Air conditioners are complex machines that are made to run a long time, but even the best A/C isn’t going to run forever. Nevertheless, there are several ways a homeowner can extend the lifespan of their home cooling equipment for a long time. In the following, our A/C professionals at Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air share eight easy ways to keep your A/C running well, keeping your home as cool as you like it for as long as possible. To learn more about the AC services our HVAC company offers in the Greater Dayton area, contact us today!
1. Keep an Eye On Airflow
The air vents inside your home are responsible for dispensing cool air coming from your A/C. 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.
2. Keep Equipment Clean & Clear
Always make sure there’s at least a couple feet of clear space around your outdoor unit at all times. If there is anything like shrubs, trees, or other landscaping items nearby, keep them back and trim any growth so they don’t grow into the unit and cause problems during the summer. The less obstruction you have in this surrounding area, the longer the entire system will run and the better.
3. Never Forget Preventative Maintenance
We say this all the time. Nevertheless, it bears repeating: Regular air conditioning maintenance offers a homeowner a wide range of benefits that end up saving money in the long run. Because a/c components wear out from season to season and fail, calling Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air for reliable and timely repairs helps extend the life of the entire system. Plus, it ensures efficient operation which saves money on cooling costs and the sudden need for a full air conditioner replacement.
4. Only Use A Licensed HVAC Company
An A/C unit is made of an intricate combination of electrical and mechanical parts that must function in cohesion, and if something is amiss — as is often the case with DIY repairs — the entire system can shut down. Therefore, A/C repair work is a task best left to licensed and trained technicians.
5. Turn Off Unused Electronics
Not only does turning off unused electronics, including appliances, cut down on your electricity use but it helps keep the home or business cooler in the summer. The same principle as the clothes dryer applies — electronics, such as computers and TV screens, give off heat and make the A/C unit run to compensate.
6. Replace Your Air Filter Often
A clean air filter allows ample air circulation throughout the home or business. Unrestricted air circulation also stops harmful debris from entering the air. With proper circulation, A/C unit sensors activate as needed instead of in short time frames. Additionally, the internal parts aren’t coated with dust and dirt which allows for a mechanical malfunction. Check the packaging on your air filter — it should state how often to change or clean the filter.
7. Use Window Coverings
Uncovered windows allow heat to enter into the home or business, which raises the indoor temperature. Install or use blinds, curtains, and shades to cover the window during daytime hours rather than relying solely on the air conditioner to cool the dwelling.
Need help with an A/C problem?
Call Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air today at (937) 502-3842, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
