Homeowners in Clinton, TN, can do a lot to extend the life of an AC unit. Some experts say air conditioners last 15 to 20 years while others say even 25 years. The reality is that even the most high-efficiency central air conditioner will break down after a mere 10 years due to lack of maintenance. It all depends on the choices that homeowners make.
A new AC can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500, so you want to get the most from your current system. This means two things: minimizing AC use and ensuring efficient performance when it is in use. Below are four ways to do this.
1. Program the Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to create a custom cooling schedule rather than use up energy letting the AC run 24/7. For example, you can raise the thermostat temperature for the times when you’re at work. Don’t turn it up too high, though, because that would force the AC to cool longer once you’re home, which isn’t energy-efficient.
We understand that there are limitations to programmable thermostats as homeowners may not want to calculate the ideal temperatures for their home and region. This is where our smart thermostats can come in. Many of these create the most efficient cooling schedule while taking your own preferences into account. They can sense when no one is home, too, and adjust the temperatures based on that.
2. Replace the Air Filters
Obstructions to airflow can reduce AC efficiency by some 15%, and air filters are often to blame. Filters trap airborne pollutants and prevent them from troubling the operation of the AC, but when they get clogged, they begin to strain the unit and lower efficiency.
Filter replacement is one of those maintenance tasks that every homeowner is expected to handle. Start by finding out what type of filters you own. If they’re the fiberglass types that go bad after 30 days, you may want to upgrade to pleated filters, which last 60 to 90 days.
3. Clean the Air Handler
The air handler is the outdoor portion of your AC, so it’s continually being exposed to the elements. Debris from storm and smoke from fires can really hamper its operation, and the same goes for leaves and branches from nearby landscaping as these can block airflow. Cleaning this is not a difficult job, and it can keep your AC unit as a whole running smoothly.
4. Set Up Professional HVAC Maintenance
Above all else, you’ll want a professional to come over every spring or summer for an AC tune-up. Maintenance from an HVAC contractor can keep any manufacturer’s warranties valid and ensure energy-efficient performance year-round. As part of our tune-ups, we can:
- Calibrate the thermostat
- Check electrical wiring
- Clean the evaporator coil
- Clean the condensate drain line
- Lubricate all moving parts
Each of these will contribute to a longer-lasting AC. Think about how loose electrical wiring can damage the AC and how dirty coils or unlubricated parts can cause overheating. Think about how a clogged condensate drain line can lead to indoor flooding. Maintenance will eliminate these issues even before they become all that noticeable, and you may see a decline in your utility bills.
Hire Our Family Company
Choose Melton Heating and Air Conditioning for HVAC maintenance. If you really want to get the most out of your system, we recommend signing up for our Comfort Club. We offer two Comfort Club preventative maintenance agreements: one for an annual visit and one for biannual visits. You’ll get various benefits like priority status and discounts on any necessary repairs. For more information, call our family-owned and -operated business today.
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