In Arizona, we need our air conditioners to last. Unfortunately, in this hot state, our ACs wear out faster due to high temperatures and constant use. To extend your air conditioner lifespan, here are a few key tips to follow!
Clean and Replace Air Filters
Air filter cleaning and replacement is a great way to extend your air conditioner lifespan. So it’s nice it’s a part of regular air conditioner maintenance!
Your AC system needs a consistent supply of air to run efficiently. The air filter’s job is to keep the supply of air clean of pet dander, dust, pollen, and other pollutants. Not only does it help to keep the air you breathe cleaner, but it keeps the pollutants from entering and tearing down your air conditioner system. When the air filters are dirty, it can make it more difficult for your AC to run. And the harder your AC has to work, the more wear and tear it will experience.
The best part about this is it’s an easy procedure to do yourself, so there’s no need to call in a professional. Replace your air filters about every three months. During the summer season when your system is working hard, check it every month and see if they need to be replaced sooner.
Keep Registers Open
Even though it can be tempting to close registers in rooms that don’t get much use, don’t do it. You may think you’re saving energy, but doing so could increase your energy bills and decrease the lifespan of your air conditioner.
When you close too many vents, it increases pressure in the ductwork and can cause components like the blower fan to work overtime trying to cool your home. When your AC is overworked, parts are more likely to break down, and the lifespan shortens. So instead, keep all registers open in your home and make sure that air can flow freely.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit is your air conditioner’s workhorse. But by being outside, it can be subjected to rough weather, debris, and sticks. When operating, this debris can interfere with the fan and lead to possible damage or leakage in the pipes. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of inspecting your unit for any damage or debris regularly. Especially before the air conditioning season starts.
Also, keep an eye out for any shrubs, weeds, or plants growing around the unit. The area around the unit needs to be clear because if the vents get blocked, it will lead to a decrease in efficiency.
Avoid Setting the Temperature Too Low
Sometimes, people think setting the temperature on the thermostat super low will help the AC cool the home fast. However, all that’s doing is making the system run longer, which will increase energy usage and decrease your air conditioner lifespan.
The heat in Arizona can be brutal, but try and keep your home at a consistent temperature. For example, if you want your house to be 72 degrees, set the thermostats to 72 instead of 68. Setting the thermostat lower will only make your AC worker harder for no reason.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
As with all things mechanical, regular HVAC maintenance is the best way to extend your air conditioner lifespan. Your air conditioner should be inspected, cleaned, and tuned up every year. The tune-up usually includes an inspection of all the air conditioner components, cleaning of the interior mechanisms, cleaning the condensate pan, refrigerant top-up, and a thorough overview of the outdoor unit for debris and damage.
It can be at any point in the year, but the best times for maintenance are spring and fall. This way, your system will be optimized for efficiency the first day you need it. And if a serious problem is discovered, it can be dealt with quickly (and not in peak season when you need it). Keeping your air conditioner in top-notch condition with proper maintenance will increase the average life of your unit.
Whether you need air conditioner maintenance or repair, we’ve got you covered!
Let Us Help You Extend the Life of Your AC
Let Comfort World Air Conditioning & Heating be there for you when you need AC service! Whether you need maintenance or repair, we’ve got you covered. We’ve been bringing comfort to the valley for over 30 years, so you can count on us to get the job done right. Our highly trained technicians in Scottsdale, Arizona, want to bring a little more comfort to your world!
