–How to prolong the lifespan of your AC

Maintaining and enhancing air conditioner lifespan is crucial for ensuring its longevity and efficient performance. By adhering to a few essential practices, you can significantly extend the longevity of your AC unit and avoid unnecessary wear and tear. From regular cleaning to temperature control and seasonal inspections, this guide outlines practical tips to help you keep your air conditioning system running smoothly. 

Additionally, we'll explore some valuable suggestions, such as duct cleaning and upgrading to more energy-efficient systems, that can further optimise your AC unit's functionality and reduce energy costs. Whether you have a standalone AC unit or a complex heating and cooling system, these recommendations will aid in enhancing your comfort and preserving your equipment for years to come.

How to Prolong your AC unit lifespan?

Air conditioners represent a significant investment for your home, and you undoubtedly want to maximise its lifespan. So, can you truly double the life of your air conditioner? The answer lies in one crucial rule: take care of it. Like any other household item, your air conditioner requires regular attention to keep it running at its best. 

But where to start? First, let's pay attention to the indoor unit, which can be given that extra boost of life with these easy-to-remember tips. We are using a single-split wall-mounted type unit for this example. As always, we recommend you consult a professional before attempting any cleaning tasks.

Establish a cleaning routine to keep the unit in top shape. Dust and grime buildup can force the unit to work harder, so regularly check for accumulation and dust or vacuum the casing of the unit and fins if necessary.
Similarly, remember to keep the filters clean. This can be done by yourself following the instructions of the unit. It’s common for dust and debris to accumulate on the filters forcing it to work harder.
Temperature matters when helping prolong your AC’s lifespan and you’ll want to avoid abrupt changes in temperature or setting it to operate too cold or too hot.
Schedule frequent checkups for your air conditioner depending on your usage, as it ensures peak performance before the change of season and following months.
Direct sunlight on your indoor unit needs to be avoided. Though this is something that would be considered at the time of installation, if the indoor unit is exposed to direct sunlight it increases the strain on the system during operation, thus its lifespan.

These are just a few of the easy ways that you can safeguard the lifespan of your AC unit.You’ll also want to keep your eye on the outdoor unit. Just like the indoor unit, direct sunlight has a negative impact on the performance and longevity of your system. Also, ensuring there are no blockages around the outdoor unit promotes proper airflow and enhances its lifespan. We recommend you contact a professional before attempting any of these tasks. Following these simple strategies will help your AC stay in top condition.

The importance of regular Maintenance for Your AC

Performing regular maintenance on your air conditioner is crucial for preserving its energy efficiency, extending its operational lifespan, and avoiding unexpected repairs and health hazards caused by dust and grime. To ensure your equipment receives the proper care, it's essential to understand the different types of maintenance available.

Preventive maintenance acts as a safeguard, catching minor issues before they escalate and ensuring optimal performance, ultimately contributing to extending the average AC unit life. Periodic cleaning of the unit, including indoor air conditioner filters, is vital for maintaining the desired temperature, energy efficiency, and healthy indoor air quality. 

Cleaning the indoor unit fins is just as crucial as keeping the outdoor fins clean to prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, which can negatively impact the average life of the air conditioner. By following these maintenance practices, you can ensure your air conditioner runs efficiently, providing a comfortable and healthy living environment while significantly increasing its average life. 

When should you call a Professional to Service your Air conditioning?

Recognizing the warning signs of a malfunctioning air conditioning system is basic before it breaks down entirely and impacts the AC unit lifespan. When certain indicators arise, it's essential to call in a professional technician promptly to address the issues. Understanding the signs of an AC system in need of repair can save you from costly damage or the need for a complete replacement, ultimately contributing to the extended lifespan of the aircon. By taking action early and enlisting the expertise of an experienced technician, you can ensure the proper maintenance and longevity of your air conditioning system. Here are some examples of warning signs:

Short cycling: AC unit turns on and off repeatedly without completing a full cooling cycle, caused by improper thermostat setting, dirty air filter, or low refrigerant levels.
Hot air coming from vents: Indicates low refrigerant or compressor issues.
High indoor humidity: Malfunctioning AC system can't reduce humidity levels, possibly due to a faulty evaporator coil or leaky ducts.
Unpleasant smells: Mold or mildew buildup in the unit or ductwork, or a burnt wire may be the cause.
Water leaks: Common issue that needs immediate professional repair to prevent serious home damage.
Ice accumulation on the unit: This could be a sign of refrigerant or condenser coil issues.
Odd noises: Clanging, hissing, or rattling sounds may indicate belt or dirty component issues. 
Unusually high energy bills: It may signal an inefficient AC system.
Warm spots on your property: This could be due to an issue with the AC or ductwork, needing immediate attention from a professional technician.