Keeping your air conditioning unit running for even an extra year makes a noticeable difference for your budget. Homeowners can significantly extend their AC's longevity through proactive measures, including a commitment to repairs and maintenance. With proper attention, you can maximize system performance, cut energy bills, and minimize costly replacements. Maintaining your AC is more than just an occasional task, though. Proper AC maintenance starts with understanding how different factors affect system performance. You can then implement a plan to cost-effectively preserve your system's efficiency.

Your AC Unit's Expected Lifespan

Most air conditioning units operate effectively for 10 to 15 years under typical conditions. However, unit longevity depends on multiple factors that go beyond just the date on the calendar. Compressor maintenance, refrigerant management, and the machine's original manufacturing quality all play roles in determining how long it will run, particularly at peak efficiency. Local climate influences AC performance and durability, too. Regions with extreme temperatures or high humidity place more strain on cooling systems. On the upside for homeowners here in Fullerton, CA, our climate doesn't typically put a heavy strain on AC units. Installation quality is also a predictor of long-term performance. Appropriate system sizing, proper refrigerant charge, and ductwork design can all extend an air conditioner's operational life. In fact, almost anything that reduces mechanical stress extends an AC's lifespan. Well-maintained units in optimal environments often function reliably for 20 years or more.

The Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is the first line of defense for your air conditioning system. Our technicians at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® can identify potential problems in your Fullerton system before they escalate into expensive repairs or complete system failure. Subtle indicators like wear patterns, refrigerant pressure variations, and electrical connection issues indicate that an AC unit may have problems. Improved energy efficiency is a significant advantage of regular maintenance. Minor mechanical issues can cause AC units to work harder, consuming significantly more electricity than well-maintained systems. Simple tasks like cleaning condenser coils, lubricating moving parts, and calibrating electronic controls can restore much of an aging unit's performance. Homeowners should watch for these signs that a unit may be having trouble.

  • Weak airflow
  • Increasing energy costs
  • Musty smells
  • Grinding sounds
  • Noticeable vibrations

Moisture also provides some valuable clues about an AC's performance. Pooled water indoors or outdoors could indicate the system is straining. Moisture buildup in your home away from the system, such as in windows, is a sign that the AC unit isn't sufficiently dehumidifying your house.

Common Maintenance Tasks

Most AC maintenance involves straightforward checks. Some of the work consists of easy DIY tasks, and some is work for one of our technicians. Filter replacements are the most basic and important chore. Homeowners should check filters monthly and replace them every three months. Move up the schedule if your AC unit's filters are visibly dirty before that time. This is a common problem in houses with smokers and pets. It also happens more often in homes near highways or factories. Clean filters keep air flowing smoothly and reduce strain on the system. Most models of filters are fairly cheap and readily available from big-box hardware stores. Coil cleaning maintains system efficiency. Dust and debris accumulating on indoor and outdoor coils can reduce cooling performance. This is work for one of our technicians because there is a risk of damaging the system. You should schedule an annual checkup for your AC, and coil cleaning is typically on the checklist for such visits. Note that additional coil cleanings may be necessary. Some homes are located in dusty areas, and their AC units' coils can foul sooner. Thermostat checks ensure accurate temperature control. Calibration takes only minutes but can prevent unnecessary system cycling and energy waste. The goal is to verify that the thermostat is communicating accurately with the AC unit. Also, you want to be sure that the system is achieving target temperature and humidity levels. This is another task that easily fits into an annual checkup. Mechanical inspections make a notable difference in the lifespan of an AC. If a unit has a refrigerant leak, spotting it sooner is a good idea. Likewise, you want to be sure that the moving parts in the AC are properly lubricated so they can move as freely as possible. This significantly reduces wear and tear, potentially adding years to your system's expected life.

Maintaining an AC When Out of Use

AC systems require attention even during inactive seasons. Protecting your system during periods of low use prevents deterioration and ensures reliable performance when you need cooling most. Moisture is the biggest threat to an unused AC's components. Covering outdoor units prevents debris accumulation. It also helps to maintain adequate ventilation by preventing blockages. Homeowners should lightly clean units before seasonal shutdowns and check for any visible damage or potential entry points for moisture. We also recommend cycling your AC a few times during the winter. Running the system for perhaps 10 minutes a couple of times over the winter prevents lubrication from gumming. It also discourages moving parts from settling into position. Humidity control is essential. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth and component corrosion. Maintaining consistent indoor humidity levels below 50% protects your AC.

Preparing for Seasonal Use

Spring is the ideal window for scheduling a comprehensive system assessment. A detailed inspection before peak cooling season can look for issues like the following:

  • Low refrigerant level
  • Loose electrical connections
  • Poor airflow
  • Pollution and pollen accumulation

It is also a good idea to cycle the AC a few times during the spring just to make sure it has wintered well. If you have a programmable thermostat, you may want to check the settings to make sure they are accurate and still work well for your needs. Spring and fall are good times to do a little work to make sure the area around your AC's exterior components is clear. Clearing leaves from the area is a good job for homeowners. You can also lightly spray the condenser coils using a garden hose to clean them a bit. If vegetation has grown around the AC unit's outside parts, trim the vegetation without letting debris get near the AC. Optimally, you want at least two feet of clearance around your home's AC unit. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® is here to handle all your home's HVAC needs with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee! We are Always On Time…Or You Don’t Pay a Dime!® If you have questions about your Fullerton home's AC system, contact us at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® today to discuss them.