Home & Real Estate

How to Make Your Air Conditioner Last for Years

An air conditioner’s average life expectancy is between nine and twenty years. If your air conditioner is past that range, you need some tips on how to make it last a few more years.

Do you need a few top tips on making your air conditioner last longer so you don’t have to worry about buying one soon? Find out the best information in this easy guide.

Read on to learn more about how to extend the lifespan of air conditioner.

Contents

Assess the Energy Efficiency

Assessing your air conditioner’s energy efficiency is critical to making it last for years. Start by checking your air conditioner’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating – the higher the number, the more energy efficient it is. If the rating is below 14, looking into an upgrade might be a good idea.

Make sure to have your air conditioner serviced yearly to maintain optimum performance. This will involve checking and cleaning the filters, checking the coolant level, inspecting all hoses, and securing loose connections. Power down your air conditioner when it’s not in use.

Turning the unit off when not using it will conserve energy and help ensure your air conditioner runs at its best. Taking care of these few simple steps will ensure your air conditioner will last for years.

Keep It Clean

Cleaning the air conditioner is critical to its longevity, so do so regularly. Start by wiping down the unit’s interior and exterior each month and vacuuming any areas that have collected dust or debris with an appropriate attachment.

Be sure to change the air filter every few weeks. This will help maintain maximum efficiency. It will also reduce the chances of impurities circulating through the air.

Finally, check all the condenser coils at least once a year and hose them off if there is any dust or dirt accumulation. Taking care of the small details will ensure your air conditioner runs smoothly and lasts for years.

Change the Filter Regularly

Check and change your air filter every 1-3 months, depending on your usage, the air quality in your home, and if you have pets. This will make sure the air that travels through your unit is clean and free of dirt and dust particles. This can reduce your unit’s efficiency and shorten its working life.

To do so, locate the filter in the return air duct and ensure it is facing the right direction. It is to capture the maximum amount of dust.

Use the same size and type of filter that your system was manufactured. It is to keep your unit from working harder than necessary. Regularly changing your air filter will help keep your AC running efficiently and keep you cool.

Check for Leaks

Checking for leaks in any air conditioner is essential to ensure it will last for years. First, to check for leaks, shut off the power to the air conditioner and unplug it. If there is a leak somewhere in your system, it can reduce the overall air conditioner efficiency and potentially cause more damage.

Then inspect the connections in the lines for any visible signs of leakage that may indicate a more significant problem. If there is a leak, it should be addressed immediately. It is to prevent further damage and prevent the need to replace the air conditioner sooner than expected.

Sealing leaks with an appropriate sealant or epoxy can help ensure the unit remains airtight. Lastly, if you are concerned about a possible leak, a professional can use special diagnostics equipment to check for them.

Give a Rest

If you want your air conditioning unit to last for years, it’s essential to give it a rest. You should turn off the AC when it’s not in use. If you’re using the air conditioning at night, reduce the temperature as you sleep to save energy.

The system will run for shorter bouts, preventing it from overworking and reducing efficiency. Change the air filters regularly, as dirty air filters could starve your system of air and cause it to overwork.

And take advantage of regular maintenance to ensure your unit is running correctly and to keep dirt and dust from building up. With regular maintenance, your air conditioner could last for years.

Allow Air to Circulate

Allowing air to circulate is the key to achieving longevity for your air conditioner. Air conditioners with dust and dirt can overheat, and insufficient airflow can cause the motor to wear out. To do this, clean the filters regularly by vacuuming or removing them and wiping them down.

Furthermore, make sure to check your air ducts and vents and make sure to clean them of dust and debris. Lastly, to ensure that the air is circulating freely, no obstructions such as furniture or curtains should block the vents or cause stagnation. 

Get Regular AC Tune-ups

It’s essential to perform routine HVAC maintenance on your air conditioner to keep it running efficiently. Care should include cleaning and lubricating all the parts, replacing dirty air filters, and checking for air leaks. Get regular AC tune-ups for your air conditioner to make it last for years.

A qualified technician should inspect the system for worn or broken components annually and complete any needed repairs. Regular tune-ups can help ensure your system works properly and efficiently. 

Schedule Professional Service

Professional services can maintain, repair, clean, and calibrate your air conditioner to give it the best chance of long life. To keep the unit running top-notch, filters should be changed regularly and cleaned or replaced periodically.

An ideal time to get professional air conditioner maintenance done is in the Spring. During this time, have the air conditioner inspected, and any worn and loose parts should be tightened, lubricated, and replaced.

This will help extend the life of your unit and give it the best chance to operate efficiently for years to come. An air conditioning service will ensure it is taken care of correctly and should help you avoid costly breakdowns.

Maintain and Extend the Lifespan of Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner is an essential part of your home. Taking the necessary steps to keep it running and ensure its maintenance is up to date will maintain a long lifespan of air conditioner.

Regular maintenance and repairs and proper usage will help you save money in the long run and keep your home comfortable. Remember to call a professional for any repairs if needed.

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