Heating and cooling equipment is expensive. They are intricate systems that aren’t always easy to figure out for the average homeowner. And while HVAC units are made to last and run a long time, even the best equipment isn’t going to last forever. With that being said, there are certain steps a homeowner can take to prolong the lifespan of their home cooling equipment. In the following article, our NATE-certified home cooling experts at Springfield Heating & Cooling list eight easy steps to help you keep your A/C running well for as long as possible, optimizing it as much as possible. To learn more about the many air conditioning system services we offer homeowners throughout the Greater Clark County area, call us today!
1. Only Use A Certified HVAC Company
Air conditioners are expensive systems that are like investments that affect your home. They are built using electrical and mechanical parts that need to work seamlessly with intricate cohesion. Because of this, if there’s ever something amiss — which can often be the case when a homeowner makes DIY repairs or has someone inexperienced work on their A/C — the whole system can break down. Because of this and other considerations, A/C repair work is best left to trained technicians with the NATE-certification and insurance.
2. Check System’s Airflow
Airflow is essential when it comes to any sort of HVAC related equipment.
The air vents in your home are where the cool air comes out from your air conditioning system. Nevertheless, over time, thes vents can become blocked. Furniture, wall coverings and appliances are three of the more common reasons for air vent blockages. These types of blockages not only increase the indoor temperature but they also cause the A/C unit to work harder than necessary.
3. Keep Up With AC Maintenance
We say this a lot. And yet, we cannot emphasize it too much. Consistent air conditioning maintenance gives a homeowner a wide range of benefits that save the money in the long run. Because air conditioning parts and components wear out from season to season and fail, calling Springfield Heating & Cooling for reliable and timely repairs as part of this service will prolong the life of the entire system. Additionally, it ensures efficient operation which saves money on cooling costs and helps you avoid the sudden need for a full air conditioner replacement.
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 Springfield Heating & Cooling today at (937) 350-1881, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
