Extend the life of your Air Conditioning Unit and Save on Energy Costs
Did you know that in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area, a well maintained AC unit’s lifespan can be up to 12 to 15 years especially when you take into account near round-the-clock Summer time usage.
However, in order to extend the life of your AC unit, we’ve put together some tips you can use.
Change Your AC Filters
It is very important, particularly during the Summer months here in central Arizona, that you change your AC filter at least once per month. A dirty or clogged AC filter can really hinder your AC units ability to work efficiently and makes your equipment work harder which may cause your unit to fail sooner.
Ensure your Outdoor AC Unit is clear of obstructions
The outdoor part of your AC unit that sits on the concrete slab next to your home should be free of any obstructions, such as plant or tree branches, leaves, etc. It is also important that your exterior AC unit is sitting on a flat, level slab, that is raised several inches above ground level to avoid damage resulting from monsoon rains that might otherwise accumulate inside the bottom of the unit.
Flush Out Your AC Drain Line
A central air conditioning unit will have a condensate drain line that removes moisture collected by the evaporator coil as air passes over it. It is important that you keep your condensate drain line clear throughout the summer months when usage is high. A clogged condensate drain line can result in overflow of the drain pan which can cause water to pool around your indoor air handler. When this happens, it could also lead to water damage to your interior ceilings and walls and cause a system shutdown. Keep in mind that your drain line could be in perfect shape and instead you may have a cracked drain pan that is leaking. Either way, you may want to contact the experts at Eagle Air to come up out, twice a year (once at the end of the Summer and once at the end of the Winter) to check your AC system to make sure it is in good working order.
Use Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans help to direct the flow of air around the room by enabling the cooler air to be drawn up towards the ceiling.
Check You Vents
It’s a good idea to periodically check to make sure that your air vents are free of obstructions for both the air outlets and return air grilles. It’s also wise to clear the grilles of any accumulated dust and debris that may have built up over time.
Close Curtains, Drapes and Blinds
Closing your window curtains, drapes and blinds especially where the sun beams through can help to mitigate the heat buildup in your home, so that your AC unit does not have to work as hard and you can save money on energy costs.
Do Preventative Maintenance
You may want to sign up for an AC maintenance plan to optimize the performance of your AC equipment helping it last longer and run more efficiently, thereby saving you money. Part of the maintenance process is to clean built up dirt and dust on the indoor coil. Our dedicated AC service technicians can clear your unit’s coil when it’s dirty during a preventive maintenance visit.