How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Air Conditioner

Each summer comes the dread of unexpected costs that will pop up for home maintenance projects—one being maintaining or replacing your cooling system. Chances are, if you regularly upkeep your A/C system, you’ll save yourself another year from worry. Replacing an HVAC system due to continued negligence could cost you thousands.

At S&S Heating and Cooling, we will provide you with an honest assessment of your current A/C system and provide a free estimate for any repairs or, as a last resort, replace your current system if necessary.

Let’s first take a quick look at how you can extend the lifespan of an air conditioner. Then contact us to schedule an A/C repair or service.

Contract an A/C Maintenance Service

Is yearly maintenance really necessary? Yes! Looking at the big picture, it saves you money. If you don't get the unit serviced, you may not know there are any issues until they become overwhelming issues and consequently more expensive to fix.

Best Time to Service

The middle of summer is a busy time for A/C repair. If you wait until hot weather arrives, you could find yourself sweating while you wait for an HVAC technician to fix any issues they find. Not to mention, if any new parts are required, that could extend the time you are without A/C.

Scheduling service during winter is also not recommended because running the unit in cold weather may damage it. Spring is the ideal time for servicing. S&S Heating and Cooling offers a professional maintenance program where we can conveniently service your system every spring and fall.

What Does an Annual Service Cover?

Certain service programs may offer more options depending on the brand and age of your unit, but here are some standard checkpoints: replacing air filters, inspecting coils, condensation pump, thermostat check, HVAC visual inspection, and cleaning out dust and debris.

Do-It-Yourself Maintenance

Despite there being maintenance programs, there are certain easy tasks that you could do yourself to help extend the life of your unit, too.

Winterizing Your Air Conditioner

After cleaning the area around the condenser of all dirt and debris, rinse the unit with a garden hose to remove any bird droppings, insects, or dirt. Insulate any exterior pipes with foam tubing and protect exterior units with a good close-fitting cover so it doesn’t fly away later.

Remove any excess snow or ice from the top of the unit during winter.

Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil might collect dirt and debris over time, reducing airflow and efficiency. Sweep a soft brush along the coils and a foam cleaner on the coils when you notice it accumulating grime and dust.

Replace Air Filters

Air filters can get clogged quickly, significantly reducing your air conditioner's efficiency and making it harder to cool your home. There are health risks when not changing your filters, as well.

You should actually be changing the air filters at least every 90 days, but do you know anyone in your neighborhood who does this? If you are forgetful or want a different solution, there are better filters for people living with pets, children, or family members with allergies. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends using a filter with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating of 11 to 13—the higher the MERV rating, the better.

That being said, changing filters before the 90 days is even more ideal if you remember to because it keeps pollen, bacteria, mold spores, and pet dander away more efficiently.

Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioner With S&S Heating and Cooling

Your HVAC system is one, if not the most vital element in your home. Why not schedule a service with an HVAC professional and licensed contractor? S&S Heating and Cooling can service, repair, or replace anything necessary to get you back to comfort.

We also install ductless mini splits, which are quiet, energy efficient, and versatile enough to heat or cool a whole house or one room effectively.

While mentioning urgent to-do tasks, we can also repair or install water heaters.

Call us today at 507-796-6391 or fill out our free estimate online form!