3 Important Steps That Can Prolong The Life Of Your AC Unit
If you own a home, an important appliance you need to take good care of is the AC unit. This appliance isn't cheap to replace and to avoid such as costly replacement, you need to perform the following steps on a regular basis.
1. Keep The Outside Unit Clean
A major component of your HVAC system is the outside unit. Since it is located outside, it has a tendency of getting dirty from things like dirt, leaves, and other debris. It's important to not let these contaminants just collect all over your unit because then it won't last as long.
Get in the habit of cleaning the area around your outside unit often. You can use leaf blowers and portable air compressors. Just make sure the area is completely free of harmful materials. Also make sure there aren't any weeds or vegetation surrounding your unit. Lastly, think about setting up a protective perimeter around this unit -- so that it has an easier time staying clean.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
AC units generally won't last as long if they're kept running all day long. You need to cycle it on and off, which won't be difficult at all if you set up a programmable thermostat. It's designed to turn your unit on and off periodically throughout the day.
This way, it won't stay running and wear down prematurely. You can customize the on/off cycle anyway you want. For example, you can set a cooling schedule that turns your AC system off when you're away at work. In addition to helping your AC unit last much longer, these cooling schedules save you a lot of money on energy bills.
3. Change The Air Filter Regularly
Changing the air filter is such an easy maintenance step that can prolong your AC unit, yet many homeowners overlook this task. Then, dirt and debris enter their HVAC system and cause it to break down sooner than it should.
Don't be like these homeowners. Get in the habit of changing your air filter at least every couple of months. As a precaution, visually check your filter every month as well. If it's covered in dirt, a replacement will be needed. Just make sure the new filter is sized correctly to fit inside the filter housing unit.
The AC unit is such a pivotal system for your home, especially during the warmer months of the year. As long as you put effort and time into maintaining it, you can get the most out of this integral appliance and avoid a costly replacement. For more information, contact your local AC maintenance service.
