Having a new air conditioning system installed in a home costs thousands of dollars. Because of this cost, homeowners are wise to look for ways to prolong their system’s lifespan. To make your A/C last as long as possible, there are certain steps you can take that will also optimize your home’s energy efficiency during the summer. In the following, our NATE-certified technicians at Mason Heating & Air list several steps to help you keep your home cooling system running well for as long as possible.
To learn more about ways to get the most out of your air conditioning system or for any other HVAC-related questions, give us a call today!
1. Only Use A Reputable HVAC Company
This one is a no-brainer but we have to reiterate it as far too many homeowners try cutting costs by cutting corners. Because A/C’s are expensive systems that are like investments that affect your home value and budget, taking any chances can cost you big time. Air conditioners are built with electrical and mechanical components that need to work seamlessly together with intricate cohesion. If a repair is done and there’s something amiss — which can be the case often when a homeowner hires someone inexperienced or works on their own A/C — the whole system can break down. It can also cause serious damage that’s expensive. Because of this, A/C work is best left to trained technicians who know what they’re doing and stand behind their work.
2. Regular Maintenance
Homeowners who are consistent with air conditioner maintenance give you a wide range of benefits that will actually save you money in the long run and help you avoid discomfort and headaches. A/C parts tend to wear out from season to season. Over time, if not taken care of properly by a professional, they can fail. By keeping up with maintenance, our technicians can make simple repairs early on that prevent bigger problems down the road. This prolongs the life of your entire A/C. Moreover, maintenance ensures your unit is operating efficiently throughout the summer, which saves you hard-earned money on cooling costs and helps you avoid the sudden need for a full air conditioner replacement.
3. Check System’s Airflow
Adequate airflow is crucial when it comes to any sort of HVAC system.
With this in mind, keep an eye on the air vents in your home, as this is where the cool air comes out from your air conditioning system. Over time, these vents can become blocked if you aren’t checking them or keeping them clean. Common culprits include furniture, wall coverings and appliances. These types of blockages not only increase the indoor temperature but they also cause the A/C unit to work harder than necessary.
4. Keep A/C Clean
Air conditioning systems sit quietly outside our homes. They need space!
Always make sure there’s at least a few feet of clear space around your outdoor unit when it’s being used. If shrubs, trees, plants or other landscaping items get too close, it’s not good. Because of this, you should keep them back and trim any growth so they don’t grow into the unit and cause airflow problems during the summer. The less obstruction you have in this surrounding area, the longer the entire system will run and the better.
5. Turn Extra Electronics Off
Not only does turning off unused appliances and other electronics help reduce your electricity consumption, but it also helps keep your home cooler in the summer. This is because electronics like clothing dryers, computers, TV, screens and other appliances give off heat. During the summer, the air conditioner has to run more to compensate.
6. Replace Your Air Filter Often
We’ve already touched on how essential proper airflow is. Along these same lines, a clean air filter goes a long way to enable proper air circulation throughout the house. With proper air circulation, the sensors on our air conditioning systems kick on as needed instead of in short time frames. Air filters need to be free of blockage also so the internal parts don’t end up coated with dust and dirt. In this way, air filters allow for proper mechanical malfunction. Ideally, they should be checked about once a month or every other month during the summer and they might end up needing changed just as often depending on your air quality.
7. Utilize Window Coverings
It should be no secret that the sunlight coming into your home makes it warmer. One can observe this effect merely standing in a window with the sunlight coming in directly. Because uncovered windows allow heat to enter the home or business, it’s a good idea to counteract this to save on cooling costs. One suggestion would be to Install blinds or use curtains and shades to cover the window during daytime hours rather than relying solely on the air conditioner to cool the dwelling. You can also consider window tint.
Need help with an A/C problem?
Call Mason Heating & Air today at (513) 496-2477, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
