An air conditioner is a major home investment for sure. After paying somewhere between $3,000 and $12,000 for a new AC unit, you’ll want to do everything possible to ensure that it lives up to its fullest potential. But is there a way to extend the lifespan of an air conditioning system? Yes, but only if you proactively take care of it.
Keep reading to learn how you can extend the lifespan of your AC.
First, what’s the Lifespan of an Air Conditioner?
The average life of a well-maintained air conditioner is 10 to 15 years. But proactive care can help it reach the 20-year mark. Without proper maintenance, most AC units decline rapidly when they approach ten years. To increase the life expectancy of your cooling unit, use the following tips.
Schedule Regular Tune-Ups
If you are serious about adding some extra years to your air conditioner’s lifespan, you need to create and stick to a tune-up schedule. Tune-ups not only help prevent catastrophic failures but also keep every component of the AC functioning optimally. While there are some tasks you can do on your own, it’s important you have a qualified AC technician perform routine maintenance at least once a year. The expert will inspect different components, cleaning the pan and drain line, oiling moving parts, and refilling the refrigerant.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
If you have to manually set your thermostat each time you want to adjust indoor temperatures, it’s time to get a programmable device. A manual thermostat keeps the air conditioner running when you don’t need it, causing excessive wear and tear. A programmable thermostat will help you to automatically run your AC only when it’s needed and minimize its use when you’re away from home.
Use a Ceiling Fan
Using a ceiling fan when your air conditioner is running can help reduce the unit’s workload, preventing wear and tear. During the summer, increase your recommended thermostat setting by four degrees, and turn on the fan. You won’t even notice a temperature difference because the fan redistributes conditioned air, making your home feel cooler. With a fan, your AC will never have to run at full blast to make you comfortable.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
Dust, leaves, and debris can build up on the condenser, reducing its efficiency and putting it under pressure. The longer the dirt is left to settle, the more difficult it is to clean, and the more your system strains. Remember to trim away any vegetation around the unit as twigs and leaves may can get trapped in the condenser and cause damage. If you aren’t able to clean your unit, you can always schedule a professional AC cleanup. An expert may even detect potential problems that your unit may encounter in the future.
Air Filter Replacement
Dirt, dust, and debris prevent the smooth flow of air through the filter, forcing the air conditioner to work harder than it needs to. And if you leave the filter clogged for too long, you may experience a failure of the entire AC system. Instead of waiting until the scheduled tune-up date, plan to replace it at least every three months.
Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up with Veteran Air Conditioning
Regular tune-ups are definitely one of the most important steps you can take to protect your HVAC from premature failure. Combined with the other steps above, your AC will run the whole 10-15 years, and even more, without compromising comfort. If you need to work out an HVAC maintenance plan, consult Veteran Air Conditioning.
Our highly trained, experienced, and friendly AC specialists in Sarasota/Bradenton will not only help you come up with the perfect customized schedule, but they will also go above and beyond to keep your unit in perfect shape. Get in touch today!
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