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Simple Steps That Homeowners Can Take to Extend the Life of Their AC System

There are a handful of things that you can do as a homeowner to help extend the life of your AC system and ensure it is working as efficiently as possible.

#1: Change Your Air Filters!

Air filters are essential for catching dirt and dust before it enters back into your AC system through the ductwork. Dirt buildup is the most common cause of mechanical failures.

It is important to choose the right filter and change them routinely. A clogged filter can cause more harm than good to an AC system. In fact, dirty and clogged filters can put immense stress on an AC system and cause component breakdowns.

Your air filter will either be in the air return register located in your ceiling or floor, or it will be attached to the indoor unit next to the furnace or air handler located in your attic, closet or garage.

How Often Should I Change My Air Filters?

We generally recommend every 30 to 90 days.

If you live in a very dusty area, have pets, leave your windows open or generally notice that the filters get dirty quickly, you should change them every 30 to 60 days. A good way to tell if your filter is ready to be changed is to hold it up to a light source and see if you can see any light coming through it. Or simply visually inspect it and see if there is a thick layer of dirt and dust buildup.

If you suffer from allergies, you might want to change your filter more often. You can also explore Indoor Air Quality Products that can drastically help improve the cleanliness of the air in your home and fight against allergies.

What is an air filter MERV Rating and which one should I use?

MERV rating stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It measures how effectively an air filter captures particles from the air. A higher MERV rating captures finer particles, while a lower MERV rating captures only larger particles. A higher MERV rating might sound like it’s always better, but that’s not the case.

  • Not all HVAC systems are designed for higher MERV filters. Filters that are too restrictive can restrict airflow, overwork the AC system, and lead to equipment failures. Most often, a MERV 5 to 10 is appropriate for most homes.
  • If you are unsure, we suggest going with a lower MERV filter and changing it more often. We can also check to see if your filter is too restrictive during our maintenance visits by measuring the static pressure in your system.
  • If you notice your ductwork makes a loud sound when the system turns on or off, your filter might be part of the problem.
  • Pro Tip: Write the date on your filter when you change it so you don’t have to guess how long it has been in there. Set a reminder on your calendar to change it every 30-90 days.

#2: Do Routine Maintenance on Your HVAC Systems!

Your vehicle requires regular maintenance and oil changes to operate at its best. Your HVAC system is no different! An HVAC system needs regular maintenance to operate at its best and last as long as possible.

Always turn off the power to the system before doing anything to your AC units. If you are uncomfortable doing this, we recommend hiring a professional to avoid injuries to yourself or damage to your AC system.

#3: Clean Supply and Return Vents Inside Your Home

  • Vacuum dust from registers and grilles in your ceiling or floor.
  • Keep furniture from blocking the vents.
  • Make sure all return air vents are open and unobstructed.
    • Closing too many vents can create airflow and pressure problems.

#4: Check The Condensate Drain Line

AC systems remove humidity from the air, and that water is expelled through a drain line that typically runs to the outside of your home near your outdoor AC unit.

To check for a clog, see if there is water buildup around the indoor unit, or if there is no visible water coming out of the drain line outside.

You can flush the drain line with distilled vinegar and hot water or use a wet vacuum on the outside drain to pull any buildup through the line.

If you are unsure you are doing it correctly, one of our licensed technicians can walk you through it during your maintenance visit. We clear the drain line during every one of our annual maintenance visits.