You can expect the compressor in your air conditioner to last about 10 to 12 years. Fortunately, by utilizing certain proven cooling tips, you can increase an air conditioner’s life span.
Here are the most effective cooling tips for helping your A/C last longer.
Reduce excessive use
- Only run the air conditioner when it’s hotter outside than inside.
- Raise the temperature when the house is vacant for at least a four-hour stretch.
- Keep all windows and doors closed when running the air conditioner.
- Close vents to unoccupied rooms to prevent cooling empty spaces. Don’t shut more than a quarter of your home’s vents, however, or you could damage the system due to excess pressure.
- Consider a zoning system for an ideal method of cooling sections of your home independently.
- Reduce indoor humidity by running hot water appliances only in the evening and showering with the exhaust fan on.
Increase comfort with fans
Air circulation created by a ceiling fan helps you feel about four degrees cooler, meaning you can set the thermostat to 78 degrees and feel as comfortable as though it were 74 degrees. This four-degree difference saves you 3 to 5 percent on your cooling bills.
Change the filter monthly
The air filter should never be allowed to get dirty enough to impede airflow, since this could damage the system and cause premature failure. Prevent this by investing a few dollars in a new air filter every month or two. A filter check light indicates the right time to check the filter.
Schedule annual preventative maintenance
Among other services, a technician does the following during an annual inspection:
- Check the refrigerant charge, making adjustments that could improve efficiency up to 20 percent.
- Measure airflow, correcting rates if needed to boost efficiency by 5 to 10 percent.
- Seal and insulate ductwork to reduce energy consumption by 10 to 15 percent.
With these cooling tips, you’re good to go all summer long. Learn more by contacting Bryans United Air Conditioning. We’ve proudly served the New Orleans metro area since 1982.
Written by Zach Mouton
