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How to Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioner

If you’ve ever had to replace a home’s air conditioning system, you know this isn’t a cheap project. New cooling equipment is costly, which is a key reason most homeowners want to get as many years as they can from their existing system. In our most recent blog, the HVAC technicians at Star Heating & Cooling share how to extend the life of your air conditioner and keep your system in service longer.

Maintenance for Longer Air Conditioner Life

Preventative maintenance is critical to preserving the integrity of air conditioning equipment and the performance of your cooling system. Maintain this important home system just like you would a vehicle. Tune ups for air conditioners are just like routine maintenance for your car. Regular tune ups and oil changes reduce the effects of wear and improve the performance of your vehicle so that it has fewer breakdowns and lasts longer. 

Air conditioner tune ups keep all system components in good shape, improving the performance and energy efficiency of the AC unit and limiting breakdowns. When your air conditioning unit stays in good shape through regular maintenance, parts don’t encounter as much damage and the system doesn’t operate under increased stress – both of which can lead to breakdowns and ultimately cause the system to fail early.

Air conditioner maintenance tune ups should be performed by a licensed HVAC professional each year. Ideally, you want to have this service completed in the spring. This way, the HVAC system will be tuned up and in top shape once it’s time to start cooling your Central Indiana home. Also, it creates an opportunity for your HVAC technician to identify flaws in the system and perform repairs ahead of the coming cooling season.

More Tips for Extending the Life of Your Air Conditioner

In addition to annual maintenance tune ups, here are more tips to extend the life of your air conditioner. 

Change air filters regularly

Regular filter changes are an important step toward extending the life of your air conditioner, as operating your cooling system with a dirty air filter can quickly lead to breakdowns. Dirty filters block airflow, causing the system to use more energy to move air and placing components under more stress as they work. It’s wise to check your filter each month, as it may need to be replaced more frequently than the manufacturer’s recommendation depending on factors specific to your home and your cooling system usage.

Clean around the outdoor unit

It’s easy for the outdoor condensing unit to become blocked with debris and other items, which can restrict airflow. Airflow through the condenser will be limited, forcing the system to stress and expend more energy to release heat from the home. Regularly clear away mulch, grass clippings, leaves, and other debris that stick to the unit’s fins. Remove weeds and vines that grow up around the base of your unit. Trim back nearby bushes and trees, remove any outdoor items you have stored up against the unit and keep at least 2 feet of clear space around the condenser.

Reduce heat in the home

Do what you can to limit heat gain inside your home so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your living areas. This will give the air conditioner a break and limit operating time to reduce wear. Keep windows and doors closed while the cooling system runs. Seal air leaks around the house to prevent hot air infiltration and cool air loss. Limit heat-producing activities during hot days, such as cooking, baking, showering, and washing laundry with hot water.

Contact Star for Air Conditioning Services in Marion and Hamilton Counties

Star Heating & Cooling can help extend the life of your air conditioner with professional air conditioning services including maintenance and repairs. Contact us today to schedule service.