How To Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioner

Staying cool on hot Greensboro summer days requires a reliable air conditioner. While the average air conditioner lasts up to 20 years before it needs replacing, how long it will be before you need a new one depends on multiple factors, including equipment quality.

That said, homeowners can extend the life of an air conditioner, whether they have central air conditioning or window air conditioners. These easy tricks and tips don’t require much work but can save you a lot of headaches and money.

Regular Maintenance: The Key to a Long Air Conditioner Life 

Greensboro’s climate means air conditioners must withstand a great deal of wear and tear. High heat and humidity mean they work overtime to maintain indoor comfort, so staying comfortable means ensuring that all the unit’s mechanical components are in tip-top shape.

With that in mind, scheduling annual maintenance before the cooling season begins each year is one of the best ways to keep your air conditioner working flawlessly for many years. Having an HVAC professional inspect, clean, and tune up the air conditioner reduces the likelihood that the unit will require repairs during the cooling season by addressing small issues before they become bigger ones. For example, dirty coils cause an air conditioner to work harder, increasing energy consumption and putting components at risk of breakdown. 

Change the Air Filter 

Perhaps the most important thing that you can do to keep your air conditioner in good shape for as long as possible is to change the air filter. Filters remove and collect contaminants from the air before they flow through the unit, and when they become clogged, the air doesn’t move as freely. This causes the air conditioner to work harder, reducing its lifespan. 

Most HVAC professionals recommend changing the filter about every 60 days, but you may need more frequent changes if you have pets or people with allergies in your home. 

Use the Auto-Setting

Leaving the air conditioner in the “on” setting 24/7 means that the unit never gets a chance to rest, which strains the internal parts and reduces its lifespan. Using the “auto” setting ensures that the cooling system runs intermittently, only coming on when it needs to. Reducing run time can potentially add years to the system’s life. 

Keep Things Clean 

Keeping the area around the outdoor unit of your HVAC system clear of debris and cleaning the air ducts so air can move freely throughout your home can help prevent costly breakdowns and support better energy efficiency. Plus, clean ducts support better indoor air quality. 

Let Barber Heating & Air Keep You Cool 

Greensboro, NC, residents can turn to the HVAC experts of Barber Heating & Air for help keeping their air conditioners working reliably for decades. From maintenance service contracts to new system installation, we’re here to help you stay cool on the hottest southern days and nights. We can even help you get a new system without breaking the bank, thanks to special financing offers. 

Call (336) 226-6959 to learn more and schedule service. Trust us to help you.