In some places, summers can be brutal, with blazing sun and scorching heat that make you sweat through your clothes. This weather calls for the sweet cool air of the AC when you go home after a long day in the scalding heat. If you live somewhere that experiences hot and humid summers, you must ensure that your AC unit can ‘take the heat.’ Since they don’t come cheap, you should always maintain your AC unit in good working condition to prolong its lifespan. Here’s how you can make this happen.

1.   Keep It Cool

When you install your AC unit, it’s important not only to pick a clear location without clutter but one that is away from any source of heat. It’s vital that your AC unit always stays cool to prolong its lifespan. If your unit is already installed in a sunny or hot location, use drapes and blinds to minimize sunlight, or you can plant a tree by the outdoor unit for its shade. Just make sure it’s not too close that debris will enter the unit. You can also use fans in mild weather to relieve the stress from your AC unit.

2.   Replace Filters

The air filters in any AC unit are important parts that determine the unit’s longevity. Filters prevent air contaminators like dirt and dust from circulating in the space and the cool air. With time, these filters can lose their efficiency, become unclean, and influence your unit’s performance. It’s crucial that you either regularly clean or replace them. You can either call a professional or clean them yourself using a vacuum cleaner or water with soap.

3.   Keep It Clean

Like anything else in the house, an AC unit needs frequent cleaning to run smoothly for as long as possible. When you leave an air conditioner without cleaning for a prolonged period, dirt will accumulate on the condenser coil, preventing heat absorption, and consequently, reducing airflow and quality. Therefore, it’s important to learn how to clean a window air conditioner yourself to keep dust at bay. You might think it requires a professional to remove and clean the filters and condenser coil, but there are ways to do it yourself without hassle.

4.   Regular Maintenance

The most guaranteed way to make your AC’s lifespan longer is to schedule regular professional maintenance. It’s best to hire a reputable HVAC company like Magnolia Heating and Cooling. During a maintenance check, your unit will be inspected for any problems it has or could develop, as well as cleaned professionally from any dust and debris affecting its efficiency. The best time for a full tune-up is during spring, right when summer is starting to creep up, to make sure that your unit is ready to brace through the scalding hot months. This simple check-up can save you a lot of money spent on repairs and parts to fix performance issues in the long run.

5.   Use Programmable Thermostat

Everyone in the house rarely agrees on the same room temperature, and constantly changing it can put stress on the unit. Using a programmable thermostat will adjust the temperatures to reduce the toll on the unit. For example, reducing the temperature when you’re not home. It allows you to set a schedule of the times you sleep, go to work, or when you’re at home for the day. There’s also a smart thermostat that allows you to have different temperatures in different areas of the house; this will prolong your AC’s life and save you a lot of money.

6.   Don’t Forget the Outdoor Unit

Many people will do their best to take care of their AC but forget about the outdoor unit completely. However, this part, known as the condenser, is essential to maintain if you want your unit to stick around for a while. You have to keep it clear of any objects and trim any plants or trees that could damage it. Otherwise, you’ll risk having objects entering it, causing even bigger problems that will require professional fixes.

Ultimately, the only way you can prolong your AC unit’s life is by making an effort to keep it in good condition throughout the year. You must regularly monitor its performance, look for any changes, and check on its parts to ensure that everything is running properly. Don’t ignore signs like strange noises or dripping water because, with time, they could turn into a bigger problem, forcing you to pay a small fortune for a new unit. Whenever you notice anything unusual, call a professional right away to assess and repair the damage before it escalates.