Ways to Make an Air Conditioner Last a Little Longer

Correct Sizing

• Maximizing your air conditioner's life begins with the purchase itself. Buying a unit that is an improper size for your house can make the system give out before its time. This is especially true if you are attempting to cool a house that is too large for the air conditioner you are using. It will have to work too hard to cool the interior and will therefore break down more frequently and not last as long. Oversized units will turn on and off too often, increasing the wear and tear and reducing the lifespan of the system.

Regular Maintenance

• Keeping up the maintenance on your air-conditioning system is a very important part of extending its life. Have the system serviced annually prior to starting the air conditioner up in the spring to make sure it is in good working order. Running the system without all the required elements in place could cause it to wear out much earlier than it would under optimal conditions.

Install Ceiling Fans

• Install ceiling fans to equally distribute the cool air throughout the house. Turning on ceiling fans in every room will help the air conditioner balance the air distribution and make it run more efficiently. These additions to your home may also allow you to turn your system off more often when the weather is not extremely hot. Both the efficient operation of the system and less use will extend the life of the product.

Good Airflow

• Air conditioning needs good airflow to operate at maximum efficiency. If debris obstructs the intake around the outside unit or if the air filter inside the house is dirty then the system will be forced to work harder, use more energy and will not cool as well. This is an all-around drain on the system and will certainly shorten its life. Keep the outside unit of your central system clear of debris and change the filters monthly to maintain the best airflow and to maximize the life of the system.

Wash the Outside Unit

• Each time you mow the grass or at least once per month you should spray off the outside condensing unit of your air-conditioning system to clear away dust and debris that could find its way into the cooling-coil area. This will maintain the cleanliness of the unit, and it will not have a chance to become overly dirty, which will make it run less efficiently and may shorten the life of the system.

Don't Overuse

• Overusing the air conditioner will wear it out more quickly. Remember to shut off your system when you don't need it or when you will be away from home for extended periods of time. Try using fans and opening windows to reduce the need for your air conditioner.