Three Tactics That Will Help Extend The Life Of Your Air Conditioner

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Three Tactics That Will Help Extend The Life Of Your Air Conditioner

8 February 2016
 Categories: , Blog


Given its ability to keep you and your family comfortable during a hot stretch of days in the summer, you rely heavily on your air conditioner to work properly. A breakdown can leave you feeling the heat for several days until your repair contractor can get the right parts to get the system running again. Therefore, it's important to take a proactive role in keeping the A/C running smoothly. You don't have to be the fix-it type to take a series of steps that will help extend the life of the air conditioner. Here are three things you should do.

Change The A/C Filter Regularly

A valuable maintenance task for the health of your air conditioner is to change the air filter on a consistent basis. Through use, this filter gets clogged with common household allergens such as hair and dust, which can reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner. The A/C will have to push harder to pass the cool air through, which can increase the risk of a breakdown with the system. Anyone can change the filter; the process is simple and the instructions are clearly laid out on the replacement filter's package. It's important to schedule this job monthly during the months that you're running the A/C.

Avoid Obstructing The Condenser Unit

Many homeowners aren't fond of the bulky look of their air conditioner's condenser unit, which is located outside of the home. As such, they might seek to surround the unit with plants or flowers that disguise it. Doing so, however, is detrimental to the smooth operation of the unit as they can inhibit the air flow and possibly cause the condenser to get too hot. You can avoid this issue by keeping nearby plants properly trimmed and, if anything is growing too closely to the unit, digging it up and planting it elsewhere in your yard or garden.

Keep Its Use Moderate

While no one is suggesting that you should abstain from using your air conditioner when it's hot outside, you can dramatically extends its lifespan by being selective about your usage of the unit. For example, it's often ideal to turn the A/C off when it's cool outdoors or during the overnight hours. In either case, open windows can allow the interior of your home to remain cool and pleasant without putting wear and tear on your air conditioner. Many homeowners find that carefully setting their thermostat allows them to have the A/C shut off at certain times to help prolong its life.

For more information, tips, or for professional servicing, contact a local HVAC company, such as Shenandoah Air Conditioning & Heating.