AC Maintenance to Extend the Life of Your AC | Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling

Top 7 Ways to Extend the Life of Your AC | Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling

At Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling, we understand the importance of a well-functioning air conditioner, especially during the sweltering heat of Arizona. That’s why we are dedicated to providing effective and easy-to-follow ac maintenance tips to ensure your unit runs smoothly for years. 

Benefits Of Regular AC Maintenance

Regular air conditioner maintenance offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it significantly enhances the efficiency of your unit, leading to lower energy bills. Regularly serviced ACs are less likely to suffer from major breakdowns, ensuring consistent comfort during hot seasons. This maintenance also extends the lifespan of your unit, providing long-term savings on potential replacement costs. Moreover, it improves indoor air quality by ensuring clean filters and coils, thereby reducing allergens and pollutants in your home environment. Overall, AC maintenance is cost-effective for ensuring optimal performance and comfort.

Seven Tips For AC Maintenance

 1. Regular Filter Changes: The First Line of Defense

Why It’s Important: Your AC’s filter is crucial in trapping dust, debris, and allergens. A clogged filter forces the unit to work harder, increasing wear and tear. Over time, this can lead to inefficient cooling and higher energy costs.

How to Do It: Check your AC filter monthly and replace it every 90 days or more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty area. Opt for high-quality filters for better air quality and efficiency. Remember, a clean filter ensures better airflow and reduces the risk of indoor air pollution. This simple step not only prolongs the life of your AC but also keeps your home environment healthier.

 2. Keep the Coils Clean: Ensuring Optimal Performance

Why It’s Important: The evaporator and condenser coils collect dust over time, reducing the system’s ability to absorb and expel heat. Dirty coils can increase energy usage by over 30%, making your unit less efficient and more costly.

How to Do It: Annually, gently clean the coils with a soft brush and specialized coil cleaner. Be sure to disconnect the power to the unit before starting. Ensure the surrounding area is free of foliage and debris to improve airflow and prevent further dirt accumulation. This enhances efficiency and prevents overworking the system, which can cause premature wear.

 3. Ensure Proper Airflow: Unblock and Clean Vents

Why It’s Important: Restricted airflow can strain your AC, leading to overheating and potential breakdowns. Proper airflow is essential for efficient operation and to prevent unnecessary stress on your system’s components.

How to Do It: Regularly check and clean all vents and registers in your home. Make sure furniture or drapes are not blocking them. Consider having your vents professionally cleaned to remove deep-seated dirt and debris. This helps maintain consistent temperature control throughout your home, reducing the need for your AC to work overtime.

 4. Regular Professional Maintenance: A Necessity, Not a Luxury

Why It’s Important: A professional technician can spot potential issues before they become major problems. Regular maintenance can identify and rectify small issues, such as refrigerant leaks or electrical problems before they escalate into costly repairs.

How to Do It: Schedule an annual maintenance check with Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling. Our experts will thoroughly inspect, clean, and tune up your system to ensure it runs efficiently. This includes checking all electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, and ensuring the thermostat works correctly. Regular professional maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your unit but also maintains its warranty.

 5. Thermostat Settings: Smart Management Saves Money

Why It’s Important: Overworking your AC can shorten its lifespan. Smart thermostat settings help maintain a balance between comfort and efficiency. The right settings prevent unnecessary strain on your AC, especially when you’re not at home.

How to Do It: During summer, set your thermostat to a comfortable but not overly cool temperature. Consider a programmable or smart thermostat for better control and energy savings. With a programmable thermostat, you can set higher temperatures when you’re away and cooler temperatures when you’re home, reducing wear and tear on your system.

 6. Check and Seal Ductwork: Prevent Air Leaks

Why It’s Important: Leaky ducts can cause significant energy loss and strain AC. Properly sealed and insulated ducts can improve the efficiency of your air conditioning system by as much as 20%.

How to Do It: Inspect your ductwork annually for leaks or damage. Use mastic sealant or metal tape to seal any leaks. Consider professional duct sealing for optimal results. Additionally, insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces to prevent temperature losses. This not only improves the efficiency of your AC but also ensures even temperature distribution throughout your home.

 7. Protect Outdoor Units: Guard Against the Elements

Why It’s Important: Your outdoor unit is exposed to harsh weather conditions and debris, which can impact its efficiency. Protecting it helps in preventing damage and maintaining its efficiency.

How to Do It: Keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris. In harsh weather, use a protective cover to shield the unit. Also, ensure a two-foot clearance around the unit for proper airflow. Regularly inspect for any signs of rust or corrosion and address them promptly to prevent further damage.

Partner with Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling for Long-lasting Comfort

Regular AC maintenance is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of your air conditioner. Following these seven tips from Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling, you can enjoy a comfortable home environment and avoid costly repairs. For professional guidance and services, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can ensure your AC system stays in top condition year after year. Call Arizona Valley Heating & Cooling today for all your AC maintenance needs!

Still need help with your HVAC Unit, or have Troubleshooting questions, give us a call at 602-832-5786

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