Treat your air conditioner well, and it will pay you back in cool relief when the Twin Cities get hit with a summer heat wave. Your AC unit can last 10 to 15 years depending on various factors, and if you’re like the typical customer, you’re shooting for the higher end of that range. Fortunately, there are things you can do to put the odds in your favor. Check out this list of five maintenance tips to extend your AC’s lifespan, from your friends at Northern One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning:
1. Make sure your unit is properly installed
A good AC unit lifespan begins at, well, the beginning. Proper installation can make the difference between a unit that lasts for years and one that starts causing trouble early. Make sure you hire a professional contractor like Northern One Hour to handle the installation job. We can help you make the right choice about product selection, properly sizing your system and ductwork to ensure the unit will perform efficiently. We also stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee and workmanship warranty. Did you inherit your system with the home when you bought it? Let Northern One Hour look it over and establish a maintenance schedule.
2. Follow a regular maintenance schedule
Speaking of maintenance, we can’t say this enough: Regular maintenance can pay you back in lower energy bills and equipment longevity. You’re asking a lot of your AC system during the summer. Make sure it’s prepared with a spring tune-up. During these important service calls, our trained technicians will give your system a full cleaning and inspection. We’ll flush the drain line, check and tighten all electrical connections, calibrate your thermostat and inspect the ductwork and filter. We finish the visit with a system performance test to verify that your system is working properly and delivers cool air throughout the home. If there is a problem, we can pinpoint it and fix it before it becomes a big, expensive fix. Regular tune-ups are perhaps the most important thing you can do to help your AC last longer and stay cool. We also offer a convenient Home Protection Plan to help you stay on top of your AC and furnace maintenance.
3. Replace your air filter regularly
Your AC unit is equipped with an air filter that is designed to catch dirt, debris and other irritants that are hanging out in the outside air. Over time, they can become dirty and clogged, which forces your system to work harder to draw in air. Make sure you change your air filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Clean the outside condenser unit
During the year, your AC’s outdoor condenser unit can become dirty and cluttered. Leaves, dirt and debris can obstruct the condenser coils, which can affect your unit’s ability to expel heat from inside the home. Keep the area around the clean, removing any visible dirt or debris. Watch out for summer growth. Trim back any foliage or branches that are growing into the condenser’s space.
5. Make little changes for a big impact
As the temperatures soar, your AC unit has to work harder to keep your indoor air comfortable. Give it a head start with easy modifications around the house:
- Keep the cooling vents unobstructed by furniture, rugs or curtains.
- Consider planting trees or shrubbery around the home to throw some of Mother Nature’s shade around.
- Get out of the kitchen and use the outdoor grill to make dinner and keep the house cool. Or, plan a meal that doesn’t involve using any heating tools.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat that lets you set a cooling schedule. That way, you’re not trying to keep the AC running at full force when the house is empty.
- Use fans to complement the cooling sensation. Fans may not make the air cooler, but they help you feel cooler as the air flows around your body. Remember, ceiling fans should be spinning in a counterclockwise direction in the summer to create a downward draft.
A little attention goes a long way when you’re trying to keep your AC running for years. Northern One Hour is the Twin Cities’ trusted heating and cooling partner and expert for all things related to home comfort. Whether you’re seeking maintenance, repairs or new product installation, you can count on Northern One Hour to give you honest service and transparent pricing. Call us now at 763-319-0872 to schedule an appointment.