Air conditioners make our life much easier during the scorching hot summer days. Having an AC at home gives us more benefits than allowing us to live comfortably indoors when it is too hot outside; it also helps us have better sleep as it is proven that cool temperatures promote restful sleep. Moreover, ACs reduce the number of airborne allergens and humidity levels, which, in turn, reduces asthma attacks and provides us with cleaner air to breathe. So, when buying an AC, we need to choose a good brand that will last longer and maintain the unit so it doesn’t break down. Read on to learn some simple tips that will extend the lifespan of your AC unit at home.
Unplug Unused Appliances
Appliances give off heat, and during hot days the AC tries to compensate for that. Therefore, if there are any unused appliances, it is better to switch them off during summer. Unplugging unused appliances will not only keep your home cooler and comfy during hot days, but it will also reflect a reduced amount on your electricity bill.
Change the Filter
Over time, the AC filter might get clogged so you need to change the filter regularly. How often you should change the filter depends on your living conditions. For example, having pets or having allergies would greatly affect the duration to which the filter should be changed. However, as a general rule, AC filters should be changed every 90 days. The filter is very important to almost always keep the air entering your house clean and debris-free.
Regularly Clean the Outdoor Unit
The cleanliness of your unit’s exterior plays an important role in keeping the AC running without any troubles, so make sure you clean it at least once a year. The professionals at https://www.acdirect.com/ recommend that you contact a highly experienced servicing company to do the job for you. Moreover, to avoid obstructions that can affect the AC system, make sure that the area around it is clear. If there are shrubs or tree branches around the unit, keep them at least two feet away from the outside unit.
Cover the Windows
To extend the lifespan of your AC unit, lower the room temperature by covering the windows during summer days. That way, you will prevent the heat from penetrating the room, which will lessen the load on the AC. However, you don’t have to draw the curtains at night as the sun is down already. In the long run, this will extend the lifespan of the AC.
Avoid DIY Repairs
An AC is a very complicated device, so leave the repairs and installations to the professionals. Seek the help of licensed and highly trained technicians when something goes wrong or for regular checkups of your air conditioning unit. DIY solutions are tempting mainly because doing it yourself will save you big bucks, but this DIY attempt might lead to a shutdown and other damages to the unit, which will cost you a lot more money for repair. Also, messing with electrical devices can be really dangerous, so unless you are a technician specialized in AC units, do not tamper with it.
Give It a Break
If you want to extend the lifespan of your AC unit, then you have to give it a break every now and then. Keeping it running day and night will take its toll on the unit eventually. Reduce the wear and tear that will definitely shorten the lifespan of the unit by switching it off when you are out and let it rest for a while.
Get Regular Air Duct Cleaning
Debris stuck in the ducts of your AC can slow down the cold airflow, and in some cases, prevent it from entering your house. Debris and dust accumulate over time, so it is preferable to have the ducts cleaned at least once a year to ensure that the cold airflow is smooth and not obstructed. Regular air duct cleaning also improves the quality of the air in your house.
With the summer days growing hotter every year due to global warming, AC units are our only salvation, so they need to be well maintained to extend their lifespan. If you want to go home to a comfortable and cool space when it is scorching hot outside, you need to take care of your AC by giving it frequent breaks to slow down the wear and tear process, regularly cleaning the ducts, and changing the filters. These simple practices are crucial to keep it functioning properly for as long as possible. While some people are tempted to fix their ACs on their own, the smart choice is to leave that to the pros, as they are highly trained and experienced. ACs are no longer a luxury, so we need to have them regularly serviced and cleaned.
