Top 9 Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Air Conditioner

AC Repair, AC Tune-Ups

In this blog, our cooling experts will unveil our top tips for extending the longevity of your home cooling system. From ensuring proper installation, to regular cleaning and tune-ups each step plays a vital role in your continued comfort. Read on for more of our best tips!

Posted by Chris | August 28, 2024 | Reading Time: 6 minutes, 41 seconds

Did you know that with a little care and attention you can greatly extend the lifespan of your air conditioner? As our Edmonton summers only get hotter, having an AC you can depend on year in and year out becomes increasingly important.

So in this blog we’ll unveil our top tips for extending the lifespan of your air conditioner. From regular maintenance and smart usage tips, we’ll help you maximize your AC’s efficiency and performance.

We’re the Edmonton AC installation, repair and tune-up experts, we have over 40 years of experience and come to you in fully stocked service trucks with industry leading tools and equipment, ready to complete any job big or small. Give us a call and improve your indoor air quality and home comfort today.

Let’s begin, step 1 to improving your cooling system’s lifespan is below!

an image of a HVAC technician removing a dirty air filter. Image accompanied by text showcasing the importance of taking care of your AC filters.

1.Clean & Change Filters Regularly

Clean filters should always be top of mind when considering air conditioner performance and longevity. Filters clogged with dirt, dust and other debris significantly reduce efficiency, causing your air conditioner to work harder and longer to maintain your desired temperature. The harder the components work, the more energy they consume and can even lead to overheating or indoor coils freezing due to lack of airflow and costly repairs, or full system replacements.

Luckily, cleaning and replacing filters is pretty easy. With a central AC unit, your equipment is connected to your furnace. Simply change out your furnace filter, usually located within the blower compartment near the bottom of your furnace, and replace it with a fresh clean filter.

You can further improve performance by choosing HEPA grade filters for enhanced filtration options.

2.Keep The Area Around Your AC Clean

Keep the exterior of your AC unit free of debris and obstructions such as branches, leaves and dirt to ensure proper air flow.

Cleaning is super simple. Start by gently brushing away loose debris with a soft bristle brush, paying special attention to the fins as they can be delicate. Afterwards, use a hose to wash away more stubborn grime. Make sure you’re using a low pressure setting to avoid damaging your AC.

For added protection, consider investing in an outdoor cover to shield your equipment from seasonal build-up and Edmonton’s harsh weather conditions.

Simple cleanliness steps go a long way to improving the lifespan of your AC.

Two images of dirty AC units. Proper maintenance, including cleaning is crucial to improving the lifespan of your air conditioner.

3.The Importance of Proper Installation

Ensuring the longevity of your air conditioner isn’t just a homeowner responsibility, proper initial installation also plays a crucial role in how long and how well your AC will perform.

Fortunately, when you choose Modern Air & Water you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that our installation process is second to none, and for decades we’ve been the Edmonton Area’s preferred choice for new AC equipment.

Our experts arrive with industry-leading products, fully stocked service trucks and the expertise to install your new AC to the highest standards, quickly and efficiently.

If your AC is over ten years old, upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can help keep your home cooler for longer. Contact us today to discuss your options!

4.Seal & Insulate Your Ducts

Well-sealed and insulated ducts ensure all that precious cold air your AC worked so hard to produce isn’t lost.

To ensure your ductwork is in good shape, do a quick visual inspection every few months to ensure there isn’t any damage. If you notice leaking, you can use foil tape to cover any cracks or seams.

And while you’re up there, why don’t you consider scheduling a comprehensive duct cleaning? Clogged ducts also reduce your AC’s efficiency so trust our team to get the air up there flowing!

You’ll get access to our top-notch HI TECH rotary brush, a powerful suction system that easily brushes the inside walls, tops and bottoms of your ducts. Once they have been cleared, we’ll apply duct sanitizer, an antimicrobial treatment specifically designed to keep pesky bacteria and mold at bay.

5.Keep Vents Unobstructed

Ensuring that your furniture or curtains don’t block airflow from vents is one of the easiest ways to maintain efficient circulation and reduce the strain on your AC system.

You can even use plastic vent domes to ensure nothing gets too close.

An image of a condensing unit for air conditioning systems mounted on the exterior wall of a home, with a background painted in blue and peach. An image of an air conditioning technician preparing to service an air conditioner.

6.Use A Programmable Thermostat

Using a programmable thermostat can extend the longevity of your air conditioner by optimizing its operation, reducing unnecessary usage and preventing overworking and overheating.

By setting unique, precise cooling schedules, you’re ensuring your AC is only running when you need it, minimizing wear and tear. This helps maintain performance and extend its lifespan.

7.Upgrade To Energy Efficient Models

Considering making the switch to a more energy efficient AC unit also helps ensure longevity.

Older units tend to lose efficiency over time, leading to higher energy bills, greater workload and reduced comfort. Newer models offer advanced technology that helps improve energy output and cooling performance,ensuring you stay comfortable for longer.

Upgrading to a more energy efficient model can also improve your indoor air quality, reduce your carbon footprint and potentially qualify you for rebates and incentives.

If a high-efficiency AC model sounds like the perfect solution for you, call in our experts! We install a wide range of 16 SEER and above models, and with our industry-leading, flexible financing options you’ll get access to high quality equipment and service faster than you thought possible.

8.Check and Maintain Refrigerant Levels

Having the right amount of refrigerant in your AC unit is crucial for efficient operation. Refrigerant helps absorb and release heat from the air, an essential part of the cooling process.

If the level is too low or too high, your air conditioner won’t be able to properly disperse heat leading to decreased efficiency and increased wear and tear. Over time this can cause components to overheat and shorten the lifespan of your AC.

It’s also important to note that refrigerant should only be handled by trained professionals. It’s a hazardous substance that can cause environmental harm and health risks, so if you suspect an issue with your refrigerant, make sure to give the cooling technicians at Modern Air & Water a call. We have the expertise and necessary tools to safely handle refrigerant, identify and fix leaks and prevent potential damage. By trusting our team you can ensure your AC runs efficiently and safely, contributing to system longevity.

9.Schedule Regular, Professional Maintenance

Our team is proud to offer only the highest quality AC maintenance service to ensure continued reliability. When you schedule your tune-up, you’ll enjoy:

  • Thorough inspection of your AC and all components
  • Tightening and test of all electrical components
  • Refrigerant top up
  • And, filter cleaning and replacement.

We also offer customizable membership plans that provide you with regular scheduled inspections and tune-ups to keep your equipment in top shape, and catch potential failures before they happen. When you sign up for our ModernCare Membership you can rest assured we’re always with you.

When it comes down to it, extending the lifespan of your air conditioner is all about smart maintenance and timely upgrades. From ensuring proper installation, to regular cleaning and tune-ups each step plays a vital role in your continued comfort.

For more expert AC tips, contact the team at Modern Air & Water, our team is standing by, ready to help!

 An image of a central air conditioner situated outdoors, with residential houses and lush greenery in the background, capturing a summertime setting.
 An image of an HVAC service technician indoors, cleaning a home air conditioner by opening the front covers and removing the filters. The technician is wearing gloves, a hat, and a uniform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an AC tune-up cost?

An AC tune-up from Modern Air & Water is only $139.95, contact us today to schedule yours!

How often should I book AC maintenance?

To keep your unit running its best, we recommend booking your AC tune-up service at least once a year.

How long does an AC tune-up take?

The time it takes to tune-up your air conditioner depends on the size, type and condition of the equipment. Most tune-ups can be done within an hour or two, allowing you to get back to enjoying fresh, cool air sooner.