In the dead of summer, central air conditioning is usually a necessity. But central air conditioners are expensive to buy and operate year-round. So it’s important to take steps to keep yours running for as long as possible.
Below are some tips on how you can make your central air conditioning unit last longer:
Maintain Central Air Conditioning Filters Regularly
Filters capture dust and dirt, helping central air conditioners work more efficiently. Regularly replacing filters can help the AC operate at maximum efficiency and prevents debris from clogging up your unit’s blower.
Some homeowners overlook this simple maintenance task because they assume their AC unit is operating fine when it really isn’t. To keep your AC running for as long as possible, check the central airflow filter monthly and replace it if it appears dirty.
Use an Energy-Efficient Unit
Every central air conditioner has a star rating, which tells you how efficient it is while operating on a scale of one to five stars. AC units with higher star ratings cost less to operate and cause fewer problems over time because they’re built using better technology and engineering practices.
When replacing your AC due to damage or failure, buy one with high-efficiency ratings. It will enable you to save money while keeping your household cool for as long as possible.
Check and Maintain Thermostat Settings
An improperly programmed central air conditioning unit might not operate at the right times or run for a long enough duration. As such, it may not cool your home sufficiently on hot days.
In addition to programming with appropriate settings, regularly check their operation so you can make adjustments if necessary. Also, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when scheduling start-up and shutdown times. These measures will prolong its life span and reduce problems associated with inadequate cooling.
Clean Central Air Conditioning Components Regularly
Over time, components like coils, condensate drains, and blowers collect dust that inhibits airflow. This causes your central AC unit to work harder and consume more energy than necessary. And this lowers its life span.
Regular cleaning of central AC components can help prevent short circuits or other issues that can lead to unit failure. It may also increase performance.
Cleaning central AC components is an easy task you can do yourself. Just follow these steps:
Use a soft brush on AC coils, walls, registers, air ducts, and fans to remove dust buildup.
When cleaning AC unit components that contain moisture, such as drain pans and cooling coils, use only a non-abrasive wipe or cloth. And allow the central AC unit to dry thoroughly before turning it back on. This will help prevent damage due to mold or corrosion.
Install Central Air Conditioning Sensors
Central AC sensors are used to control central air conditioning units automatically. Some central AC sensor types include:
Pre-programmed, time-delayed on/off central AC components, and central AC units with built-in thermostats.
To prolong the life span of central air conditioning systems that use sensors for operation, check their performance regularly. Also, ensure they’re working properly at all times so that your unit works as efficiently as possible.
If an AC component fails to shut down, it can result in excessive wear and tear or damage due to overheating. This will shorten its lifespan significantly.
Clean Ducts Regularly
Central AC systems that have dirty air ducts may not function adequately. The blower has to work harder to move air through the system if dirt and debris are present in the ducts.
Dirty central AC ducts can also lead to problems. More so when they’re located close to condensate drains or central AC coils. This occurs because the blower blows back contaminants passing through the ductwork.
This type of contamination reduces the unit’s efficiency and increases energy costs.
Maintain the Condenser Unit
The central AC condenser unit is responsible for cooling the central AC system’s refrigerant. It does this by extracting heat from it and releasing air that contains moisture.
Condensers are at risk of failing over time because they’re exposed to outside elements like rain, snow, dirt, and debris. Also, as central AC components age, condensers may fail prematurely.
To prolong their lifespan, inspect your central AC condenser regularly for signs of damage.
For more information on AC condensers, check out https://www.schneidermechanical.com/what-does-a-condenser-do-the-ultimate-guide-to-condensers/.
Examine the Electrical Panel Regularly
A central HVAC unit produces a lot of wear and tear on its electrical components like wires, switches, relays, and circuit breakers. This is why your central AC system needs routine maintenance checks of these parts and other electrical equipment. This is important because central AC unit failures caused by electrical issues are rarely covered in traditional central AC warranties.
Check Leaks on Central AC Units Regularly
Leaks on central air conditioning units can lead to significant damage. They can also drive up air conditioning energy costs substantially.
To prolong the life span of central air conditioning systems that develop leaks, repair them immediately when they occur. If you’re not familiar with central AC system repairs, contact a professional AC unit repair service for help. They will be able to diagnose and repair central cooling unit leaks quickly.
Let the AC Unit Rest
It’s important to give central air conditioning systems time to rest. This will help central cooling units recover from wear and tear that may cause parts to fail prematurely. In addition, repairs can be more cost-effective if you schedule them during periods when the unit doesn’t need to be used as frequently.
For example, shutting down the AC unit during off-peak hours will reduce energy costs substantially.
Keep Your Central Air Conditioning Unit in Peak Condition at All Times
A central air conditioning unit in good condition can provide you and your family with comfort for years to come. To prolong their lifespan, follow the tips above.
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