When it comes to the equipment we use for our homes, nothing compares to the importance of our air conditioners. When the blistering temperatures and scorching humidity levels arrive in Florida, our AC units save us from the unbearable weather. Each and every day our AC unit works hard to keep us comfortable means more wear and tear on our system. As the years of use start to add up for our air conditioner, that means we must do our best to keep them in good working order. We all know that dealing with a broken AC unit can be miserable, in addition to the costly process of getting a replacement. Therefore, although your current air conditioner is starting to show its age, doing your best to make it last will be well worth it in the end. Most AC units should last at least 10 years with proper maintenance and care. When your system reaches its golden years, implementing the right strategies can help maximize the efficiency of your older AC unit.

Reducing Energy Costs

As our air conditioning units get older day after day, it’s a guarantee that you’ll eventually see your efficiency levels start to diminish. But with proper AC unit care, you can help limit the blow and add years to the lifespan of your system. If you have an aging air conditioner, consider the following steps to ensure your AC unit and home stay energy-efficient:

Keep Up with Changing Filters

Your air conditioning filter has a direct effect on the energy-use inside your home. When our filters are dusty and dirty, your system will work harder, thus using more energy. When we properly change our air conditioning filters every month or so, you’ll see better energy efficiency from your system. Especially with older systems, changing AC filters is extremely important. Since older units already struggle to keep up with the demand, using clean, fresh filters won’t put any unnecessary stress on your system. If you want to increase the energy efficiency of your home while allowing your system to last longer, make sure to change out your AC filters regularly.

Get Maintenance Service

Aside from making sure to change out your filters, regularly maintaining your AC system is also vital for the lifespan of your system. Since older units pose a greater chance of breaking down, maintenance is more important than ever. Depending on the age of your unit and the use it gets, you should have air conditioning maintenance performed at least 1-2 times a year. It may seem like an unnecessary inconvenience, but one or two simple maintenance visits per year can make your system last for many years to come. From cleaning components to replacing parts, regular tune-ups necessary for increasing energy-efficiency while providing more comfortable indoor temperatures. If you have an older system that is nearing the end of its life, AC maintenance is a must.

Set Your Thermostat Properly

For those with older air conditioning systems, over-working the unit is a common mistake. By constantly cranking down the temperature on our thermostat, our unit will work harder to keep up with the demand. If you think cranking your AC down a drastic amount will cool your home faster, you’re mistaken. Although you’ll experience a cooler home eventually, turning the temperature down to 60 degrees won’t cool your home any faster. Additionally, you must consider the outdoor temperature. The hotter it is outside, the more work your system has to endure. Although that may not be a huge issue with newer AC units, older models will lose their power much more quickly. To ensure your aging system stays energy-efficient, proper use of your thermostat is key.

Limit the Heat in Your Home

Although there are many ways to limit energy consumption while your AC unit is running, finding ways to keep your unit off is very beneficial for energy-efficiency. Just like all machines out there, the more use they get, the more wear and tear you’ll see. But when the muggy weather arrives in Boynton Beach, FL, running your air conditioner is inevitable. To keep energy costs low and efficiency levels high, there are some things you can do around the house. Check out the following list to see how you can save your AC unit from the unnecessary strain:

Use fans throughout your home
Make sure to use blinds and window coverings
Cook outside to avoid heating up your kitchen
Limit the use of your stove and oven
Don’t overuse televisions and other electronics
Install fluorescent light bulbs
Seal leaks in your ductwork

By taking advantage of these energy-saving tips, you could experience hundreds of dollars in energy savings. In addition, these steps can allow your AC unit to last for longer than you expected. With so many ways for energy to be wasted, it’s easy to accomplish. From using our television to constantly running the appliances in our kitchens, there are many ways to consume energy. But by focusing on the list above, you and your family can experience a more comfortable environment without putting too much harm on your aging air conditioner.

We’re the Energy-Efficiency Experts!

If you have questions about the energy-efficiency for your home or if you want to discuss a new AC installation, give us a call today! East Coast Mechanical has exceptional technicians well-versed on how to keep our homes as energy-efficiency as possible. Since 1985, we’ve been the leader for everything heating and cooling in the Boynton Beach, FL area. We offer fast energy-efficiency testing to see where your home stands. Our air conditioners are vital to the comfort and energy usage of our homes. As our AC units get older, it’s more important than ever to keep up on maintenance and make sure energy consumption stays at a minimum. Make an appointment today for an energy-efficiency checkup!