While normally it is good to do maintenance and make sure things are working properly, sometimes you might not give much thought to something that is working properly already. However, when something happens, you might be thinking about all the things you could have done to prevent it.
Air conditioners, like other technology, need to be taken care of properly. If you don’t, the AC might not live as long and you will need 24 hour AC repair services.
To help, here are some ways to extend the life of your air conditioner and prevent unnecessary expenses.
Be Smart with Your Thermostat
Among the simplest ways to make sure your air conditioner has a long life is by making sure it runs in the best way possible. Since the AC is constantly running throughout the day and night for months, you should try to give it a break.
The easiest way to do this is to turn off the system when you’re leaving the house. However, you should also adjust the thermostat by raising it a few degrees to give the AC some rest from cooling the air by turning off the compressor but still pumping air through the vents.
To make it even better, you can get a smart thermostat. It can be programmed to make changes automatically.
Clean the Filters
Every AC has a place where it pulls air in from its environment and converts it to cold air before throwing it around your house. That spot of the AC has a filter to prevent dust, debris, and other filth from getting into the AC unit. As the filters get dirtier, they get blocked with dust and debris and your AC has to work harder to pull in air. Therefore, it needs to be cleaned regularly.
However, sometimes the filters get too dirty or old and need to be replaced. Depending on your AC unit, you can either clean or replace yourself or hire a professional for the job.
Clean the Ducts
Unless you have individual AC indoor units in every room, you probably have a duct system in your home. The ducts breathe air into your house, whether it be hot or cold. If they are dirty, your AC will be throwing in all sorts of harmful substances into your home.
You should regularly clean out the air ducts, or hire someone to do the job for you. If you’re not sure where to start, check if any of the areas of your house are not as cooled or heated as the others. The problem is most likely a dirty air duct or vent.
Get Professional Maintenance
While some things you may be able to handle yourself, it can be helpful to hire an AC expert to take a look at least once a year. With their knowledge and experience, they can spot problems easily and know better preventative care. Moreover, they can use their equipment to service the AC and allow it to run more efficiently.
The professional can also spot leaks, damage, or faulty parts, which can be useful because the repairs can get more expensive if not carried out on time.