A dependable central AC system is nothing short of a necessity in certain parts of the country.
Photo by Álvaro Bernal on Unsplash
Needless to say, if you live in an area that receives warm weather year-round or one that’s known for brutally hot summers, it’s in your best interest to keep your air conditioning system in peak condition. Like any other big-ticket appliance, a good AC system should be viewed as an investment – and the longer you make it last, the bigger the ROI. As such, anyone looking to keep their air conditioning setup running like new for the foreseeable future should heed the following pointers.
Have Your System Serviced Annually
Annual service visits can prove tremendously helpful in maximizing your central AC’s performance and lifespan. While it’s true that having the system serviced on a yearly basis is likely to cost a little money, spending a little in the short term stands to save you a fortune in the long run. A knowledgeable heating and cooling professional will be able to administer a thorough system cleaning, swap out any worn-down components and diagnose and repair a wide range of problems. This will effectively nip larger issues in the bud and provide you with valuable peace of mind throughout the entire summer.
A seasoned pro will also be able to address any questions you may have. So, if you’ve ever been curious about how cold should A/C blow, don’t hesitate to ask.
Install High-Quality Ceiling Fans
Although ceiling fans are often regarded as low-rent alternatives to air conditioning, this is actually far from the case. While AC may be the superior cooling aid, reliable ceiling fans can work in tandem with air conditioning to provide you with a consistently cool home. Installing ceiling fans in every area of your home will help ensure that the cool air produced by your central AC is evenly distributed across the entire residence, thereby releasing your AC of some of its burden. The less energy your central air conditioning system puts forth, the more reasonable your utility costs are likely to be.
Additionally, good ceiling fans can sometimes act as stand-ins for air conditioning. For instance, when it isn’t warm enough to warrant cranking up the AC, ceiling fans can help you stay cool – but not uncomfortably cool. Furthermore, by adjusting a ceiling fan’s blades to rotate counterclockwise, you’ll imbue it with the ability to produce a downward-flowing cool breeze.
Let Mother Nature Take Over
When outdoor temps are comfortably cool, you can give your central AC a break by allowing Mother Nature to take the reins. For example, during the summer months, many areas experience noticeable cooldowns during the overnight hours. In situations like this, you can turn off your AC, open some windows and allow your ceiling fans to distribute the naturally cool air from outside throughout your home.
Promptly Address System Issues
No good will come out of allowing issues with your central air conditioning system to linger. Even if a problem seems small or inconsequential, adopting a “wait and see” approach can have far-reaching – and costly – consequences. In addition to impacting system performance, certain AC issues stand to compromise the safety of your household.
So, the next time you encounter an issue with your central AC – no matter how pressing it appears to be – have the problem addressed by a seasoned heating and cooling professional. Although annual maintenance visits can prove very helpful at staving off problems, they’re not a magical shield against any and all potential AC issues. Many people put off calling in professionals because they don’t want to spend money, and while the desire to be frugal is perfectly understandable, it’s not going to serve you well in this area. The longer you allow problems to linger, the more money you’ll ultimately wind up spending.
A reliable central air conditioning system can be a boon to any home located in an area known for extreme weather. Given how expensive a good central AC system can be, keeping yours in peak condition is a fantastic way to see a huge return on your investment. Fortunately, keeping your system running like new doesn’t have to be a drain on your time or finances. Taking the measures outlined above can help ensure that you get many years of reliable service from your central air conditioning system.