With our extreme Central Texas heat, we depend greatly on our air conditioning units. So much so, it’s hard to imagine getting through a summer without one. Because of this, proper maintenance and care of your unit is crucial in order to extend the lifespan of your air conditioner. While there are many factors in how long your unit lasts you (amount of use, make, model, age, and more) there are many things you can do to keep your air conditioner running for as long as possible.

Change The Filter

Changing your air filter is one of those pesky tasks that can be easy to forget about. It is recommended (depending on use) that your air conditioner’s filters be changed monthly. Your air filter works to keep dirt, dust, and other types of residue out of your unit so that it can circulate clean air at the proper temperature. If you don’t change your filter regularly, then it is likely that your unit is not able to keep air flowing at full capacity as the built up grime literally blocks the space available for air to get through. Aside from the temperature of the air in your home, all of the air that you and your family breathe in goes through that filter. Keeping it clean isn’t just necessary for prolonging your A/C unit – it helps keep you healthy as well.

Monitor Usage

While it might be asking too much to limit your air conditioner usage when you are home, you might consider how hard it works when you are not. If you keep your AC unit pumping extra cold one hundred percent of the time, you are shortening its potential life span. If you are going out of town, consider turning it up to around 85-88 degrees. This will provide a good balance of energy savings and dehumidification. If the house is empty during the day, especially during those extra hot day time hours, simply turning up the temperature on the thermostat so that the unit isn’t having to work quite as hard can help prolong its life.

Tune-Ups

While there are many things you can do yourself to keep your unit in full working order, having regular professional tune-ups is the best way to ensure you get as many years out of your unit as possible. Hiring a trained eye to work on your A/C will not only give you the peace of mind that your unit is getting proper care, but will also allow you to catch potential issues before they become serious. Do yourself a favor and schedule a tune up on your air conditioning unit today!

Ready to schedule your unit’s annual tune-up maintenance? Contact AirOne Heating and Air Conditioning, a San Marcos HVAC repair company, to schedule an appointment with a professional technician.