If you’re like most people, you don’t think about your AC unit until it’s not working.

That’s when you realize how much you rely on it to keep your home or office cool and comfortable. But just like any other appliance, your AC unit needs some TLC to keep it running smoothly. With a little preventative maintenance, you can extend the life of your AC unit and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Here are nine easy ways to do just that:

Change filters regularly:

This is one of the simplest and most important things you can do for your AC unit. Dirty filters will impede airflow and cause the unit to work harder – leading to decreased efficiency and premature failure. Instead, have your filters changed every one to three months especially if you have pets or allergies. This will not only help your AC unit run more efficiently, but it will also improve the air quality in your home or office.

Make sure your vents are open and free of obstruction:

If your vents are blocked or closed, your AC unit won’t be able to do its job properly. This can lead to all sorts of problems, from decreased efficiency to complete unit failure. To avoid this, make sure all of your vents are open and free of any furniture, curtains, or other obstructions.

Use a ceiling fan to supplement your AC:

Ceiling fans can help circulate the cool air from your AC unit and make your space feel more comfortable. This will take some of the strain off of your AC unit, and may even allow you to raise the temperature a few degrees. Just be sure to turn off the ceiling fan when you leave the room – otherwise, you’ll be wasting energy.

Get regular maintenance checkups from an HVAC technician:

Like any other piece of machinery, AC units need to be regularly serviced in order to run properly. By scheduling regular maintenance of your home or office ac units, you can catch problems early and avoid more serious – and expensive – issues down the road. For commercial large properties, having a maintenance contract in place with an HVAC company can minimize unexpected and costly repairs. With a maintenance contract in place, the HVAC company will visit your property on a regular basis to service your ac units and make sure they are running efficiently.

Install shade screens or trees around your outdoor AC unit:

If your AC unit is located in a sunny spot, it can overheat and cause problems. One way to combat this is to install shade screens around the unit or place the unit in a well-shaded area. Another option is to plant trees or shrubs around the unit – just be sure not to block the airflow. Keeping your unit shaded can help it run cooler and longer.

Make sure the unit is properly sized for your space:

This is one of the most important – and often overlooked – aspects of AC maintenance. If your AC unit is too small, it will have to work overtime to cool your space – leading to decreased efficiency and increased wear and tear. On the other hand, if your AC unit is too large, it will cool your space too quickly and turn on and off frequently – also leading to decreased efficiency and increased wear and tear. To find the perfect size for your space, consult with an HVAC professional.

Inspect the outdoor unit:

The outdoor unit of your ac system – also known as the condenser – is one of the most important parts of the system. It’s what actually cools the air, so it’s important to keep it in good working condition. Inspect the condenser regularly for any dirt, leaves, or other debris that could impede airflow. Also, make sure the fins on the condenser are straight – if they’re bent, they can impede airflow and reduce the unit’s efficiency. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire an HVAC technician to do it for you.

Install a programmable thermostat:

Programmable thermostats are a great way to save energy and money. By setting the temperature to switch off or on at certain times of day, you can make sure your AC unit isn’t working harder than it has to. Many newer thermostats even have features that allow you to control the temperature remotely, so you can make sure your AC is off when you’re not home – and save even more money.

Give your AC unit some downtime:

Even the best ac units need some downtime every now and then. Running your AC unit constantly can decrease its efficiency and lead to problems down the road. Try turning it off for a few hours every day, or raise the temperature a few degrees so that the unit doesn’t have to work as hard. This will give it a chance to rest and recover, and help it last longer in the

By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your AC unit and keep it running smoothly for years to come. If you have any questions about AC maintenance or need help troubleshooting a problem, be sure to contact us today for all your HVAC needs! We’re here to help!

Keep Cool with Servus

For more than fifteen years, Servus Ltd has been the premier facility management provider in Trinidad and Tobago. This means we know a thing or two about maintenance. Our air conditioning teams are among the most experienced in the country and are dedicated to providing our clients with quality service. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you extend the life of your AC unit!