems.

Get in touch with a certified HVAC company for regular preventive maintenance visits. Their technicians are trained to look for potential issues and perform prompt repairs when necessary.

Install the unit in an appropriate spot.

Choose an open spot for your outdoor unit. Install it under an awning or a shady tree to give it further protection. However, make sure that leaves and small twigs do not get into the fan. Check that the area surrounding the unit is clean and free from grass clippings, weeds, mud and loose soil.

Keep your unit clean.

Like all other home appliances, your air conditioning unit will benefit from regular cleaning. It is able to function more efficiently if it is well-maintained and clean. Go over the seasonal cleaning guidelines that the manufacturer provides.

Ask a certified technician to clean the indoor coils. Keep water from pooling on the drain lines.

Check that the air flow is not blocked.

Make sure that the area around the condenser remains free and open. The return inlets and cooling vents should likewise be free from any obstruction.

See to it the air can flow freely around the room or between rooms. Make sure that there are no furniture or heavy drapes to impede air circulation. Any obstruction weighs down your air conditioning unit from performing smoothly and efficiently. It makes it work doubly hard to overcome pressure imbalances.

Inefficient airflow results in more work for your air conditioning system. Constant heavy work reduces efficiency. Continuous heavy toll on the unit is likely to reduce its life.

Inspect the air ducts.

Conditioned air from cooling and heating units passes from the HVAC system into your home through the air ducts. If the ducts have gaps, leaks, loose seams or any obstructions, the cool air is likely to escape before it reaches the rooms. The unit has to work even harder to draw in and to deliver conditioned air. An air conditioning system that strains too hard is not likely to last long.

Inspect the ducts frequently. Are they adequately insulated? Do the joints provide sufficient support? If you notice any damage, call the technician to make repairs.

Change the air filters.

Air filters are essential to keep the air conditioning unit running efficiently. The HVAC technician who does preventive maintenance examines the air filters and changes them if required.

Air filters can keep pet dander, pollen, dust and other contaminants from entering the system. These elements may clog up the air filters. Technicians suggest that you change your air filters every couple of months. If you use your unit heavily, you may have to change them more frequently.

Improve the quality of air.

Air quality issues can put stress on your unit and shorten its lifespan. Consult a professional technician if you are not sure if your unit will be able to moderate the humidity or clear the air by itself.

You can help your unit do its work by installing air purifiers, energy-recovery ventilators, dehumidifiers and other similar HVAC add-ons to improve air quality.

Install programmable thermostats.

If you constantly adjust your unit’s thermostat, you put more stress on your unit. Try to keep the temperature consistent. You can install programmable thermostats or WiFi thermostat to help keep your home cool.

It is expensive to buy and install a high-efficiency air conditioning system. Make sure that you follow the tips to ensure that your unit enjoys a longer life.