Replacing an air conditioner can be a significant investment. As a homeowner, you want to avoid AC replacements as long as possible. By getting the best AC maintenance Portland offers, you can increase the lifespan of your AC and avoid costly replacements in the future.
How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your AC Unit
On average, an air conditioner will last 15 to 20 years. However, this is only true if your AC has been properly maintained. Regular air conditioner maintenance service and timely AC repair in Portland can extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Over the years, we’ve developed an AC guide for our homeowners to use that includes all of the best maintenance and repair practices. The following six tips are some of the top things you can do right now to protect your air conditioner’s longevity and avoid spending money on expensive AC replacements.
Schedule Timely Repairs
One of the most important things you can do to extend your AC’s lifespan is to schedule timely repairs. When one part of your air conditioner starts to break down, it places an added strain on other components. As a result, you are more likely to develop additional issues later on.
At Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we offer same-day services. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait for repair help when your AC breaks down. In addition to reducing the strain on your system, the timely air conditioner repair Portland offers can help improve your energy efficiency and save money on your power bill.
Get Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance is essential for protecting your AC’s longevity. Ideally, you should schedule a routine maintenance check each spring before the weather warms up. We offer a service plan that covers all your regular cleanings and inspections.
Between inspections, we recommend cleaning around your outside unit. You should remove any branches, leaves, and debris that are within 2 to 3 feet of the unit. Otherwise, your outdoor unit can become clogged by debris and work less efficiently.
Change Filters
Some routine maintenance tasks can be done on your own. Depending on the manufacturer, most air filters need to be changed or cleaned every 30 to 90 days.
If you don’t replace your AC filter in a timely manner, dirt and contaminants can end up getting onto your evaporator coils. When this happens, the AC becomes less efficient. Eventually, it can cause evaporator coils to freeze. You can prevent the need for AC repair in Portland by simply adding a reminder to your calendar about changing your air filter each month.
Inspect and Recharge Refrigerant
ACs cool the air through refrigerants. The AC’s refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and then releases it outdoors.
However, small leaks can develop over time that allow refrigerants to escape. If your refrigerant levels are low, your AC has to work harder to cycle the refrigerant and transfer heat.
During your routine maintenance appointment, one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians will inspect your refrigerant levels. Then, we can recharge your AC if the refrigerant level is too low.
It’s important to call a professional to inspect your refrigerant levels because these chemicals are hazardous to breathe in. Due to environmental and human health hazards, the federal government requires refrigerants to be handled by a certified professional.
Install a Smart Thermostat and Better Insulation
There are a few easy steps you can take to lower wear and tear on your HVAC system. With a smart thermostat, you can choose various temperature settings for different times of the day. This allows your AC to work less when you’re away from home or asleep at night.
Additionally, you may need to inspect the insulation in your home. Insulation plays a key role in keeping heat out of your home in the summer, so your AC doesn’t have to work as hard. If the insulation’s R-value is lower than the recommended amount, you may want to replace it.
Clean Your Ducts and Vents
The best air conditioner repair in Portland can help you diagnose, clean, and repair common duct issues. One of the ways you can help is by regularly cleaning your vents. Start by removing your vents and washing them in warm, soapy water. As the vent dries, you can use a vacuum to clean out anything that is in the duct.
Over time, holes and cracks can develop in your ductwork. If you notice that air is escaping, it’s important to call a professional to get your ducts sealed. When air escapes from your vents, it forces your AC to work harder to create more conditioned air. Once your ducts have been sealed, you can enjoy having better energy efficiency and a more comfortable home.
Why AC Tune Ups Are Important
If you want to avoid getting AC repair in Portland, AC tune ups are essential. Through the most reliable AC maintenance Portland offers, you can enjoy the following benefits.
- Better energy efficiency
- Lower power bills each month
- Fewer AC repairs
- More consistent temperatures inside your home
- Longer AC lifespan
- Improved indoor air quality
When you get an AC tune up, the technician will clean and inspect your air conditioning unit. By doing this, they can spot potential problems. Then, you can get minor issues repaired before they turn into a major issue.
During your air conditioner maintenance service, we’ll perform the following tasks.
- Clean lines and drains
- Inspect all AC components
- Check and seal ductwork
- Inspect the outdoor compressor for problems
- Clean and inspect condenser coils
- Test and calibrate thermostats
- Evaluate blower motors and belts
- Inspect ductwork for leaks
- Check coolant levels
- Lubricate moving parts
- Inspect and tighten electrical connections
Improve Your Air Conditioner’s Lifespan
Your HVAC system doesn’t just impact your energy consumption. It also determines how comfortable your home is and prevents contaminants from getting into the air you breathe. By getting AC maintenance service in Portland, you can extend the lifespan of your AC and avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
To learn more about our air conditioner maintenance service, reach out to Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today.