How Can You Make Your AC System Last Longer?

Yes. You can make your air conditioner last longer. And you don’t have to torture yourself by turning it off when it’s a hundred degrees with 100% humidity either.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Make Sure You Install the Right Size

Okay. So you’re probably not going to do the installation. But, you can make sure you hire a contractor who knows how to install the right size for your home (many don’t).

Air conditioning system sizes are spoken of in “tons.” One “ton” equals 12,000 BTUs of energy.

It’s actually fairly complex to calculate the right size. But understand that it depends on the local climate, the size of the space to be cooled, and the type of system.

If you’re installing a new system, make sure to ask your contractor how they make this calculation.

And to shed a little more light on the issue, learn more about sizing an AC system in this post and this post.

2. Install in a Safe Location

Shade and an open spot free from weed, bush, or tree growth is the ideal location for an AC system.

You can have weeds around your AC system, but they’ll have to be trimmed or pulled. And when you do cut them, make sure you don’t use a weed whip or lawn mower.

Instead, pull them out by hand or use a shears.

If you use a power tool of some sort, that flips bits and chunks of the weeds into your AC system, which can reduce its operating life.

3. Do Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

You can do this yourself. You can also have a contractor do it. The point is that it’s done and done on schedule.

Check your air filter monthly during high-use seasons and bi-monthly during lower use. Inspect the unit to make sure it’s open and free from weeds and other plant growth.

Clean the coils. Make sure the fins stay separate and in-line like they should and straighten with a fin comb if necessary.

And make sure the condensate drain isn’t clogged.

4. Inspect Ductwork

Here you have a great opportunity for additional energy savings right now. Basically, check the ductwork for any leaks or cracks.

You can light an incense stick and pass it around the ductwork to find the precise location of leaks.

And this technique also reveals leaks your hands have a much harder time detecting.

So that’s a simple plan to make sure your AC system lasts as long as possible.

Enjoy the extra cash in your pocket!