One of the expenses homeowners deal with during the hot summer months is getting their air conditioning unit up and running correctly. Homeowners will go to great extents trying to keep their a/c unit working as long as possible. The fear of inconvenient breakdowns and time spent waiting for repairs should be enough to encourage regular annual maintenance.
Not only is it expensive to get a new HVAC system, but it can mean sweating it out for a few days or even weeks, while the new unit gets professionally installed. Luckily there are a few ways you can get the most out of your a/c system before you feel the pain of waiting for a new A/C in the middle of summer.
We rounded up our HVAC technicians and asked them what advice they have for helping an air conditioning unit last it longest. Follow these tips and keep your wallet and family happy all year long.
Put Your HVAC System in the Shade
Although not always possible, air conditioners installed in shady areas helps. The outdoor unit is called the condenser and its sole purpose is to dissipate heat that the refrigerant has absorbed from inside your home. Transferring heat or wringing it out outside. Another analogy is refrigerant is like a sponge it absorbs heat in the evaporator (inside the home) and transfers that heat to the condenser (outside the home). Shady areas can help to have cooler air being pulled through the outdoor coil. Although many air conditioners are installed in sunny areas, like roofs, it can help to have it installed in shady areas. Installing your air conditioner in a shaded location may also help extend its life span.
Our technicians also recommend that you place your air conditioner unit in a spot where grass, weeds, and debris won’t gather on the outdoor A/C coils. It needs space to breathe and a clear area around the air conditioner will help. If you only have a sunny location to place your A/C unit, it is ok. However, it can run a little longer and cost a little more than if it were in the shade. A shaded spot free from debris, and anything that prohibits air flow to the A/C unit will have an easier time doing its job keeping you and your family cool. It may also help the unit last longer than expected.
Properly Maintain Your A/C Unit
The average life of an air conditioner is 16-18 years, but regular maintenance can keep your air conditioner operating at its best for much longer, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars in the end. It would help if you had a technician provide a/c maintenance services on your unit once a year.
These AC check-ups act as a preventative measure, ensuring that your air conditioner is running correctly and will last throughout the year without any breakdowns. Your a/c professional will check for underlying issues and address them before they negatively affect your unit. These maintenance services will help you avoid any inconvenient mid-season breakdowns.
Replace Your Air Filter
You should also regularly change your air filters. One mistake Utah homeowners can make is not changing their air filters frequently. Our air filter experts suggest replacing your furnace filters every month. However, depending on your air filter, you can sometimes go a bit longer, up to 6-12 months depending on the filter size and type.
By changing out your air filter regularly, you promote better air circulation throughout your home. It also keeps your furnace running as it should without getting clogged up. Without proper air filter maintenance, the debris can clog up the filter and potentially freeze up the evaporator and shut down your A/C altogether. Replacing your filters and other maintenance measures will preserve the well-being of your air conditioner, prevent unnecessary repairs and can even increase the life of your AC unit altogether.
Clean Your System
You should also give your air conditioning unit a cleaning if you hope to extend its life. Over time, debris will collect on the coils of the outdoor section of your system, whether its grass, branches, weeds, or dust. You should regularly perform essential cleaning services on your system.
You can even spray down your outdoor air conditioner coil unit every once in a while, to keep it clean but use light pressure. It also helps to trim back any shrubbery or branches that might block your system or prevent it from operating correctly.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Another excellent option for homeowners looking to extend the life of their a/c unit is getting a programmable thermostat. These thermostats will decrease any unnecessary pressure placed on an HVAC system by determining the best running times to suit your family’s needs.
The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy found that by using a programmable or smart thermostat, homeowners will decrease some of the burdens on their system and save 10 percent or more on monthly utility costs.
Depend on Manwill
Air conditioning is one of the most essential systems in our home, but it can also be the most expensive. Save money by working with the air conditioning experts at Manwill Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling. Our technicians provide all the services needed to keep your air conditioner working as long as it can. But more than that, we are dedicated to building trustful and lasting relationships that ensure you the best experience possible.
No matter the problem, we promise our service will not only meet but exceed your expectations. Contact us to learn more about our AC repair & installation in Salt Lake City today.
