According to the US Department of Energy, air conditioning units last an average of 15-20 years. Replacing air conditioning units can be extremely pricey which is why it’s important to take care of your unit. By taking good care of your unit and regularly checking it, you can extend the life of your air conditioner by a couple of years and save some money. Here are some tips to keep in mind that will help you extend the lifespan of your air conditioner.
Keep Your Unit Cool
It is important to keep your unit cool so that it has less work to do. The cooler you keep your unit, the less energy it needs to use to stay cool. We suggest planting trees or small bushes near your air conditioner to keep it out of the direct sunlight. However, make sure you don’t plant these trees and bushes too close to the unit as the debris from them can get into the air conditioner causing the unit to not perform as well.
Change the Filters
Something else that makes your air conditioner work harder than it needs to is a dirty air filter. It is suggested to change your air filter every 1-2 months during the warmer months when you use your unit the most. When you are not using your air conditioner as often, it is suggested to change the air filter every 3-4 months.
Keep the Condenser Clear
Your air conditioner condenser is a component that is responsible for the cooling itself. Therefore, it is one of the most important parts of the unit. Your condenser is the part that sits outside of your home which leads to it getting fairly dirty and covered in debris. Make sure you are regularly clearing and cleaning the condenser. It is also important to check it after a storm to make sure nothing lodged itself into the unit.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can save you money in energy bills as well as decrease the work required from your unit. You can program it so that when no one is home it uses less energy and when people are home it uses more to cool the house.
Contact Elite Plumbing and Heating
The professionals at Elite Plumbing and Heating are happy to come regularly check on your air conditioning unit to ensure it is always clean and working properly. By keeping up with your unit you will be able to extend its life span and save yourself some money. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions you may have!
