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For people in warm regions like Singapore and Mexico, air conditioners are basically a vital lifeline during the hot, balmy summer months. It’s hard to imagine life without them! Not only do they keep the air cool, but they also ensure healthy airflow and filter out allergens and pollutants that may be floating in the air. But, much like any appliance, there will come a time when your AC will take its last breath, and that’s when you’ll need to replace it. However, if you follow these helpful tips, you can extend the life of your AC System for as long as you possibly can.
Clear Your AC Drain Line
The first way to extend the lifespan of your air conditioner is by keeping your drain line in tip-top condition. You can easily keep your drain line clean by flushing one cup of chlorine bleach solution down it. After doing this, you should rinse it using a gallon of water. Adding an “EZ Trap” tubing system can also help you spot any blockages so you can clean them before they have the chance to clog up your drain.
Keep your AC in the Shade
A great way to increase your AC’s lifespan is to always keep it in the shade. When your AC is placed in direct sunlight, it forces your appliance to work extra hard to combat the extra heat. Keeping your unit in the shade, or placing a sunshade over it, can protect it from the sun and make it more efficient, effectively prolonging its life span. You should also make sure that it is placed on a leveled ground so it doesn’t lead the air conditioner to overheat.
Ensure Outdoor Space is Clear
A hack that can make your machine more efficient is to make sure that there is always an empty 2-meter radius around your air conditioning unit. If you have any trees or bushes nearby, you should make sure they are always trimmed and don’t interfere with the system. Other items should also be removed as any near the unit can cause your system to malfunction quicker and need to be replaced.
Have a Routine Chemical Wash
Another way to extend the lifespan of your AC is through a routine chemical wash. With some online research, you can easily find a professional aircon servicing company in Singapore, Canada, Australia, or any other country where you reside. These professionals will clean your unit for you using the right chemicals to help keep your air conditioner in tip-top shape. Chemically washing your unit can effectively eliminate bacteria in a way that standard air conditioning servicing cannot. During a chemical wash, your machine is dismantled and then cleaned using a special detergent, which keeps it working and looking as if it’s brand new.
Keep it on Energy-Saving Mode
Keeping your AC System on energy-saving mode can also positively impact the lifespan of your appliance. You should be extra careful to activate thermostat settings that conserve energy if you tend to leave the air conditioning on at home when you are away. After all, there’s not much reason why you should leave your air conditioner working double time if you aren’t there to enjoy the cool breeze!
Replace Your Air Filters
Routine replacement of your air filters is crucial to the well-being of your appliance. Filters should typically be cleaned every month and replaced every 3 months. You can clean your filters by blowing them with air from a vacuum cleaner, pushing out dust and debris. You can also wash them with soapy solutions but make sure to rinse vigorously afterward and leave them out to dry properly before putting them back in your air conditioner. In general, when it comes to replacing the filters, you should check the type of air filters your appliance has and how often you should order new ones to place in your machine.
Reduce the Load on Your AC
If all else fails, decreasing load on your AC by using other appliances to cool down is a great way to extend the lifetime of your system. Usage of your air conditioner can be optimized by using ceiling fans along with it. This can be done if the weather doesn’t require the AC, or if the fans can be used together with the AC to help the air circulate more efficiently. In this case, you can set your AC on a lower power setting, decreasing the load on the appliance and increasing lifespan. You can also use other techniques, like reflective window films, thick curtains to decrease heat, or smart blinds that can help minimize the use of the air conditioning device.
An air conditioner comes with a big price tag, but in some areas where the weather is hot and humid, it can be the only way to ensure comfort indoors. Having to replace your unit because it has malfunctioned due to lack of appropriate care or because it’s simply been used for too long can be quite frustrating. Fortunately, by taking care of your air conditioner through regular maintenance, routine chemical washes, and reducing the load on the system, you can keep it functioning optimally for much longer.