Your air conditioner is a significant investment in your home’s comfort, and like any investment, you want it to last as long as possible. It also works hard to keep your home cool in the Dallas heat, so extra care can go a long way in keeping it operating smoothly. The life of an AC unit is about 10 to 15 years, but with proper care, you can extend your AC life and save time and money on repair and replacement.
Contact MHC Air Services to learn more about our VIP Maintenance Program for homeowners in Dallas.
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean
One of the simplest ways to extend the life of an air conditioner is to keep the outdoor unit clean and free from debris. Over time, leaves, dirt, and other debris can accumulate around your air conditioner’s condenser unit, obstructing airflow and forcing the system to work harder than necessary. This increased strain can reduce the AC’s lifespan, lead to higher energy bills, and cause frequent breakdowns.
To avoid these issues, clean your outside AC unit at least twice a year — once before the cooling season starts in the spring and once after it ends in the fall — to help maintain its efficiency and performance. If your property has a lot of trees, experiences heavy pollen, or is undergoing construction, you may need to clean your outdoor unit more frequently.
How to clean your AC’s outdoor unit:
- Turn off the power supply to your AC.
- Trim grass, leaves, bushes, and other vegetation around the unit.
- Using a hose, gently spray the unit to remove dirt and debris. Be careful with the aluminum fins, as they are easily bent.
In addition to these seasonal cleanings, it’s a good idea to perform monthly visual inspections to check for debris or vegetation that might be blocking airflow. Look for clogs in the fins or grills and address any issues you find right away.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Having regular maintenance performed on your HVAC system by a trained professional is another effective way to extend AC unit life. Regular tune-ups help catch minor issues before they turn into major problems, saving you from expensive repairs and ensuring your system runs efficiently. An HVAC tune-up typically includes a thorough inspection and cleaning of all components, including testing the operation and calibration of your thermostat, replacing or cleaning air filters, measuring for correct airflow, inspecting the cooling cycle, testing safety controls, and more.
MHC Air Services offers a VIP Maintenance Program that provides two comprehensive tune-ups for your AC system each year. By enrolling in this program, you’ll extend your air conditioner’s lifespan, increase energy efficiency, reduce your energy bills, improve performance, and lower the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
Change the Air Filter
Changing your air filter regularly is another critical step to ensure a long life for your AC unit. Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in the air filter, reducing airflow and making your system work harder to cool your home. This puts extra strain on your AC, which can shorten its lifespan.
To avoid these issues, it’s recommended to check your air filter at least once a month. For 1-inch filters, replacement is generally needed every month, while 4-inch filters should be replaced every three to six months. Always refer to your unit’s manual or manufacturer’s specifications for guidance on how often to change the filter.
Rely On MHC Air Services To Help Extend Your AC Unit’s Lifespan
MHC Air Services is your partner in keeping your Dallas home cool. As a family-owned and -operated business with over 45 years of experience, we’re committed to providing you with the highest quality HVAC services. Our NATE-certified technicians are trained and equipped to handle all your AC needs, from regular maintenance to emergency repairs. Don’t wait until a breakdown happens — take advantage of our VIP Maintenance Program to keep your AC unit running efficiently for years to come.
Contact our team now to schedule AC maintenance in Dallas.