Taking care of the air conditioning unit in your home is essential to make sure that it lasts as long as possible. By following some simple tips, you can extend the lifespan of your home’s AC unit, improve energy efficiency, and save money on utility bills. From regular maintenance to smart usage habits, these tips will help you keep the AC unit in your home running smoothly for years to come.
1. Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance for your AC’s longevity is important. Schedule annual check-ups with us at E.P. Omega Air Conditioning LLC to make sure that we inspect and clean the unit thoroughly, giving you the best performance as well as identifying any potential issues early on. Regular maintenance includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, and lubricating moving parts.
2. Maintain Proper Airflow
Keeping the area around your AC unit clear of debris maintains proper airflow. It is important to remove leaves, branches, and dirt to prevent the AC unit from overworking. You should also trim any vegetation around the unit to allow for adequate airflow. Consider installing a protective cover during the off-season to prevent debris from building up. Additionally, make sure the unit is on a level surface to prevent strain on the compressor. By keeping the area around the AC unit clean and clear, you can improve its efficiency and extend the lifespan of the unit.
3. Change Air Filters
Changing the air filters every one to three months maintains good air quality as well as prevents strain on the AC unit for your home. Air filters help trap dust, dirt, and other particles, which prevents them from entering your home and clogging up your AC unit. Clogged filters can restrict airflow, causing the unit to work harder and potentially leading to overheating. By changing your air filters regularly, you can improve indoor air quality and reduce strain on your AC unit.
4. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Use a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home. Set it higher when you’re away and lower when you’re at home to reduce the workload on your AC unit. Programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, which ensures that your home is always comfortable when you need it to be. You can even control some thermostats via smartphone apps while you are away. Using a programmable thermostat reduces your energy consumption, lowers utility bills, and extends the lifespan of your AC unit.
5. Make Sure Your Home Is Well-Insulated
A well-insulated home helps prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering, reduces the workload on your AC unit, and improves energy efficiency. Proper insulation helps to maintain a consistent temperature in your home, reducing the need for your AC unit to work harder to cool it. Insulation should be in your walls, attic, floors, and crawl spaces for maximum effectiveness.
6. Use Fans
Ceiling fans help circulate air throughout your home, which reduces the workload on your air conditioner by creating a more even distribution of cool air and improving overall comfort. Ceiling fans help keep your energy bills lower by allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort. In the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to create a downdraft, which creates a cooling effect. By using ceiling fans in conjunction with your AC unit, you can improve air circulation in your home and use your AC less.
7. Block Out Sunlight
Consider using blinds or curtains to block out the sunlight during the hottest parts of your day. Reducing the amount of heat entering your home relieves pressure on your air conditioning unit. Sunlight can increase the temperature inside your home, forcing your AC unit to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature for your household. Curtains or blinds that block out all of the sunlight can also easily save you money on your energy bill while you are away from home.
8. Keep Heat-Generating Appliances Away from Thermostat
By placing heat-generating appliances near the thermostat in your home, you can create inaccurate readings that will cause your AC unit to run more than necessary. This can lead to increased wear and tear. Some heat-generating appliances include lamps, televisions, and computers. If your AC is running more often than needed because it is near a heat-generating appliance, then you will spend more money on utilities and your AC unit will not last as long.
At E.P. Omega Air Conditioning LLC in El Paso, TX, we provide AC repair, installation, and maintenance services for homes in the area. Our punctual team also provides heating, indoor air quality, and ductwork services. Contact E.P. Omega Air Conditioning LLC for more information today!
