With the current May heatwave Houston has been facing, let’s have a moment of silence for our air conditioning units, because there’s no way we can survive the heat and humidity without them. A reliable air conditioning unit is essential for comfort and health in this climate. And with proper maintenance and smart upgrades you can significantly extend the lifespan of your AC unit, saving you money and avoiding inconvenient breakdowns. Continue reading as we discuss tips to keep your AC unit running longer and upgrades that will prolong the life of your unit.
If you want to prolong the life of your AC unit, follow the tips below:
Regular Maintenance Checks
Schedule professional inspections at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in fall. A technician will clean or replace filters, check condenser coils, inspect ductwork and blower components, check refrigerant levels, and identify issues early, before they become major problems.
Change Filters Frequently
Replace filters every 3 months, especially during the summer. Clean filters improve airflow and reduce strain on your system. This will also help you keep toxins and other allergens out of your home.
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear
Ensure the condenser unit is free of debris, leaves, and obstructions. Adequate airflow helps the unit operate efficiently and prevents overheating.
Set the Thermostat
Avoid setting the thermostat lower than necessary. Maintaining a consistent temperature reduces stress on your AC unit and conserves energy. Turning off your unit when you are not home is not the right solution because it pulls too much energy turning on. By properly setting the thermostat at a reasonable temperature, you are prolonging your unit while saving money.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans help circulate cool air, allowing you to set the thermostat a bit higher. This reduces the workload on your AC.
Keep the Doors to Rooms Inside Your House Open
In many homes, certain rooms cool faster than others. By keeping bedroom doors open you are helping the air inside your home circulate and will keep your home cooler.
Check Your Doors and Windows For Leaks
Leaks in doors and windows amount to a significant loss of cool air, which is why it’s important to have them inspected annually. Caulk, which is used to seal small holes around the perimeter of your doors and windows, has a shelf life and needs to be replaced at least once a year. Sealing up all leaks will ensure that air conditioned air stays inside your home.
There are also several upgrades you can add to your current AC system that will help prolong its life and save you money.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats save you money by allowing you to optimize your home’s temperature management and reduce energy consumption. Wonder how they do it?
- Precise Temperature Control
Smart thermostats enable you to set customized schedules that match your daily routine. By cooling only when needed, they prevent unnecessary energy use.
- Learning Your Habits
Many smart thermostats learn your preferences over time and automatically adjust settings for maximum efficiency, ensuring your HVAC system isn’t working harder than necessary.
- Remote Access and Adjustments
With a smartphone app, you can control your thermostat from anywhere. If you forget to set the temperature before leaving home, you can adjust it remotely.
- Energy Usage Reports
Smart thermostats provide detailed reports on your energy consumption, showing areas where you can cut back and offering tips for saving money.
High-Quality Air Filters
Upgrade to higher MERV-rated filters to improve indoor air quality and reduce dust and debris that can clog your system.
Additional Insulation and Sealing
Enhance your home’s insulation and seal any leaks around windows and doors. Better insulation reduces strain on your AC by maintaining indoor temperatures more effectively.
Maintaining and upgrading your AC system is crucial for ensuring it stays efficient and reliable throughout Houston’s long, hot summer. By following regular maintenance practices such as changing filters, scheduling inspections, and keeping units clear, you can prevent many common issues that shorten an AC’s lifespan. Additionally, investing in upgrades like smart thermostats and proper insulation can significantly reduce wear and tear, helping your system function in optimal condition longer. If you are ready to make some upgrades to your current AC system, or have a question for our team, call the experts at JW East.