Understanding Filter Concerns

As any desert dweller in the southwest United States knows, air conditioning is essential for keeping a home cool during the relentless summer heat. Unfortunately, because air conditioning is often used both day and night during the hottest months of the year in the desert, the lifespan of an air conditioning unit can be shortened if it is not properly cared for. Use the following tips to keep your A/C running for as long as possible before it needs to be replaced:

Schedule Regular Professional Tuneups

An air conditioning unit is a complex piece of machinery, and maintaining it is not a DIY project. It is highly recommended to have your air conditioning serviced regularly by an experienced HVAC technician, like those at United Heating Cooling and Plumbing Inc. A good rule of thumb is to schedule your air conditioning tuneup in the spring months, so you will know that it is in good working order and ready to cool your home during the summer. During a tuneup, the HVAC technician will check coolant levels, clean the condenser coils, lubricate parts if needed, and alert you to any problems that should be repaired ahead of the heat.

Keep Your A/C Unit Shaded

Your outdoor A/C unit sucks in hot air and then rapidly cools it before the cold air is blown into your home. An air conditioning unit that is shaded will maintain a cooler temperature when it is hot outside, so it will not have to work as hard to cool down the air. This can prevent a lot of wear and tear on your air conditioner, and also help reduce your summer cooling bills. If you elect to plant trees or shrubs near your air conditioning unit, make sure you inspect the area often to make sure that no leaves or branches become stuck in the unit.

Pay Attention to Your Air Filter

One of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioner in good shape and help it last longer is by changing your air filter regularly. A dirty air filter makes it much harder for your air conditioning unit to force cooled air into your home, so take a few minutes of your time to look at the air filter every few weeks to see if it is time to replace it. If the air filter is covered in dirt and debris and you are unable to see through it when you hold it up to the light, it is time to throw it away and put a fresh air filter in.