3 Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Air Conditioning System

It's easy to take your home's air conditioning system for granted--that is until it stops working in the middle of a sweltering summer day. The good news? There are some practical steps you can take to prolong the life of your air conditioning system, thus saving you some money (and hassle) while keeping your household comfortable.

1. Schedule an Annual Inspection/Tune-Up

When was the last time you had a tune-up done on your home's AC system? If it's been more than a year, then it's time to schedule a professional inspection and tune-up with a local air conditioning contractor. Ideally, tune-ups should be done sometime in the early spring months, but they can be done anytime.

Specifically, an AC inspection will help alert you to potential issues with your air conditioning system so that you can repair/address them before they turn into major problems. Likewise, tune-ups can help your system run more smoothly and efficiently all summer long, which can reduce the chances of a breakdown or need for costly repairs.

2. Swap Out Your Air Filter Regularly

The air filter on your home's HVAC system should be changed regularly to optimize airflow, improve indoor air quality, and protect your system from working harder than it needs to. When you forget to change your air filter, it can become clogged with dust and debris. This can restrict airflow throughout your home's ventilation system, which requires your AC to work harder in order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

So, how often should you swap out your air filter to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your air conditioning system? In most cases, air filters should be changed about once every 90 days, but this will vary depending on whether you have pets in the home, the size of your home, and other factors.

3. Trim Back Landscaping Around Your Condenser Unit

The part of your central AC unit that is located outside is called the condenser unit. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is failing to keep the area around the condenser unit free of overgrown grass, shrubs, or other greenery that could restrict airflow or cause debris to become lodged within the unit itself. By taking the time to trim back landscaping around your condenser, you can protect this expensive component from damage.

A little effort goes a long way in extending the life of your home's AC system. From there, you can save money on AC repairs while keeping your home nice and comfortable all summer long!

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