Many people overlook their air conditioning system, until it stops working. The minute it breaks down, you realise how much you actually rely on it to keep your home or workplace cool and comfortable.
There’s no denying that air conditioning is a big investment but did you know that by following a few simple steps you can easily increase your air conditioning units lifespan.
Here’s how to make your air conditioning unit last longer.
Why AC Maintenance is Important
Air conditioners work hard, especially in the warmer months. When temperatures are high they could be left to run for hours at a time, causing a build up of wear and tear.
Air conditioning units that are neglected often start to restrict airflow, parts become dirty and components are over worked. Energy bills go up and costly repairs become more frequent, however a clean air conditioning unit that is properly maintained won’t have these problems.
Maintaining your air conditioning system is like servicing your car, it prevents costly issues in the future.
Replace Filters Regularly
The most important thing to consider when thinking about the longevity of your air conditioning unit is the air filters.
Air filters trap dust, dirt and airborne particles. The longer your system runs, the dirtier your filters will become, as dust and dirt accumulate in your filter it will eventually become clogged up. This restricts airflow and causes your air conditioning unit to work harder to reach the same output.
If your system is constantly working hard, the internal parts won’t last as long. Swapping out your air filter every 1 to 3 months keeps airflow consistent and and your unit running efficiently.
Keep The Outdoor Unit Clear and Clean
Your outdoor condenser unit can collect debris from the outside. Leaves, dirt and grass can all build up causing your unit to work harder because, once again, it struggles to push air through.
Make sure there’s nothing blocking the airflow around your outdoor unit. Not only will leaves and dirt build up over time, but having furniture or plants right up against it won’t help either. When air struggles to travel through your outdoor condenser, it cannot properly dissipate heat. That makes your system work harder leading to more problems.
You can gently hose down your outdoor condenser unit to remove grime and keep your system running smoothly.
Don’t Forget The Coils
Inside your outdoor unit are condenser coils that release heat from your property. If the coils are covered in grime, they can’t do their job properly. Not only will your air conditioner run for longer cycles, but it will use more energy trying to reach the same temperature.
Having your coils professionally cleaned at least once a year keeps your system running efficiently and reduces long term stress on the unit. It’s a task that is easy to forget, but will have a huge impact on the longevity of your air conditioning unit.
Clear AC Drain Lines
Air conditioners don’t just cool our homes, they also take the moisture out of the air. That moisture then drains away through a condensate line, and if that’s blocked water can back up into the system, potentially causing leaks or damage.
Ensuring the drain line is clear is another way to protect your unit. This will be checked during your professional service, but it’s worth being aware of, and keeping on top of checks to catch any potential issues early.
Use a Programmable Thermostat Wisely
The way in which you use your air conditioning also effects how long it lasts. Frequently changing the temperature or setting it extremely low can put unnecessary stress on your system.
A programmable thermostat lets you adjust your temperature to your daily needs to keep a steady, sensible temperature throughout the day. It can automatically reduce cooling when your out and bring it back up for your return, reducing wear on the system and lowering energy bills.
Maintain Indoor Airflow
Just as important as it is to keep outdoor air flowing around your condenser unit, it’s important to keep air moving inside your home too. Blocking or closing vents puts extra stress on your air conditioner.
Not only do blocked vents prevent cool air from circulating to different areas of your home, they make it harder for your system to push air to other vents.
You should also keep your vents unblocked by furniture or decor as leaning furniture up against your vents is a common issue we see.
Book Annual AC Maintenance
You’ll never be able to maintain your air conditioning completely on your own. An annual maintenance check will ensure your system is healthy and working as it should be.
An experienced engineer will check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, clean internal parts and be able to spot early signs of wear before they turn into bigger problems. Finding issues early can significantly extend the life of your system, preventing expensive repairs.
Summary: How To Make Your Air Conditioning Unit Last Longer
Replacing your air filters every few months is step number one to making your air conditioning unit last longer. Cleaning your outdoor condenser unit prevents debris from making your system work harder than it needs to and clearing your drain lines will prevent permanent water damage.
Be sure to get your coils cleaned once a year when you book in your annual service. Little things like using your thermostat wisely and keeping air flowing around your unit may make all the difference to your air conditioner’s lifespan.
Don’t worry if maintaining your air conditioner seems like a lot to take in. Once you get used to checking your filters and scheduling annual maintenance, it become a regular job.