Have you ever wondered what goes into a heating or air conditioning system for a large office building or another large building like a mall or a school? My name is Evelyn, and I am an HVAC architect. I design heating and air conditioning systems for large, corporate buildings. Making sure that a large building with many rooms or offices is efficiently heated and cooled is a very large job and is much more complicated than simply heating or cooling a home. This blog will educate the reader on how heating and cooling jobs this large are designed and completed.
Nicole Jacobs
Central air conditioning units are not cheap, so it's in your best interest to ensure that yours lasts for as long as possible. Here are five quick tips to increase your air conditioner's lifespan – some of which require a little help from an HVAC professional, like those at Wright Total Indoor Comfort, and others of which you can do on your own.
Vacuum out your vents and cold air returns – or have your ducts cleaned.
If debris is allowed to build up in your ducts, it could then accumulate on your air conditioner's coils and force it to work harder. The harder your air conditioner has to work, the faster it will wear out. Have a professional clean your ducts out every few years, or at least use a vacuum to clean out your cold air returns and vents. This is especially important if you live in a home with pets or an older home where dust is plentiful.
Change your air filter.
You probably know to change your air filter every one to three months – but do you actually do this? Your air conditioner has to work extra hard to push through a dirty filter. Set a reminder on your phone so you don't forget to put a new filter in. Consider stocking up on filters ahead of time to save trips to the store.
Push that thermostat up a few degrees.
Do you really need your home at 68 degrees all summer? Get used to keeping your home a few degrees warmer, and not only will you reduce the strain on your air conditioner, but you'll also save on energy costs.
Don't put a makeshift cover on your condenser.
Some people try to protect their condensers from harsh weather by covering them with tarps or homemade covers. This is a bad idea, since it traps moisture inside and accelerates rusting. Leave your condenser uncovered, or use a cover made specifically for the make and model of air conditioner you have. Such a cover will be designed to allow your air conditioner to breath properly.
Clean your air conditioner condenser annually.
Cleaning out a condenser is pretty simple. You essentially turn the power off to the condenser, remove the cover, use a hose to clean out the unit, and then put everything back together. If you're not confident tinkering with the condenser on your own, most HVAC specialists offer this service for a marginal fee.
Your air conditioner won't last forever, but it can last for many years with the proper care. Following the tips above will certainly get you off to the right start.