Maintaining Your A/C Unit: Why And How
Your air conditioning unit was an expensive investment and one that should be cared for and maintained to help protect that investment. An air conditioning unit lasts around 12 - 15 years, but there's no reason why it can't last even longer than that if you maintain it properly. See below for other reasons why you should maintain your system and how to do so.
Why Maintain Your Unit
- Longer Lifespan. As stated above, maintaining your unit can help lengthen the lifespan of your unit. If you can get your unit to last another five years or more, it's worth the extra effort of the maintenance tasks. It can also help prevent breakdowns and save you on repairs.
- Reduce Energy Bills. Maintaining your unit decreases the risk of over-working your unit, which can cost you a little extra on your energy bills. If you maintain your unit properly, you can reduce those energy bills and save yourself a few extra bucks.
- Increase Energy Efficiency. Cleaning and maintaining your unit means your unit will be working as it should, making it more energy efficient.
- Comfortable Temperature. The inside of your home will be at a comfortable temperature all the time with a unit that is well maintained. A unit that isn't maintained will have to try twice as hard to get your home to the temperature you have set your thermostat to. It may also mean an uneven temperature throughout your home.
- Better Sleep. It's easier to sleep at night in a home that is nice and cool. If your air conditioner isn't working properly, your home may be too humid, or warm, making it more difficult to sleep.
How To Maintain Your Unit
- Change Filter. Be sure to change your air filter every month or every other month. If you have pets, then you may want to change your filter every month, as there may be more dust and dander around your home. Use the same size filter and be sure to put it in the same way you took the old one out. The filter is responsible for keeping the dust from getting into your system. A blocked air filter can cause a block in air-flow, which can "choke" your system.
- Keep Vents Clear. Keep the vents in your home clear of furniture, toys, curtains and other items. These vents help with the flow of air throughout your home, so blocking them can cause some rooms to be warm and others cooler.
- Clean Around The Unit. Clean up debris and landscaping around your air conditioning unit. Things like plants, weeds, toys and other items sitting too closely to your unit can block air-flow to your unit. Pull weeds often and remove any bushes or plants that are growing too closely to your unit. Also be sure to give your unit a good spray down every month in the summer to remove dust, dirt and grass clippings from the unit itself.
A well-maintained air conditioning unit will last quite a long time, can prevent breakdowns, and can make your home much more comfortable throughout those hot summer months. You can contact a company that specializes in home air conditioning installation for more information.