How to Extend the Life of Your A/C

How to Extend the Life of Your A/C

Each spring and summer, many homeowners look forward to embracing the season by potting soil and flowers, tackling a long-awaited home improvement project, or taking a relaxing vacation—but investing in a new a/c system usually isn’t in the forecast (until it is).

Fortunately, with proper maintenance, the life of your a/c system can be extended. Read on for a few tips and tricks to improve your home’s comfort.

Schedule Regular Cleanings

Cleaning and inspecting your a/c on a regular basis is the key to extending your unit’s lifespan. When an a/c’s filter becomes dirty or clogged with dust and dirt particles, for example, it lowers the internal temperature of the unit, which can risk a freeze—and attempting to operate a frozen a/c can cause serious damage. By swapping out the filter monthly and scheduling routine maintenance every 6 months, you can be assured that your unit is running as efficiently as possible.

Don’t Add More Heat

Some summer days are so hot your a/c has no choice but to cycle frequently to maintain a steady temperature. However, doing so on a regular basis can cause undue wear and tear on your unit. Do your part to avoid activities that increase your home’s temperature and require your a/c to work harder. This can include cooking on a grill or outdoor griddle instead of the stovetop, running your clothes dryer at night, and taking advantage of fans and dehumidifiers to circulate cool air throughout your home.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

The proliferation of “smart home” devices has made it easier than ever to control your home’s thermostat from anywhere with a wireless connection. If your home is unoccupied for much of the day, investing in a programmable thermostat can ensure your a/c is used only minimally while no one is home to enjoy it. Because a properly-working a/c requires just a few minutes to get to the thermostat-set temperature, setting your thermostat to a cooler temperature only when you’re about to arrive home will minimize a/c wear and tear and reduce your summer energy bills.

If you’d like to take advantage of these tips (and others) or just want to ensure your a/c is in good working condition, our team can help! Our technicians can troubleshoot issues and perform on-the-spot repairs before you even break a sweat. Contact our team to learn more about the services we offer and how you can schedule your next appointment.