Houstonians understand that cooler temperatures are not a guarantee during the fall months. Warmer weather tends to stick around for a while – sometimes through December! But how can you expand the life of your AC to keep up with Texas weather? Along with an AC tune-up, here are four easy ways to help your AC unit last longer.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
One of the simplest household upkeep tasks is one that is often overlooked. The air filter captures harmful contaminants like dust, dirt and pollen to keep the air in the home clean – and allows cool air to flow freely. A dirty air filter prevents clean, cool air from circulating through the home and can cause uneven cooling. It is recommended to replace the air filter every three months during spring, winter and fall – and once per month during summer when the AC is used more often. This simple chore a few times per year can greatly affect the longevity of your AC.
Pick a Consistent Temperature
Sneaking behind your housemate’s or your partner’s back and adjusting the thermostat a few degrees may not seem like a big deal, but it can decrease the life of your AC unit. On average, an HVAC system can last 10-15 years with proper care and use. Making your AC work harder and turn on more often can reduce the expected lifespan. A best practice to make your AC last is to compromise on a consistent temperature – and spare your AC the extra work.
Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
It’s no surprise that regular AC maintenance plays an important role in giving your HVAC system a longer lifespan. Having a professional tune-up can lead to discovering and resolving minor issues before they become major problems, resulting in any major repairs or the eventual replacement with a new AC unit. Schedule AC tune-ups before the summer and winter months for improved energy efficiency and AC lifespan.
Show the Outdoor Unit TLC
The outdoor unit is exposed to various elements 365 days per year and can build up damage that affects the efficiency of your AC. Dedicate a few minutes per week to clear leaves, twigs and other debris that may have gathered around your unit. Be sure to keep up with surrounding landscaping like bushes and grass, maintaining a minimum of two-foot clearance around the unit to prevent air flow blocks.
It’s time to schedule an AC tune-up, Houston! Contact Mission Air Conditioning & Plumbing today to enroll in a monthly or annual maintenance plan for your AC system.
