The average air conditioner lasts between 10 and 12 years before it needs replacing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t extend the life of your system.
There are many steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your air conditioner, but as with everything, how long your system lasts will depend on how well you treat your unit.
A well-cared-for air conditioner will work efficiently, save you money, and last for many years. A poorly-cared-for air conditioner will consume more energy, cost more money, break down more regularly, and ultimately need replacing before its time.
Whether you have LG split system air conditioners or a Brivis ducted heater with add-on refrigerated cooling, we can help you take care of your AC.
Here are 14 simple ways you can extend the life of your air conditioner according to our Melbourne air conditioning team.
If you haven’t installed your new AC yet and you want to maximise its lifespan, make sure you take the following steps:
Every time you set your thermostat, you have a choice.
You can set the temperature excessively high or low, which increases running costs and accelerates wear and tear.
Or you can set the temperature closer to the outdoor temperature, which will provide effective heating and cooling that is affordable and easier on your system.
In winter, we recommend setting your system between 18°C and 20°C, and in summer, we recommend setting your system between 25°C and 27°C.
These temperature ranges will help your air conditioning unit last longer while reducing your electricity bills.
Even if you take good care of your air conditioner, excessive use will cause the end of its life to arrive faster.
If you’re not at home or you’re going into another room for a couple of hours, turn off your air conditioner. If you’re going away for a few days, make sure your system isn’t programmed to turn on automatically.
So, when it comes to your air conditioner just remember: If you overuse it you will lose it, so turn it off like a light switch.
Cleaning and changing dirty air filters is one of the most important things you can do to take proper care of your system and increase its life expectancy. Excess dust can affect your air conditioning sensors and obstruct other internal parts, which eventually leads to malfunction.
We recommend removing, washing, drying and reinserting air filters regularly, generally every one to three months. You should also replace filters that are damaged or excessively dirty. It’s usually easy enough to clean and replace filters yourself if you have a split system. Refer to your user manual to get started.
You might find that your system has multiple different filters, such as titanium apatite photocatalytic filters. Some filters need checking more or less often than others, so keep an eye on this when reading your manual.
As well as scheduled filter cleaning and replacement, you should give filters a clean after activities like dusting the home, moving around furniture, or renovations, as these activities will generate dust that can end up in your air conditioner.
As well as cleaning your filters, there are other parts of your AC that you can clean yourself to extend its life. You can wipe the louvres and the front panel of a split system’s indoor unit with a dry or damp cloth. You may also be able to remove the front panel to clean the underside of this panel. Refer to your owner’s manual for more information on removing the front panel. You can also wipe down the exterior of the indoor unit and outdoor unit with a soft cloth.
Taking the time to wipe dust and dirt off these areas regularly will prevent the dust from travelling further into your system and help to extend the life of your air conditioner.
Whether you have a ducted air conditioner or a split system, your AC will have an outdoor unit. As well as removing dust and dirt from the exterior of your outdoor unit, you should also ensure that the space around the unit is clear and open.
If leaves, trees, and shrubs have started invading the space, make sure you cut them back and clean them up. Also, make sure there isn’t any loose concrete or other debris that could blow into the system.
If your outdoor unit is obstructed by greenery or debris, this could cause a major malfunction that wipes years off your system’s life. So, make sure you take care of that critical outdoor area, especially after periods of rain and strong winds.
Every few weeks, take a moment to make sure furniture isn’t sitting on top of ducts and bookshelves haven’t been moved in the way of indoor air conditioning units. These obstacles will limit your airflow and cause your system to work harder to cool your room – which leads to increased wear and tear.
You might not think anything is disrupting your air conditioner, but over time, furniture gets shifted, items get dropped, and new pieces are haphazardly placed.
Moving these obstructions is an easy fix that will result in more effective heating and cooling, reduced wear and tear and cheaper utility bills!
Using the different modes on your air conditioner not only results in more affordable and effective heating and cooling but also a longer-lasting air conditioner.
Here are a few tips.
As well as the modes mentioned above, you can also alter fan speed.
Generally speaking, a higher fan speed is more demanding while a lower fan speed is easier on your system.
However, using a higher fan speed for a few minutes when you first turn on the system can help you reach a comfortable temperature sooner. Then your air conditioner merely needs to maintain that temperature, which is less demanding. At this point, you can switch to a lower fan speed. Remember to alter the fan speed but not the temperature when using this method.
So, in summary, low fan speeds are useful for temperature maintenance (e.g. overnight or when you have already reached the target temperature) and when you want to reduce humidity.
Higher fan speeds should be used sparingly but can assist in reducing wear and tear by making you comfortable sooner, thus allowing your AC to quickly switch into a low-demand temperature maintenance mode.
Technology can make your life easier and it can also make your air conditioner’s life easier.
Smart thermostats and timers can ensure your AC turns off when not in use, even when you forget to switch it off.
Wi-Fi controls allow you to remotely turn your air conditioning on or off using your smartphone. This means you can gradually pre-heat or pre-cool your home rather than blasting your system and wearing out its parts when you arrive to a hot home.
Of course, being able to turn your system off from anywhere is always useful. It allows you to double-check that you (or your kids) haven’t forgotten to switch the AC off when nobody is using it.
Modern air conditioners like LG split systems are also equipped with other smart technology features that make it easier to monitor and adjust energy levels. This results in improved efficiency, less power consumption, and an AC that can last for years and years!
You can use other parts of your home to make your AC’s life easier and increase its overall lifespan. Here are a few tips:
Apart from a bit of cleaning, the tips above don’t really delve into DIY air conditioning care. That’s because servicing or repairing your own AC can be more hassle than it is worth.
However, one DIY task you can do to extend the life of your air conditioner is a visual inspection. Some things to look for include:
You can also keep an ear out for problems, including:
If you see or hear anything out of the ordinary, DO NOT investigate further by trying to pry open the unit with your fingers, a screwdriver or any other tool. This could be dangerous and may ultimately jeopardise the condition of your air conditioning system.
If you notice something, call a professional heating and cooling technician. Addressing these issues as soon as you notice them will give you the best chance of fixing the issue fast and ultimately extending the life of your system.
This brings us to our next point…
It’s unwise to use your air conditioner if you’re worried that something is wrong with it. In the best-case scenario, your air conditioner just won’t work as well. But in the worst-case scenario, using your AC could be dangerous and it will result in permanent damage that wipes years off your system’s life.
That’s why you should arrange air conditioner repairs as soon as you notice a problem. Partner with a fully trained, highly qualified, and comprehensively insured heating and cooling technician to fix the immediate problem fast and extend the life of your system in the long term. Not all air conditioning issues require emergency repairs, but even the most basic AC problem should be seen to as soon as possible to avoid costly repair bills.
Do you need repairs for your air conditioning in Blackburn or the surrounds? Australian Climate Systems can help you!
As well as repairs, you should schedule professional air conditioner services and regular maintenance every 2-3 years.
A professional technician will comprehensively clean your air conditioner, check the refrigerant levels, inspect all internal components and electrical components, test airflow levels, provide repairs and maintenance as required, and more.
To schedule routine maintenance for your air conditioning in Dandenong or nearby areas, chat with our team today!
To extend the life of your air conditioner, follow the 14 tips above and turn to Australian Climate Systems for installation, maintenance, and repairs. As Melbourne’s masters of heating and cooling, our locally owned and operated team offers a wide range of services to meet your needs.
Get solutions for your air conditioning in Templestowe, Lilydale, and everywhere in between! Contact us today at 03 9726 4444 or click here to learn more about our special offers.
