4 Tips for Extending Your AC’s Lifespan in Angleton, TX

AC systems are vital in Angleton, TX because they help with braving brutally hot temperatures. However, HVAC equipment degrades over time because of wear and tear, making it require repairs. You can extend your AC’s lifespan by following the below four tips.

1. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Although there are a few things that you can do on your own to prolong the life of your AC, no other measure is as important as scheduling regular maintenance. HVAC industry experts recommend that homeowners have their systems inspected and maintained once a year.

When an HVAC technician comes to perform an inspection and maintenance, you can expect the following:

• A thorough check of the condition of HVAC equipment
• Lubrication of all moving parts
• A check to make sure there are no electrical failures
• Cleaning and removing clogs from the condensate drain if any are present
• Calibrate the system
• Air flow checks

2. Replace Your Air Filter Regularly

Though a technician can replace your air filter for you, this is a task you can easily do on your own. Industry specialists recommend changing out your air filter at least once every 90 days, but the exact period between replacements can vary depending on the conditions in your home.

Not replacing your air filters will cause dust and debris to build up in your system, which can diminish both your home’s indoor air quality and system performance. After having to work so hard for so long, system failure can result.

3. Keep Temperatures Consistent

Continuously adjusting thermostat temperatures will put strain on your system and cause it to work harder. Your compressor can eventually fail because of trying to keep up with the constant temperature changes. Not to mention, you will see a significant increase in utility bills.

The best way to keep temperatures consistent and maximize the lifespan of your AC is to get a programmable smart thermostat. With one of these, you can set a desirable temperature and let the thermostat do all the hard work. Newer thermostats have a recovery mode that will gradually change the indoor temperature to reduce strain on system components and save energy.

4. Check for Leaks

There are two types of leaks that can impact a central AC setup: air leaks and liquid leaks. Air leaks result from a hole or gaps in the ductwork or some other part of the system’s internal workings. Air escapes the ductwork, thus disrupting proper airflow and causing overall system performance to decrease.

Experts estimate that as much as 25 percent of cool air can leak out air ducts. As a result of these air leaks, your energy bills may turn out to be up to 20 percent higher than they should be.

Water and refrigerant are the two main types of liquid that can leak out of an AC. A refrigerant leak can negatively impact system performance because low refrigerant levels can put a strain on your compressor. Your system compressor will work overtime to try and cool your home.

Water leaks can pose their own problems. One of the most common reasons for your AC to leak water is a clogged condensate drain.

If you allow water leaks to continue unaddressed, ice can build up on your evaporator coil, or your compressor might fail. Both are serious issues that have the potential to cause total system failure. Hence, it’s important to be on the lookout for such problems and call for maintenance or repairs to address them. If your system is blowing warm air, it’s also possible you have a blocked condensate line.

To ensure your system continues to perform optimally and cool your Angleton, TX home, call Davis Air Conditioning & Heating for first-rate AC services. We will thoroughly inspect your system and advise you of any problems to enable you to avoid costly repairs and premature system failure.

Image provided by iStock