Easy Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips to Prolong the Life of Your System

Whether you have a brand-new air conditioning unit, or an older model that’s kept your home comfortable for many years, there will come a time when you’ll want to know the answer to the question “How long do air conditioners last?” The short answer is that an air conditioner’s lifespan depends on you. Yes, you, and how much you keep up with your air conditioning maintenance.

How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

A few factors influence the lifespan of your conditioning unit. How often the unit is used combined with its capacity (too small and it’ll wear out quicker, too large and it’ll turn on and off too frequently) affect how long the unit lasts. Most air conditioning units will last at least 10-15 years, possibly even longer for newer models. But like everything, by carrying out some air conditioning maintenance, you can ensure your unit lasts as long as possible.

Simple Air Conditioning Maintenance to Elongate the Life Span of Your Air Conditioning Unit

Schedule Two Tune-Ups Per Year

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that adage applies to your air conditioning unit, too. Instead of waiting for problems to arise before contacting a repair, book two regular tune-ups, one for the summer and one for the winter every year. You’ll stay on top of any possible issues and keep your unit working smoothly.

Let Your Air Conditioner Rest

Shutting off an air conditioner when no one is home makes sense, but letting it rest when you are home is important too. If the temperature outside is cooler than the temperature inside, open the windows to let in fresh air. That way, you can avoid having your unit work overtime to cool down your house. If you’re taking a long vacation, let your air conditioner take a vacation too while you’re gone. Turn it off and allow the temperature in your house to rise gradually over time. If you can set a timer, turn on the air conditioner at least 24 hours before returning. That gives your unit enough time to get back to room temperature before it starts to work hard again.

Regularly Check and Change the Air Filters

Filters should be replaced at least twice per year. However, homes with many long-haired pets and in a dusty environment should check their air filter more often. The best way to determine when you need a new filter is by checking it monthly and replacing it when it looks dirty or clogged.

Landscape Around Your Condenser

Dusty coils restrict proper airflow through the unit, making it run less efficiently. If you have an outdoor unit, turn off the power and remove any debris on top of it using the soft brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner or a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Keep grass trimmed and shrubs pruned at least 2 feet away from outdoor units to allow proper airflow.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioning Unit

Over time, your air conditioning unit will start to show signs of wear and tear. If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to think about replacing your air conditioner with a more modern unit.

Your Energy Bills Are Sky High

If you’ve noticed that your energy bills are unusually high compared with previous years, it might be time for a new unit. The average HVAC system lasts about 15 years, and newer models are typically much more energy-efficient than older ones. So, if you see increased costs without any other changes in your home, it could be due to a struggling air conditioning unit unable to keep efficient energy usage while on high demand.

You Need to Carry Out Frequent Repairs

If you’re calling your local air conditioning technician on a regular basis for needed repairs, it means your unit is starting to feel the strain. If you’re spending money on frequent repairs, you may be better off buying a newer energy efficient model, especially if your unit is between 10-15 years old.

Your Home Is Too Humid

Got the air conditioning on but still feeling sticky? If your home is too humid, your air conditioner isn’t removing adequate amounts of moisture from the air, which means it’s struggling to cool your house. Humidity problems can sometimes be fixed by cleaning or replacing your filter, but it may be time for an upgrade if the problem persists.

Your Air Conditioning Unit Still Uses R-22 Freon

In 2020 a ban was enforced in the US, preventing production and import of R-22 Freon. The ban doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your R-22 Freon air conditioning unit, but it does mean that R-22 Freon is no longer being manufactured, which in turn is driving up higher prices for what is left. This could make your next repair bill to be very expensive. For more information about replacing your air conditioning system, contact the experts at Moore Home Services.