3 Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Air Conditioning Unit If You Live In The Desert

If you live in the deserts of the southwest United States, you probably rely on your home's air conditioning unit many months out of the year, especially during the hot afternoons. Air conditioning units in the desert get a lot of use, which can lower their overall lifespan. Unfortunately, replacing an air conditioning unit can be very expensive, so it is in your best interest to do whatever you can to increase the lifespan of your current unit. Use the following tips to help your air conditioning unit last longer in the desert:

Do Not Skip A/C Tuneups

One of the easiest ways to keep air conditioning units working well in the desert is to maintain them properly. Taking care of an A/C unit is not a DIY job, so make sure that you schedule regular tuneups with a reputable HVAC company. It is a good idea to have your tuneup done in the early spring months before you have to start using your air conditioner on a regular basis. During a tuneup an HVAC technician will check coolant levels, inspect the compressor, fan, and motor, and add lubrication to any parts that need it. 

Get a Programmable Thermostat

Afternoons in the desert during the summer are very hot, and air conditioning units typically run a lot during this time. If no one is home during the afternoons, you can prevent your air conditioner from cooling the house for no reason by installing a programmable thermostat. In addition to preventing a lot of wear and tear on your A/C, a programmable thermostat can also save you a lot of money on your summer cooling bills. Just program your A/C to begin cooling the house shortly before you arrive home, so you can walk in to a house that is a comfortable temperature.

Protect Your Air Conditioning Unit from the Sun

If your air conditioning unit receives direct sun in the afternoon, it will have to work much harder to chill the air before it enters your home. You can take some of the stress off your air conditioning unit by planting shade trees in the area so the unit stays cooler in the afternoon. If you plant trees or shrubs in the vicinity of your A/C unit to create shade, make sure you get into the habit of checking the area regularly to ensure that no branches or debris are close to the unit. 

To learn more, contact a company like Advanced Heating & Cooling.


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