Did you know that how you use your air conditioner can have negative effects on how much wear and tear the unit takes on? Using and caring for your air conditioner properly will go a long way toward extending its lifespan by reducing strain.
When you do need air conditioning repair in Montgomery County, PA, you can give our team a call. In fact, professional maintenance is one of the ways that you can protect your air conditioner from undue stress. Keep reading to learn more about how to lighten the load on your air conditioner so that it can have a longer lifespan.
Change the Air Filter
One of the best and simplest ways to reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner is to change out the filter on time each month. If the filter gets too clogged with dirt, it can block airflow coming into your air conditioner. Without airflow to cool down and blow into your home, your air conditioner faces undo strain. It will begin to work harder to bring in airflow, still battling against a clogged filter.
Rinse the Condensate Drain Line
Another great way to reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner is by rinsing out the condensate drain line. Pour a half a cup of vinegar in the condensate drain line once per month. This helps to reduce mold and mildew growth in the line, preventing clogs that cause water buildup in the and allow humidity to evaporate back into your home.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
Keeping the outdoor unit clean is just as important as cleaning your air filter and rinsing out the condensate drain line. The outdoor unit is where heat releases after being removed from the air in your AC. If the outdoor unit is clogged with dirt, heat gets trapped inside your home. This means that your air conditioner will have to work harder to produce the same cooling results as it battles against persistent heat.
Check Thermostat Settings
You can also be aware of setting reasonable temperatures on your thermostat. Setting the temperature too low in the summer will only make your air conditioner work harder toward results that are simply not achievable. Your air conditioner can only realistically cool your home about 20° lower than the outdoor temperature.
Experts recommend that you set the thermostat at 78° in the summer for cooling. If this is still too warm for you, get as close as you can. Setting your thermostat even just a few degrees higher than you usually do can make a big difference on reducing strain on your air conditioner.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Aside from these homeowner maintenance tips, you can also invest in maintenance with our team of expert technicians. We work on air conditioners day in and day out. We can often identify problems that you don’t even realize are there yet. Professional air conditioning maintenance is a great way to ensure the longevity of your unit.
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling does what’s right for our customers. Schedule an appointment with our team today for AC maintenance.