The most important maintenance task to ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean your filters. Dirty, clogged filters can reduce the amount of airflow and significantly decrease system performance. When the air flow is obstructed, dirt can bypass the filter and deposit directly into the evaporator coil, affecting its heat absorption capacity. Replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can reduce air conditioning energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Filters are designed to remove dust, hair, and other particles from the air so these contaminants don't spread throughout the house. You can improve the air quality inside your home and consume less energy by changing your heating, ventilation and air conditioning filter every 30 days. Clean filters let more air through, allowing the system to heat and cool more efficiently. In most systems, filters with a MERV rating between seven and 13 offer an excellent balance between filtration capacity and maximum airflow.
The average lifespan of an air conditioning system is between 15 and 25 years. However, this time can be increased or decreased depending on the type of system, brand, and regularity of maintenance. If you take proper care of your heating and cooling system, you'll maximize its lifespan and maintain greater efficiency over a longer period of time. It's essential to perform maintenance on your air conditioning system at least once a year.
The only exception is to change the air filter, which should be done at least every 1 to 2 months or as needed. Regular air conditioning maintenance and adjustments can minimize many of the problems caused by dirt and debris accumulation. If performed by an HVAC technician, these inspections allow them to check for long-term problems and take proactive steps to prevent premature failures or uncomfortable breakdowns during the cooling season.
