While the average life expectancy of an air-conditioning system is between 15 and 20 years, this will still depend on how you use and maintain the unit. If you, for instance, constantly lower the temperature or change its filter only when you feel like doing so, it is likely for the system to need frequent repairs or to break down sooner than it should. The sad part is that many of us unknowingly take the unit for granted, resulting in compromised efficiency and increased utility bills. You may be the one cutting your AC’s life short if you’re guilty of the following habits:
You don’t change the filters regularly
Dirty and clogged air filters can restrict the airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. This can then lower the cooling capacity of the unit, requiring its components to work harder than they should. This can lead to premature wear and tear, as well as shortened AC lifespan.
This only makes it important to change your filter regularly. How often you need to will depend on a number of factors such as the type of filter you use, the number of people living in your home, and whether you have pets indoors. Also, don’t forget to clean the outdoor unit. Get into the habit of keeping it clear from any obstructions such as grass, sticks, tree branches, or bushes (placed near or around the unit). This is to avoid restricting the airflow, which will then reduce the AC’s working efficiency.
You crank up the AC often
Rising temperature outdoors makes it tempting to lower down your temperature often. Doing so, however, can cause the unit to work harder, resulting in increased energy bills and wear and tear. The same is also true for frequent AC use or leaving it on all the time.
The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to achieve comfort without cranking up the AC. You can start with using a programmable thermostat to automatically set the temperature at predetermined times. This can also prevent the unit from spending unnecessary energy in cooling the home when there is no one there.
Below are tips for keeping your AC unit in good condition, preventing you from needing an air conditioning service in Salt Lake City:
- Install ceiling fans for supplemental cooling.
- Use heat-generating appliance in the evening, not in the afternoon to lower your AC’s cooling load.
- Keep interior doors open to promote good airflow.
- Keep the heat outside and the cool air inside by using window treatments.
You skip professional tune-ups or maintenance
Even if your AC seems to be working just fine, this doesn’t mean that it is okay to skip routine service or maintenance. Waiting until there is a problem could potentially lead to more repairs and leave you with a faulty or broken cooling system when you need it the most.
It is better to schedule professional cleaning and maintenance at least once a year or before the heating season starts. This is to detect and address potential problems, as well as keep your AC running efficiently. Make sure not to perform the maintenance on your own, especially if you’ll only rely on video tutorials and how-to articles. Stop neglecting your AC and shortening its lifespan with the habits mentioned above. You can also benefit from contacting an AC service expert to know how you can take better care of your unit.
