An air conditioner isn’t exactly a small investment, and it’s important to do whatever you can to get the most out of that investment. In general, you’ll get anywhere from 10 to 15 years out of your air conditioner, but the better you take care of your system, the longer it will last. At Tri-Elite Advisors, we know that no homeowner wants to have to prematurely replace their air conditioner, or get fewer years out of their investment. That’s why we’ve come up with this list of tips to help you extend the life of your air conditioner:
#1. Replace the filters on a regular basis.
When dirt, allergens and debris start to build up your HVAC system’s filters, your air conditioner has to work a lot harder to force air through them. In fact, dirty filters have such a large impact on the efficiency of your system that, according to energy.gov, replacing them when they are dirty could help you lower your energy consumption by up to 15 percent. As a general rule, your HVAC filters should be replaced every three months or so, but keep a close eye on them, and don’t hesitate to change them out early if they become clogged or dirty.
#2. Don’t run the humidifier when you run the air conditioner.
Have you ever noticed that the air seems to get dryer when you run the air conditioner? Many people are under the misconception that air conditioners only force cool air throughout the home, but they also dehumidify as well. This is because humidity holds in heat, and removing it from your home helps it to feel a lot cooler. When you run your humidifier at the same time as you run your air conditioner, you are just adding more humidity in the air that your air conditioner will work to remove, making it work harder than it should and shortening its life.
#3. Consider installing a programmable thermostat in your home.
Believe it or not, the kind of thermostat you have can make a huge difference in how many years you’ll get out of your air conditioner. Programmable thermostats keep the temperature in your home at a consistent level, which reduces the number of on-and-off cycles your air conditioner will have to go through. Those on-and-off cycles can add up and take a toll on your system. Additionally, when it is particularly hot outside, a programmable thermostat helps to prevent your system from overworking.
#4. Keep your system properly maintained.
When it comes to extending the life of your air conditioner, almost nothing is more important than preventive maintenance. Getting the regular HVAC service you need keeps all of the parts in your system operating smoothly and at their optimal levels.
An air conditioner is a big investment, but there are many things you can do to extend the life of your system and get more out of that investment. In our next blog, we’ll be going over a few more steps you can take to extend the life of your air conditioner. Stay tuned for our next blog, and don’t hesitate to contact us if your air conditioner is in need of repairs or maintenance.