3 Maintenance Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Air Conditioning Unit

Air conditioning is an innovation that makes life easier and more comfortable for millions of people across the U.S. It renders sweltering summers and the rising temperatures induced by climate change more bearable, helping buffer individuals from heat exhaustion and heatstroke. 

However, this marvelous invention, like others of its kind, is far from immortal. The average lifespan of an air conditioning unit runs from 15-20 years, though this is, of course, largely dependent upon the quality, type and brand of the air conditioner. Another factor that impacts the life of a unit is care. Taking a few simple maintenance steps can help prolong one’s lifetime. 

1. Give It a Break

Running full power for 24 hours a day is taxing on any machine and can result in it wearing out prematurely. Turn off the unit before leaving the house. Don’t keep the thermostat at the same setting all the time; turn it down during cooler periods and at night. Doing so will give it a much-needed break, and, as a bonus, it’ll correlate to a drop in the monthly electricity bill. 

2. Clean It Regularly

Vacuum the fins on the evaporator and condenser coils and the coils themselves. Brush off any big debris like leaves and twigs. Dirt and other matter can block airflow, reducing the ability of the coils to work properly. Clean or change out the filters regularly (depends on if you have reusable or nonreusable ones). Doing so will lower energy consumption and help prevent overheating.

3. Hire a Professional 

While simple problems may be fixable without consulting outside help, for major issues, it is important to leave repairs to a trained emergency ac repair Massachusetts service to avoid damaging the unit further. Having a technician perform regular tune-ups can also help prevent problems from occurring in the first place.

Doing simple maintenance on air conditioning units can extend their life and save individuals trouble and money in the long run.