July 31, 2018

Like every machine, air conditioners and their components eventually need replacement. Even so, there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespans and prevent problems during their years of operation. Here are some tips from Totally Cool, an authorized Lennox dealer:

Get Regular Tune-Ups

Modern air conditioning systems need to be properly adjusted to deliver their best energy efficiency and to prevent problems. A poorly-tuned system suffers from more friction and general wear than one that is looked after on a regular basis. In general, it’s a good idea to have your system tuned every year.

During a yearly tune-up, the technician will also look over all of your A/C’s parts. This allows any emerging problems to be spotted early, and in turn, this lets you have them fixed before they cause catastrophic damage that can destroy your budget as well as your system. A fast fix is one of the best investments you can make.

Keep Your Air Conditioner’s Key Components Clean

There are a few components of your system that are meant to be maintained by you, the user. Start with the air filter. It should be cleaned or replaced approximately once a month during the active season. In the off-season, once every three months is usually enough. If you’re in a dusty area, do it more often, both during active usage and off-times.

Next, go outside and check the exterior unit. It needs to be free of weeds, Spanish moss, and other growth. Keep plants – including intentionally-planted bushes and the like – short for a few feet all around the unit. This ensures that there is good airflow, which is important for the system to be able to offload the heat it has collected. When airflow is poor, the system has to work harder, and it will wear out sooner. One that is fully overgrown won’t be able to work at all.

Fix Problems Upon Detection

Many problems can be spotted during your yearly air conditioning tune-up, but some won’t wait until your next scheduled service. If you notice odd noises, an increase in operating volume, lackluster cooling, or a decrease in dehumidifying efficiency, call us for service right away. Fixing things as they emerge does much to prevent them from becoming system-killing or budget-busting problems.

Schedule a Tune-Up Today

If it has been more than a year since your air conditioner was tuned and inspected, call us here at Totally Cool Heating & Air in Austin, TX today.

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