Every homeowner who has ever had to purchase a new central AC unit knows that they are expensive. For this reason, it is important for homeowners to keep in mind a list of ways that they can increase the longevity of these units. There are some simple, easy steps that you can take to make sure that your AC continues to work just as well 15 years from now as it does today.
Buy the Right Size
One of the main problems that you can face with your central AC unit is simply having the wrong size unit. If the unit is too small for your large house, then it has to work overtime in order to keep the area cool – and it may not do a very good job, at that. This means that you can expect it to break down much more quickly. The same can be said for units that are too large for smaller homes; these will cycle on and off more quickly than normal, thus increasing the wear and tear on internal parts. In either case, choosing the wrong size will take years off of your AC unit’s lifespan.
Proper Maintenance
Although you’ve likely heard it time and time again, this point cannot be stressed enough. The regular maintenance of your central AC unit is the single most important thing you can do to increase its longevity. This starts at home with things like using the correct filters, changing them often, and keeping the outdoor components of your AC clean and free of debris. An annual inspection is also recommended as this can catch any potential problems early and prevent major repairs down the road. If your air conditioner is not in optimal condition each season, it will undoubtedly wear much faster than it normally would.
Use Ceiling Fans when Applicable
While many people are turning away from ceiling fans because they present several cleaning challenges, these can actually help to extend the life of your central air conditioner. First and foremost, running ceiling fans helps to evenly distribute the cooled air throughout your home and help your unit run more efficiently. Additionally, when it is not terribly hot and humid, you may feel comfortable when you shut off your AC and simply enjoy the breeze created by the fans. This can also help your air conditioner last.
Create Good Airflow and Check Thermostat Positioning
Finally it is important to ensure that each and every room of your home has adequate airflow. There is no point in opening registers wide in every single room since smaller rooms need less cooled air than larger ones. Thus, take the time to go through your home and close off registers that are not being used, open those that deliver air to the biggest, most used rooms, and see how you feel the most comfortable. Finally, be sure that the thermostat is not positioned directly in front a vent or in a location where bright sunlight will ‘trick’ it into registering that it is much warmer than it actually is.
If you have questions about the size of your central AC unit, are experiencing issues or would like to schedule an appointment for a knowledgeable professional to come to your home to inspect your unit, please do not hesitate to call us at A Superior Air Conditioning today!
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