How to Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioning System

| Air Conditioning

An air conditioning system is a crucial appliance in any Hudson Valley home or workplace. Besides cooling the air in the warm weather, it also helps regulate humidity levels, making the indoor environment more comfortable and healthy. However, a broken or inefficient cooling system can lead to higher electric bills and costly repairs. That’s why it’s important that your AC works properly and efficiently.

Below are tips on extending the life of your air conditioning system. By implementing these suggestions, you can help prevent breakdowns and save money in the long run.

Keep the Air Filters Clean

Clean air filters play an important role in the operation of your air conditioning system. Air filters capture dust, dirt, and other particles. When they are clogged with dirt and dust, it reduces overall airflow, causing the system to work harder than necessary. This leads to increased energy consumption and additional wear and tear from excessive operation.

Most air filters are located in the return air duct or on the air handler unit. You can either clean your filter or replace it, depending on its condition. Most of the time, you can use a vacuum cleaner or soft brush to remove dust or other debris. Some filters may require physical washing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that it is done correctly.

If the air filter is damaged or too dirty, it should be replaced. Your system’s filter size and type can be found in your user’s manual or by talking to a HVAC professional.

Regularly Check and Maintain the Coils and Fins

The evaporator and condenser coils, along with the fins, are also crucial AC components. The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air inside the building, and the condenser coil releases the heat to the outside environment. The fins, which are located on both coils, increase the surface area of the coils, allowing for more efficient heat transfer.

However, these components can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris over time. When this happens, they can restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This can result in increased energy consumption, decreased efficiency, and a shorter lifespan for the air conditioning system.

Cleaning the evaporator, condenser coils, and fins is an important part of keeping your air conditioner running well and making it last as long as possible. A professional HVAC technician should perform this task annually as part of routine maintenance.

Ensure Proper Airflow

For an air conditioning system to work well and efficiently, it needs to have the right amount of airflow. If there isn’t enough airflow, the system will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, which will use more energy and make it less effective.

When ducts, vents, or registers get clogged, it can have a big effect on how well air moves through an air conditioning system. Over time, these components can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, which can restrict the flow of air and cause the system to work harder. This can cause the system to wear out more quickly, work less well, and eventually break down.

Ducts, vents, and registers need to be checked and cleaned regularly. Start by taking off the vent covers or registers and looking for any dirt or dust that you can see. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any loose debris or dust. If the vent covers or registers are particularly dirty, you can remove them and clean them with warm, soapy water.

Next, check the ductwork for any signs of clogs or obstructions. You can do this by shining a flashlight into the ducts and looking for any visible blockages. If you notice any clogs, you may need to use a specialized duct cleaning tool or hire a professional to clean the ducts thoroughly.

In addition to cleaning the ducts, vents, and registers, it is also important to check the air filter regularly and replace it when necessary. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, it can make it harder for the system to move air.

By checking and cleaning the ducts, vents, and registers on a regular basis and replacing the air filter when it gets dirty, you can help make sure that your system is running at its best and giving you clean, cool air when you need it.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Your air conditioner should be serviced by a professional at least once a year. A good time to do this is in the spring before the system is put to heavy use during the summer months. Depending on the age and condition of the system and how often it is used, however, maintenance may need to be done more often.

During professional maintenance, a technician will do several things to make sure the system is working properly. It starts by checking the refrigerant levels, then inspecting and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils. The motors and bearings are lubricated. Electrical connections are checked, the ducts and vents are checked for leaks or blockages.

By having a professional check and maintain your air conditioning system on a regular basis, you can help make sure it is safe and working well and catch any problems early. So don’t overlook the value of professional maintenance; it can help to keep your air conditioning system running smoothly and reliably for years to come.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great way to control exactly when your air conditioner runs. It allows homeowners to set different temperature levels for different times of the day, ensuring that the system is not running unnecessarily when no one is at home or when it’s cooler outside.

Using a programmable thermostat can help reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills. Another benefit is that it can prolong the lifespan of your air conditioning system. Reducing unnecessary runtime decreases the amount of wear and tear on the system. This saves energy and leads to longer-lasting equipment.

Setting up and using a programmable thermostat is relatively easy. With some trial and error, you can find the perfect settings to meet your needs.

Conclusion

Based in Newburgh, NY, Go Green Express Home Services provides air conditioning services to Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Putnam Counties . Call us at 845-237-2291 or schedule an appointment online.