Having an air conditioner in your home can greatly improve your family’s comfort. However, to get the most out of your air conditioner, you’ll want to keep the maintenance of your unit up to date. Failure to do so may result in extensive AC repairs and put your family’s health at risk.

Most new air conditioning units on the market can last from 15 to 20 years with the right maintenance. By following these five tips, you can better ensure your AC unit’s longevity. 

Your HVAC unit comes armed with air filters to capture debris and prevent your unit from malfunctioning. Your filters can become filthy or clogged so that you can avoid the need for AC repairs with regular air filter changes. Check the manufacturer’s recommendation for change frequency. 

Your drain line is responsible for draining moisture collecting near your conditioner’s evaporator coil. If you notice a leak inside your home, your drain line may be clogged due to a build-up of algae or other muck. You can prevent this issue by regularly inspecting your drain line and flushing it with bleach. 

You’ll want to clean your air conditioner once a week or when needed. One method is vacuuming the fins of your AC unit with a soft-bristle brush. Just make sure to consult your owner’s manual to lift off the box properly, so you don’t damage your AC’s fins. 

It’s easy to forget to turn off your air conditioning unit or adjust its temperature before leaving for an extended period. This costs you money, but it also shortens the AC unit’s lifespan. With a programmable thermostat, you can set it up to operate at different temperatures throughout the day. 

Another way to maintain the condition of your AC unit is by controlling the heat in your home. A simple fix is by eliminating heat entering through your windows. In addition to keeping your windows closed, covering them with blinds or drapes on very hot, sunny days can help prevent outside heat from entering your home. 

Air conditioning units should last a long time, and these tips will help ensure their longevity. Sometimes, however, you may need an AC repair or replacement. Count on professionals for AC repair when you need it.