The lifespan of your air conditioner has everything to do with how you care for it, and that includes paying attention to how hard it has to work when you need it most—during a Northeast Ohio summer. An AC unit that is running at its peak efficiency will give you many years of service, so it’s worth taking note of how you can best care for it.

As cool spring days give way to hot and humid summer days, your Youngstown, Akron and Cleveland area air conditioner needs some attention. The condenser, blower, and vents have been largely ignored these past several months and the outdoor unit has been subject to snow, ice, and blowing debris. The most important thing you can do is schedule a checkup and cleaning now to be sure all parts are in good working order.

At Clayton Heating, our annual tune-up is focused on keeping your air conditioning running at its peak even in the most extreme conditions. That means you enjoy lower utility bills and longer life from your air conditioning system with a lower risk of having an AC breakdown in the middle of a Northeast Ohio heat wave. Our service includes:

• Lubricating all parts
• Duct and electrical inspection
• Coolant and blower inspection
• Cleaning the condenser
• Testing the thermostat

How you can make your AC unit last longer

The good news is there are several things you can do beyond an annual checkup to keep your air conditioning running longer.

• Clean the outdoor unit often – Cleaning the outdoor unit in the spring is critical, but check it regularly throughout the summer, especially after storms and in the early fall when temperatures are still warm but some trees are beginning to drop their leaves. Sticks and debris can block airflow and make your AC work harder than necessary.
• Give your AC a break – Just a couple degrees warmer on your thermostat can keep your home at a reasonable temp when you aren’t home and allow the system to run far less. Don’t adjust the thermostat more than two or three degrees, however, so you don’t overwork the system once you return.
• Keep that hot air out – Lighten the load on your AC by keeping blinds pulled in rooms that get hot afternoon sun. Also, resist the temptation to open windows in the morning if you know the day will warm up. Your home will stay cooler longer and the AC won’t have to kick on so soon.
• Avoid heat producing appliances – Use your microwave or grill out rather than using your range or oven for cooking. Save laundry for early morning hours or evening hours when temps have cooled.
• Keep air circulating – Your AC unit relies on moving air, so be sure registers and return air vents are not blocked by furniture, clothing, or clutter. You also can keep air moving throughout your home by using ceiling fans, which also will make you feel cooler and allow you to keep the thermostat at a higher setting.
• Change your air filters – Clogged air filters will cause your AC to work harder to maintain cool temperatures, thereby shortening its life. Change your filters every two to three months or more frequently if your environment is dusty from construction or road work.

Clayton Heating is available for service, repairs, or replacement of your air conditioning in Youngstown, Boardman, Akron, and the surrounding area. Contact our experts today to schedule an air conditioning checkup or learn more about our AC installation services.