As we enter into the spring and summer months, we are all going to be spending a lot more time inside to get some sort of reprieve from the heat. While you’re working hard to cool off, your air conditioner will be doing double time. The last thing you want to happen during a heat wave is for your air conditioner unit to break down. The good news is that there are small tasks you can do to ensure that your A/C works properly for a long time to come.   

 

Change the Filter

Changing your air conditioner’s filters is the most cost effective maintenance piece for your HVAC system. This is something you can do yourself or even have a specialist do for you. Filters will become clogged over time, reducing the efficiency of your air conditioning unit and forcing it to work harder than it has to. All that hard work will drastically reduce the lifespan of your air conditioner.

 

Clean the Ducts

The ducts in your home are the veins of your HVAC system. Their job is to facilitate air flow from one place to another. If the ducts or vents are clogged, dirty, or blocked, they won’t be able to efficiently do their job. All of that cool air your A/C unit is pumping out will take longer to get to you. And while you’re waiting to cool off, you’re probably cranking up the A/C even more! To avoid this, go around your home this spring and ensure all the air vents are unobstructed. Once or twice a year you will also need to have your air ducts cleaned professionally. 

 

Give it a Break

In the summer months it’s easy to just leave your A/C on full blast, night or day, but the constant use can cause it to break down faster. Make sure to give your air conditioner a rest by following these tips:

 

• Close the curtains or blinds on hot days.
• Use fans on moderately warm days to draw air from outside instead of pumping your A/C.
• Turn up the thermostat at night so your A/C doesn’t have to work so hard while you’re sleeping. 

 

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Tune-ups are key to extending your A/C unit’s lifespan. This is because a certified technician can inspect your air conditioner and make steps to prevent problems before they even begin. There are so many components of your system: compressor, fan, condenser coil, ductwork, and more! You want to make sure you have a professional who knows exactly what to look for.  

Most air conditioners have a projected lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Air conditioners in Arizona, however, don’t tend to live as long due to the higher temperatures. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to add years to your A/C system to reach that national average. Follow the tips listed above, and give us a call as soon as you’re due for regularly scheduled maintenance!