Ask most Floridians, and they’ll tell you their biggest fear is an air conditioning breakdown. On average, air conditioning systems last about ten years. However, if you don’t take good care of your air conditioner, it may fail before that expected lifespan.
What you do to maintain it can help ensure that it lives up to its full potential and keeps your family cool and comfortable for years to come. All homeowners should follow these preventative measures to extend the life of their air conditioners.
Periodically inspect the outdoor area around your unit. Every time you have your lawn mowed, grass clippings, dirt, and debris can congest this integral part of the system. Additionally, landscaping such as shrubs, plants, and trees should be trimmed and kept at least 2 feet away from the unit.
Nothing should ever block the vents in your home. Keeping your vents free of obstructions allows for the disbursement of cool and refreshing air. Make sure that none of your furniture, wall coverings, or appliances are in the way. Blocked air vents make it harder for your air conditioner to work. When your air conditioner has to work harder, it can lead to excess wear and tear, resulting in breakdowns.
When it’s hot outside, your air conditioner is hard at work keeping your home cool. If you want to make it last longer, use your clothes dryer at night when the outdoor temperature is cooler. Your dryer releases warm air into your home, and your thermostat senses it, turning the unit on more frequently to compensate for the added heat. The more it cycles, the more you wear down the system and shorten its longevity.
In addition to your dryer, other appliances in your home often add heat to your home’s interior. Computers, TVs, coffee machines, and other appliances all emit heat, which makes your AC unit compensate by running more often. On the hottest days, avoid using your oven and rely on your slow cooker or another cooking source that doesn’t emit as much heat into your home.
The air filter for your HVAC system helps catch contaminants and keep your air fresh. It also keeps dust, dirt, and debris out of your AC, keeping those working parts clean and clear. When your air filter is dirty, it restricts airflow and forces your AC to work harder, often leading to the need for emergency Fort Walton Beach air conditioning repair.
Air conditioners can also lose efficiency from leaky ducts. In fact, with just 20% of the air leaking through your ducts, it can lead to a 50% increase in how hard your AC must work to keep your home cool. This will result in higher electric bills, something you’ll certainly want to avoid. Have your ducts inspected and get them sealed to prevent the air from escaping to keep your unit in efficient condition.
Smart thermostats have become popular because they allow you to pre-program your unit in a customized way. With this upgrade, you can ration the time you run your AC. It will save you money on your utility bill and prolong your system’s lifespan. It’s a great tool for those who work outside the home or travel often to ensure the AC doesn’t turn on when they’re not using it. A smart thermostat can make your home cool and comfortable when you arrive at the end of the day.
Using window coverings can help you keep your home cooler, especially in the summer when it’s uncomfortably hot outside. Blinds and blackout curtains can help prevent the air conditioner from working too hard. If you enjoy natural light, consider only pulling the coverings shut when the sun is beating on your windows. You’ll find your AC won’t be running as often when you use these simple coverings to keep the intense sun beams out of your home.
Have you noticed your air conditioner making an odd noise or water leaking near the unit? You may think it’s nothing to worry about since it’s still keeping your home cool, but beware. Prior to an air conditioner breaking down, there are often warning signs. If something doesn’t seem right, call for air conditioning repair in Pensacola immediately.
Often, repairs can be avoided by simply scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. Parts do eventually wear out over time, but when you’re having your unit maintained, your HVAC technician will spot any minor issues and correct them before they become major problems. They will clean the unit and have it running as efficiently as possible, keeping you cool and comfortable during the hottest days.
You can undoubtedly handle changing your air filter on your own and keeping obstacles from the exterior unit and your vents. However, air conditioners are complex pieces of machinery with many working parts. Only a licensed HVAC technician can maintain it in the right way.
You may be tempted to fiddle with the AC yourself, but one wrong move can cause costly damage. The same goes for having a handyman handle repairs or maintenance. Unless they are a licensed and certified HVAC technician, don’t let them work on your air conditioning.
Professional HVAC service is paramount for the longevity of your AC system. Make sure you contact the experts at Lee Heating & Cooling to schedule your routine AC maintenance. If your unit is blowing hot air, making loud sounds, or not running at all, contact us today to get reliable repair service and get back to keeping cool!
