How to Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioning Unit

According to experts, rising temperatures can put you at risk of heat-related illnesses. Fortunately, your air conditioner can assist in protecting you from such dangers. That’s reason enough to keep it in good shape, unless you want to feel like you’re roasting in the summer heat.

Don’t be concerned if you’re unsure how to maintain your air conditioner. We’ve compiled a list of the best ways to make your unit last longer and keep you cool at all times, so keep reading.

Maintain the cleanliness of the A/C filter

Before your air conditioner can cool the air in your home, it must first pass it through a filter. This keeps its sensitive interior components clean, such as the evaporator coils. As an added bonus, the filter aids in the reduction of contaminants in your indoor air.

Because of its function, the air filter will become clogged with dust and debris after a few months. As a result, unless you clean or replace it, the cooling power of your air conditioning system will decrease. Severe buildup can even cause your air conditioner to overheat as it works harder to reach the desired temperature.

As a result, washing or changing the filter every three months is an essential A/C unit maintenance task.

Show Some Love to Your Outdoor Unit

Whether you have a window, central, or split air conditioner, it has an outdoor component. For example, all window A/C units have one side that faces the outside. Central and split systems, on the other hand, have a separate box known as the outdoor unit.

Because it is outside, the outdoor unit accumulates dirt, grime, leaves, twigs, and even small bits of trash. All of that debris can clog the outdoor unit, preventing it from expelling hot air outside. This can cause the system to overheat and even shut down.

As part of your air conditioning unit maintenance, make sure to remove all debris. Keep in mind the clearance; there should be at least two feet of space around the outdoor unit.

Air Vents Should Be Cleaned

Air vents are holes that allow air to enter and exit your air conditioning system. Air registers are what bring conditioned (or cooled) air into your home. Return vents, on the other hand, return warm, stale air back into the A/C for cooling.

Because the vents are constantly moving air in and out, dust can accumulate on their slats or covers. Thick layers of fine particles can clog them unless they are cleaned once a month. This can reduce airflow in your system, forcing it to work harder and raise your energy bills.

Furthermore, the air that flows through them can disturb the dust and cause it to become airborne. This can reduce the value of your home.

Remove the Drain Pan and Tube

A drain pan in your air conditioning system collects dripping condensation. A tube, typically a PVC pipe, connects to that tray and directs the collected water away from your home.

The drain pan and tube can become clogged with dust, dirt, and even molds and mildew over time. As a result, the water may be unable to leave your home. Water can overflow from the pan if there is nowhere else for it to go, causing water damage to your home.

Remember that mold spores only need 24 to 48 hours in damp places to grow and spread.

As a result, at least once a month, inspect and clean the A/C drain pan and tube. You can make a solution of equal parts vinegar and water.

Next, keep an eye on the vinegar-water mixture to see if it drains quickly. If not, you most likely have a clogged drainpipe, which may necessitate the use of a shop vacuum.

Invest in Professional Maintenance on a Regular Basis

Many components of your air conditioner, such as coils, motors, fans, and electronics, are located deep within the unit. Unfortunately, without the proper tools and equipment, they are difficult to access.

As a result, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that those components are in good working order. Once a year, have your air conditioning system inspected and serviced by professionals.

Many people, like you, rely on air conditioners, so you have plenty of competition for A/C services.

As a result, it’s far better to schedule the tune-up in the spring, before the peak cooling season.

You have more dates to choose from when scheduling pre-season A/C maintenance.

Increase the lifespan of your air conditioning system

That concludes your guide to extending the life of your air conditioning system. As you can see, even simple cleaning of the filter, outdoor unit, air vents, and drain pan can help. However, it’s still a good idea to have a professional tune up your A/C at least once a year.