In the South, our air conditioners are practically family members, helping us survive those scorching summer months and creating comfortable homes. In a perfect world, all our appliances would last several decades and provide quality performance. However, this isn’t the case, and most modern AC units last between 10 to 15 years.
Luckily, you can extend the life of your air conditioner by taking care of it. Regular maintenance, clean ducts, and simple preventative measures will help protect your investment. Here are some expert tips on how to extend the life of your air conditioner.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is like a health checkup for your AC system. Professional servicing removes any dirt or grime buildup and catches small issues before they become expensive problems. Most homeowners schedule a professional service at least once a year, though some opt for it twice a year for extra peace of mind, especially in states like Florida where seasonal weather changes and “snowbird”, temporary residents, mean systems may not be in use for extended periods.
During a maintenance appointment, the HVAC technician can perform necessary tasks such as checking components, cleaning coils, and ensuring correct refrigerant levels. These preventive measures help identify potential issues, such as worn-out parts or refrigerant leaks, before they escalate into more costly repairs.
Pro Tip
Ideally, you should schedule maintenance appointments in late winter to early spring so your system is ready for summer.
Check the Indoor and Outdoor Unit
Most HVAC systems are “split”, meaning they have an indoor and outdoor unit that works in tandem to cool your home. Problems with either component can lead to reduced performance and potential system breakdowns.
Indoor Unit
Your indoor unit contains the evaporator coil and blower fan. These parts help absorb heat from your home’s air and distribute cool air throughout your living space. Dust and dirt can accumulate over time, causing blockages that weaken airflow and force the system to work harder than it should.
To avoid issues with the indoor unit, regularly check that the air handler and vents are clear. You may also have to clean the return air panel to remove dust buildup and ensure nothing, such as furniture or curtains, is obstructing the openings.
Outdoor Unit
The outdoor condenser unit plays a crucial role in releasing captured heat from your home into the outside air. This heat transfer process keeps your indoor spaces cool and comfortable during those hot summer days.
To keep your outdoor unit in optimal condition, regularly check that the area around it is debris-free. While you may want to plant bushes near the unit to hide it, this can obstruct airflow and reduce efficiency. Ideally, there should be a two-to-three-foot clearance around the unit so air can circulate freely.
Change Filters as Needed
Filters help trap dust and other particles to ensure clean air circulates through your home. When filters clog, they restrict airflow, forcing the AC system to work harder to cool the space. This unnecessary strain not only raises your energy bill but also shortens your equipment’s lifespan.
You should check your filters every one to three months, depending on factors such as household conditions and usage. Homes with pets or allergy sufferers may require more frequent replacements due to increased dust and allergens.
Remember that checking your filters doesn’t mean you have to change them. If the air filter looks clean and is free of dust and debris, you can continue using it. However, if the filter is visibly dirty or clogged, it’s time to replace it.
Pro Tip
Avoid changing your air filters too often. A brand-new one is less efficient because it still needs to build up dust and other particles before reaching optimal filtration.
Maintain Your Ducts
A traditional AC system blows cool air through your duct system, and dirty or damaged ducts can restrict airflow. For example, debris or holes in your ducts let cool air escape before it reaches your living space. As a result, your system will have to work harder to reach desired temperatures, which can lead to premature breakdown and more expensive utility bills.
Signs that your ducts may require cleaning include visible dust around vents, low airflow from registers, or family members experiencing increased allergy symptoms. Hiring a professional duct cleaning service reduces these risks and improves the overall efficiency of your HVAC system.
Ensure Proper Airflow
HVAC systems rely on ductwork and vents to blow air throughout the home; improper airflow can be as problematic as poorly maintained ducts. While closing a few vents as needed is fine, closing too many can cause an imbalance in the system, making it harder to distribute air evenly. This can increase energy costs and put unnecessary strain on your HVAC unit.
Pro Tip
If you’re experiencing temperature inconsistencies in your home, walk through the house and check that furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t blocking the vents.
Don’t Run It Continuously
While the heat tempts us to run our AC systems constantly, giving your equipment regular breaks significantly extends its lifespan. Continuous operation of your air conditioner can significantly strain its components, leading to faster wear and tear.
Turn off the AC on cool days and open your windows to let in the fresh air. This gives your AC a break and helps improve indoor air quality.
Additionally, if you go on vacation, you should turn off your AC or program it to run at a higher temperature while you’re gone. This not only saves energy and money but also reduces the strain on your AC unit.
Know the Signs of Damage
Recognizing early signs of system damage is another vital way to extend the life of your AC unit. You’ll catch problems early, which is the difference between a minor fix and a major, costly repair. Learn these warning signs of AC trouble to take action before you have an expensive AC emergency.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks may occur due to physical damage or corrosion of the AC unit’s coils and tubing. Leaks reduce cooling efficiency, raise energy bills, and potentially damage other system parts. If you notice a puddle of water around your AC unit or hear a hissing sound, it could indicate a refrigerant leak.
Little to No Airflow
If you feel little to no airflow near an AC vent, there may be an issue with your AC filters or ductwork. Fix this issue immediately so the system doesn’t strain itself trying to cool your home, which could lead to costly repairs.
Thermostat Problems
Thermostat inaccuracies or malfunctions can affect cooling performance and energy efficiency. If you notice temperature swings, delayed system responses, or settings that don’t match actual conditions, schedule thermostat testing before the problem affects larger system components.
Contact HVAC Professionals
Timely maintenance and repairs prevent substantial damage, enabling longer-lasting and reliable cooling performance. Style Crest has AC maintenance services throughout Florida and Texas. You can join our Comfort Club to make caring for your air conditioner more manageable. Contact our team of HVAC professionals to keep your home comfortable all year long.
