AC system has now become an essential device in every household. The average temperatures have increased all around the globe due to global warming. Therefore, most people are looking at sweltering summers paired with humidity. In this season, we all tend to overuse our air conditioners, leaving them turned on for more than 10 hours a day. But like any other appliance, AC systems have a lifespan. You can prolong this period using simple yet effective methods that can boost the efficiency of your air conditioner. Listed below are five tips to maintain your AC system durable.

Filter Checks

Dirty filters can cause serious damage to your AC system. Replace the filter every month or check if the one you are using is washable. You can clean the filter with a vacuum by gently sweeping over it. It will remove the dirt, and you can save some money as well. The second cleaning option is another DIY. You can wash the filter with water and soap or another cleanser. You should keep in mind that AC system filters are not suitable for washing machines.

While changing the filter, run a quick check to see if there are any rips or tears. If there is any damage, your only option is to replace the filter. A good tip is to check the filter’s minimum efficiency reporting value. This value ranges from one to twelve for AC systems, and if the value is 10, for example, it means it provides a high-quality filtration.

Filters seem like the unimportant parts in the AC unit when they do most of the job. Maintain them yourself or call a service provider to help you, because these tiny polyester fibers can extend your AC system’s life.

Compressor Maintenance

Another central part of the AC system is the compressor. This component is responsible for raising the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant that leaves the evaporator coil. Basically, if the compressor doesn’t create a pressure difference, the freon will not flow. This air conditioner part usually locates outside the house. Experts advise us to install the units on the north or east side of the house to shield them from the sun. If the AC system sits in direct sunlight, its efficiency drops by 10% percent. Because the compressor is on an outside wall, you can clean the space around it and get rid of any hanging branches, shrubs, leaves, or tall grass. This action qualifies as maintenance work, and it surely helps your AC system.

Most people clean they’re outside AC units by spraying water on them with a hose. Let’s clarify this issue: spraying water on a compressor is a big don’t! The water pressure can bend the grill fins. Instead, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris. If this job seems hard, don’t hesitate to call an HVAC professional that can make your AC system good as new in no time.

Air Duct Leaks

AC system maintenance includes air ducts cleaning as well. The air ducts are the ones keeping our houses cold and chilly by recirculating the airflow. Hence, tubes should be regularly cleaned to avoid any clogs or damage. Another thing that can happen is leakage. Air ducts air flow can decrease down to 30% percent because of leaks. You can use an old household trick to see if there are any leaks in your home. Light an incense stick and hold it near the duct connections. If the smoke blows around, chances are you’ve got leakage. But, this is the most you can do. Instead of trying to fix things by yourself after watching a YouTube tutorial, leave things on the hands of a pro. Make your AC system durable and use professional maintenance service as often as you can. By doing so, your air conditioner will work at full capacity for the next few years ahead.

Evaporator Coil Replacement

Also called a heat pump, the evaporator coil is the AC system part responsible for cooling the home. The evaporator absorbs the heat and reduces the temperature. The lower the coil pressure is, the lower the temperature. It is called an evaporator because it transforms the refrigerant to vapor. When the freon enters the evaporator, it is 80% percent liquid and 20% percent vapor.

After reading how this AC system component works, some of you will wonder, “How can I maintain this or how do I know it needs maintenance?” Well, the answer is simple: you will see some leakage or the AC system will shut down completely. Evaporator coils can leak water or develop rust. Damage also includes freon leaks which can freeze the evaporator. You can also check for warm air flowing from the vents or inspect the compressor’s copper lines. If the edges look icy or frosty, the AC system’s evaporator coil might be failing.

Following these simple tips can take you a long way. As you can see for yourselves, evaporator coil problems are a bit harder to detect if you are not a professional. You can do random checkups by yourself from time to time or schedule an appointment for specialized service. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Things We Can All Do

Exactly, this is about the small things we can do to extend our AC system’s durability. On top of this, these tricks will put some money in our pockets and help the environment because they are energy savers.

There is no need to keep the AC on full blast while you are not home. Nowadays, most air conditioners have built-in timers or thermostats. Before leaving for work, just program the timer to a higher temperature that will gradually decrease by the time you are coming back so you will find a lovely, fresh home. If you are not leaving for long periods, don’t shut off the AC system, especially when you are dealing with hot weather. If you do, turn the unit off. When you try to start it up again, the compressor is going to overwork itself.

Other things that you can do to extend the life of your AC system are: keeping some of the window blinds down during the day, help the air flow circulation by leaving some doors open or pair the air conditioner with a fan for an extra coolness boost.

All in all, there are many things that we can do to make our AC systems more durable. We just need to know when it is time to stop and call the pros. Sure we can change a filter by ourselves, but when it comes to lubricating motors or inspecting controls,  we should let an expert do it. Scheduling checkups and maintenance services are the least we can do to improve our AC systems and the air quality in our homes.

About AFR Dynamics

AFR Dynamics is an AC system and HVAC service and solutions provider. Our client base grew solely upon “word of mouth” and integrity, honesty, and care is our catchword. The AFR Dynamic team provides outstanding services, and high-quality products backed up by strong warranties. We are here 24/7 for you, and it is our pleasure to help you.