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Regular maintenance keeps your air conditioner functioning properly, protects your investment and ensures that your home will be cool and comfortable throughout the warmest months of the year. Colorado and Wyoming homeowners can rely on Rheem Pro Partner for professional maintenance, but here are five simple ways you can extend the life of your air conditioner.
Making sure your air conditioner has a clean filter is, perhaps, the simplest and most cost effective way to keep your system working efficiently and effectively. The filter prevents dust, dirt and debris from clogging the condenser and damaging the equipment. When the filter is dirty, the air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home, using more energy for the same or worse result. Your energy costs go up and your air conditioner wears out faster, not only increasing operating costs, but incurring costs for repairs and possibly for a replacement sooner than necessary. Check your filter once a month. Replace it when necessary to save 5-10% on your energy costs and for your peace of mind.
Over time, through normal operation, the ducts and registers in your home become dusty and dirty — and maybe even clogged. This impedes the performance of your air conditioner, causing it to work harder to cool your home. If they are very dirty, have your ducts professionally cleaned.
Cracks, leaks and insufficient insulation waste energy and increase your energy costs. Check around doors and windows for leaks. Seal any cracks or gaps with caulk or weatherstripping.
Overuse will shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner. Install a programmable thermostat to easily control when the air conditioner turns on and off, so it is not running when no one is home or at night when the outside air is cooler. Opening windows to take advantage of natural breezes during these times allows your air conditioner to rest.
Even with the other steps that you can do yourself, annual professional maintenance is necessary to keep your air conditioner performing efficiently and effectively. Your HVAC professional can prevent problems and address any issues before they become costly. Keeping your air conditioner in good shape each year will keep it working well year after year, extending the life of your system and saving you money in the process.