With warmer weather right around the corner, you’ll soon be depending on your air conditioning system to keep your family cool and comfortable during Chicago’s hot and humid summer.
An air conditioner is a significant investment in your home, and it’s important to do everything possible to ensure it works to its fullest potential.
The best way to prolong the lifespan of your A/C system is to follow a maintenance routine. You’ll want to focus on keeping it clean, well maintained, and free from debris both inside and out.
Here are a few tips to help extend the functional life of your air conditioning system, and keep it humming along for many years to come:
Keep the outdoor unit clean and clear.
Be sure there are at least two feet of clear space surrounding the outdoor unit at all times. If you have shrubs, trees, or other landscape features nearby, keep them neatly trimmed so they don’t grow into the unit. The less obstruction, the longer the entire system will function.
Check the airflow from vents.
The vents inside your home are responsible for dispensing cool air. Over time, these vents may become blocked. Appliances, furniture and wall coverings are three common reasons for such blockages. They not only increase the indoor temperature but also cause the air conditioning unit to work harder than necessary.
Use the clothes dryer at night.
Give the air conditioner a break, and dry clothes at night when the outdoor temperature is cooler. The dryer releases warm air into the home. When the thermostat senses this warmth, the air conditioner turns on more frequently. The additional cycling introduces more wear and tear on the system that can shorten the unit’s life.
Turn off unused electronics.
Not only does turning off unused electronics and appliances cut down on your electricity use, it helps keep the home cooler in the summer. The same principle as the clothes dryer applies—electronics, such as computers and TV screens, give off heat and make your air conditioning run unnecessarily to compensate.
Take full advantage of window coverings.
Uncovered windows allow heat to enter the house, causing indoor temperature to rise. Use blinds, curtains, and shades to cover windows during daytime hours rather than relying solely on the air conditioner to cool your home.
Regularly change the unit’s air filter.
A clean air filter allows ample air circulation throughout the home. Unrestricted air circulation also stops harmful debris from entering the air. With proper circulation, A/C unit sensors activate as needed, instead of in short-time frames. Further, this means internal parts of your system aren’t coated with dust and dirt allowing for a mechanical malfunction. Check the packaging on your air filter, as it should state how often to change or clean the filter.
Hire a professional and licensed HVAC company.
An A/C unit involves an intricate combination of electrical and mechanical parts that must function in cohesion. If something is amiss, the entire system can shut down. Repairs on your valuable air conditioning system are best left to a well-trained technician.
You should generally have your air conditioner serviced twice yearly — once in the fall and once in the spring. This is to ensure it is clean, its parts are in good shape, and it is operating as optimally as possible.
HVAC replacement can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to plan and save before the need to replace a unit is immediate. Rather than facing an emergency during extreme summer temperatures, you will have the luxury of selecting a qualified HVAC technician and appropriate equipment without rushing.
Like any other machine in your home, if you follow a regular preventative maintenance routine and operate it appropriately, your chances of keeping the same unit for 15-25 years dramatically increase.
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Flader Plumbing and Heating is uniquely suited to assist you in determining the solution that best fits your home and family’s needs. We’ve been serving your neighbors and our community for over 100 years and 4 generations.
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Whether you want to maintain your air conditioning system, need a new water heater, or are looking to protect the air quality of your home, we are knowledgeable and provide expert service. Our professional technicians arrive on time, listen to your concerns, and answer your questions. They will recommend the right solution and deliver as promised.
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