If you live in a humid, hot climate like the American South, you know how much your air conditioner can come in handy. Your AC is one of the most significant monthly expenses in your home, and it’s also one of the most useful.

If you want to keep that expense down and extend the life of your unit, there are some simple maintenance tips you can follow. If you don’t take care of your air conditioner, it won’t last as long and will cost you more money in repairs over time.

What many people don’t realize is that even if you have a smaller unit, like a window AC, or a central air system that isn’t very big, they all require some level of maintenance to keep running efficiently.

Change Your Filters Monthly

If you have a central air system, you can extend the life of your unit and reduce your energy bills by keeping your filters clean. If you have any allergies or respiratory issues, this is extra important.

Dirty filters can clog up and reduce the amount of air your system can move through your home. This can not only make you feel uncomfortable, but it can also put stress on your air conditioner. Cleaning your filters allows your unit to operate at peak efficiency and use less energy overall.

If you have a window unit, you can still clean your filters, but you will also want to check them for any build-up and clean them off as needed. You’ll also want to change them about once a month. Filters can get dirty, just like your dish towels, so check them now and then and replace them when they get dirty.

Rotate Your Condenser Coils

Another great way to keep your central air conditioner in good shape is by rotating your condenser coils. This is a good thing to do once a year for regular maintenance. Moving these coils around can help your system distribute its cool air evenly throughout your home. It can also prolong the life of the unit.

With a window AC unit, you don’t have a condenser coil, but you can still clean the internal coils periodically. This will help your unit cool better and run more efficiently. If you have a unit outside on your roof, you can also clean your fan blades and debris from around the unit’s base.

Check For Leaks Once A Month

Whether you have a window unit or central AC, you’ll want to check for leaks monthly. You can do this by pouring a little water around the unit and on the floor where it sits. If you notice a puddle of water around your unit, you’ll know there’s a leak.

If so, you’ll want to get this fixed as soon as possible. Leaks can quickly cause damage to your unit and your home. For a window unit, you’ll want to check the seals around the unit and make sure they’re not worn out or cracked. You can replace these as needed.

Turn Off Your AC When You’re Not Home

Central AC units are usually left running 24/7. This is so that it’s ready to go when you need cool air. When you’re not home during the day, though, your AC isn’t being used. The same is true if you’re only home in the evening.

You may only need it on for a couple of hours or less. You should turn your AC off if you’re gone for more than 4 hours. This will help your unit last longer and run more efficiently. It will also save you money on your energy bills. If you only need your unit to run for a couple of hours, you might want to try shutting it off and turning it back on again once you’re home. This can help ensure your system is ready to go when you need it again.

Conclusion

The best way to extend your air conditioner’s life is to provide regular maintenance. This includes cleaning your filters, checking for leaks, rotating your condenser coils, and shutting off your unit when it isn’t in use. These simple tips can go a long way towards keeping your AC running efficiently and helping you save money on energy bills.