Having your air conditioning services checked annually can help you avoid expensive repairs in the future. But there are other ways to ensure that you don’t need frequent repairs or replacements of your AC unit. Making simple lifestyle changes can help keep your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently. Here’s a look at how you can proactively protect your AC from costly repairs.
1. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
One of the best things you can do for your air conditioner is to change the filter regularly, as it helps improve airflow and prevents dirt from building up on various components inside the unit, resulting in strain and reduced efficiency. Changing your filters every three months is recommended, depending on how often you use them.
2. Keep Your Unit Clean
It’s important to clean around the outside of your air conditioning unit regularly by removing any debris or dirt which may have accumulated over time – this will help keep it in proper working order and reduce the risk of breakdowns or malfunctioning parts. Cleaning off leaves, branches, dust, cobwebs, etc., will ensure that the unit runs more efficiently and lasts longer without needing major repair work done on it.
3. Keep Vents Unobstructed
Make sure that no furniture items are placed near vents as they could block airflow and cause problems such as poor cooling performance or increased energy costs due to increased usage by trying to cool a bigger space than intended. If possible try not to obstruct any vents within rooms too – even if they’re not directly connected with the air conditioning system itself as this will also impact its functioning abilities when used together with other heating/cooling systems installed in a property (such as radiators).
4. Get Professional Maintenance Done Annually
Getting regular maintenance checks done on your AC unit annually will help keep it running smoothly and identify any potential problems before they become serious issues requiring costly repairs down the road – so make sure that you get one done at least once per year or as advised by manufacturer specifications/recommendations (preferably both). This type of ‘check-up’ should include inspecting all components for damage/wear & tear signs – cleaning out condensate lines/drains (if present) – lubricating moving parts where required – checking refrigerant levels & pressures – testing electrical connections/wiring etc… All these tasks combined should help prevent major issues arising in future years which would likely require expensive replacement parts being fitted or entire new units being purchased altogether so having these basic checks undertaken regularly really pays dividends!
5. Check The Area Around Your Unit For Leaks
Leaking water near an outdoor AC unit is never a good sign – check for signs such as puddles forming around its base periodically so that any issues can be identified early enough before becoming serious problems which could lead to expensive repair work being needed in future years on account of structural damage caused by prolonged exposure/leaking over time; take particular care when inspecting older models of units – these are more prone to leaking due to age-related wear & tear taking effect during their operational life span so extra attention should always be taken here!
6. Utilize Smart Thermostat Technology To Monitor Usage
Smart thermostats are great tools for tracking usage patterns and identifying potential areas where energy savings could be made, either by reducing overall hours of operation/temperature setting adjustments, etc. These devices allow users greater control over their home climate settings from anywhere via remote access capabilities, enabling them to better monitor temperatures within specific rooms whilst away from home, which ultimately reduces unnecessary energy consumption resulting in cost savings in the long term plus fewer repairs due to due diligence paid up front through effective monitoring practices enabled via these smart thermostats!
7. Use ceiling fans to increase efficiency
Ceiling fans are another great way to increase efficiency by helping to distribute cooled air throughout larger rooms more quickly, meaning less strain is placed on the actual air conditioning units themselves, thus reducing the chances of mechanical failures due to excessive use over longer periods of time – in addition, using ceiling fans along with other cooling solutions such as window mounted units also helps to significantly cool down ambient temperatures more quickly, again resulting in lower bills overall plus fewer repair visits required when compared to standard operating procedures previously used prior to installing the fan(s) in question area(s).
8. Reduce heat generated within the home
Finally, try to reduce the amount of heat generated internally through means such as switching lights off when leaving the room, not actively using appliances accordingly, ensuring power sockets aren’t overloaded at any given point in time, etc… Reducing internal sources of heat generation goes a long way to helping keep external temperatures cooler thus preventing strain put on existing cooling systems installed property causing them to suffer malfunctions sooner otherwise expected had action has been taken preventative maintenance basis outlined above article has helped provide some practical tips for those wanting to ensure their homes remain comfortable during warmer times of the year without needing to call out engineers expensive repair works taking place too frequently!