Your air conditioner works hard when you run it during warmer months in Linden, NC. The years of use can add up and cause your system to wear down. Let’s take a look at some helpful tips for making your AC last longer.
1. Change the AC Filter
Changing your AC’s filter is so simple that it might not seem like it should have a huge effect on the system. However, your filter accumulates dust and debris over time. Ideally, you’ll want to replace your filter every two to three months.
Clogged filters force your air conditioner to work harder to pull in air. With all the debris blocking the airflow into the system, getting more air becomes difficult. That can cause the motor in the air conditioner to burn out faster than it should.
2. Open Supply Vents and Doors
Sometimes, homeowners close interior doors and supply vents to help save energy. They think that will help reduce the amount of space that needs cooling and, thus, make it easier on the air conditioner.
However, that can throw everything off balance. An HVAC system is typically sized for your home as it is, not for a smaller space. The AC won’t work as efficiently, and the lack of airflow into parts of the home can allow humidity to increase in those areas.
3. Don’t Block Any Vents
Blocking a vent is akin to clogging the filter; it makes pulling air into the system and pushing it back out into the room more difficult. It also prevents the air entering the room from circulating easily. Obviously, the air will eventually circulate, but the obstacles formed by furniture that’s too close to a vent will block efficient flow.
The result is that you’ll have warm and cool spots in the room. That could make you change the thermostat setting more than you have to.
4. Do More Indoor Air Quality Control
Go back to the filter for a minute. What clogs the filter is a combination of dust, pollen, loose carpet fibers, pet dander and so on. You’ll make life a lot easier for you and your AC if you try to clean up as much of that as possible before it hits the filter.
Dust and vacuum at least once a week, twice if possible. You’ve got to improve the indoor air quality to help your filter avoid a clog.
5. Stick to Certain Temperatures
Constantly changing the thermostat setting can make your air conditioner wear out more quickly. Stick to one temperature during the day and one during the evening. Consistency will help the air conditioner last longer as it won’t have to accommodate so many changes.
6. Keep Your System in Good Shape
Duct cleaning, which is typically recommended for homeowners every three to five years, involves removing the dust and dander that eventually builds up in them and can give you peace of mind. Maintenance appointments should be consistently scheduled at least once per year to make sure any loose or broken components are promptly taken care of. If a professional technician detects leaks during a maintenance service, for example, they can repair them so that air isn’t leaking out before it reaches the supply vent in a room.
7. Check Doors and Windows for Leaks
Doors and windows with warped or cracked seals and gaps allow cool and warm air to seep in and out. That makes it harder for the air conditioner to keep the house at a consistent temperature. That, in turn, means your system has to work harder, and it could wear out more quickly.
Our locally owned and operated team has over 50 years of experience providing 100% customer satisfaction. Contact Cape Fear Air, Electric, & Plumbing in Linden, NC to inspect and maintain your air conditioner and keep you comfortable this spring.
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