Don’t want to replace your old air conditioning system just yet? Check out these tips on how you can keep an older AC system running longer and more efficiently.
Are you dealing with an old AC system in your home? Are you hoping it’ll keep chugging along until you can replace it? What are the best steps for maintaining and prolonging your AC unit’s life? Understandably, many homeowners worry about how much time they have left before their aging air conditioner needs replacing. However, letting it go completely untreated is a surefire way to decrease its lifespan. Luckily, several strategies are available to help ensure your current cooling system continues running properly.
1. Perform Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance is vital for keeping your cooling and heating system running efficiently. Technicians at Lex Air can give you free estimates on system replacements and repair services, but regular maintenance is the most cost-effective way to keep your AC running. You should have your AC system serviced at least once a year. This will help identify any potential problems before they become bigger issues while also helping you avoid costly repairs.
A practical AC maintenance checklist includes the following:
- Checking the thermostat settings.
- Inspecting the ducts and vents for leaks.
- Cleaning or replacing air filters.
- Examining all major components.
2. Check the Temperature and Pressure of Your System
Taking the time to check the temperature and pressure of an operating system can help ensure that it will run as efficiently as possible. Temperature and pressure control are essential for making sure a system’s components aren’t at risk of overheating, wearing out, or otherwise becoming damaged.
Regularly monitoring these settings can help you save money long-term and prevent catastrophic events like data loss or system failure. Though it may not be the most exciting task, doing a quick check every once in a while to ensure everything is running within safe parameters is a smart use of your time and will pay dividends.
3. Replace Any Worn Parts
Keeping your air conditioner running smoothly by replacing worn parts before they break down is essential to keeping yourself and your family cool during the summer months. While it might not be the most glamorous job, fan belts and motors may need to be replaced occasionally to ensure the optimal operation of your AC system. Of course, by doing this, you’ll reduce the energy costs associated with cooling and avoid expensive repairs that can arise if you don’t keep on top of maintenance.
4. Use a Surge Protector
As a homeowner, protecting your major household appliances from the devastation of power outages is essential. Did you know that a surge protector can help prevent lightning and weather-related power losses from damaging your air conditioner (AC)? It’s true. A surge protector works by channeling excess voltage away from your AC unit and into the ground, providing a ‘buffer’ against any sudden electrical signals in the power supply.
Not only is it an easy addition to make for better AC maintenance, but it also gives peace of mind. Plus, surge protectors are relatively inexpensive and easily installed at home. Investing in one can be an invaluable way to save yourself from costly repairs or even replacements when unexpected power drops occur.
5. Insulate Ducts and Windows to Reduce Energy Loss
Installing insulation for ducts and windows may seem like an overwhelming DIY task, but the benefits of keeping your home energy efficient are worth it. You can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars on your energy costs each year if you buy the right type of insulation and correctly insulate both window units and HVAC ducts.
Plus, it’s an easy project that doesn’t require digging or drilling large holes into walls—it’s as simple as attaching the pre-cut pieces of insulation to the necessary areas. Add a few hours to your weekend and take care of this critical home maintenance task; after all, you did choose wisely when deciding where to live.
6. Consider Getting an Energy-Efficiency Rating
If you’re considering making your home or office more energy efficient, then getting a rating of the efficiency of your system should be at the top of your list. Many homeowners think they must invest heavily in new equipment and technology to reduce their utility bills – that’s not always true. You may find that simply understanding how much energy your current system consumes can yield numerous savings opportunities.
An energy-efficiency rating objectively assesses current performance and can provide valuable insight into where and how you’ll get the most bang for your buck. Once you have your rating, you’re well on making informed decisions about which components are best worth upgrading for maximum energy efficiency, resulting in long-term cost savings and better stewardship of our planet’s resources.
In Conclusion
Maintaining your air conditioner is essential to keeping your home cool and comfortable during summer. Taking care of simple maintenance tasks can help you reduce costly repairs down the line while saving energy and money. Invest a few hours into caring for your AC system, and you’ll thank yourself when it comes time to beat the heat.
