5 Habits That Will Help Your Aircon Last for Years

In a tropical country like the Philippines, the summer heat can sometimes feel unbearable. Some people may find it more difficult to sleep, study, or work comfortably. As such, many residents install an air conditioner in their homes so they can stay cool. But just like most appliances, air conditioners need proper care to keep them working in top condition.

Typically, an air conditioning unit can last up to 10 years, whether it’s split type or window type. In some cases, an aircon might break down sooner than expected and require repairs. But if you choose the right unit for your needs and properly maintain it, you can keep enjoying your aircon’s cooling powers even longer.

So when you buy window type aircon online or in the store, make sure to adopt these habits to help your appliance last for years to come.

Pick the Right Unit for the Space

Making sure your air conditioner will last begins with picking the right type of unit for the space you want to cool. This means the unit must have a cooling capacity that matches the size of your room. If the task of cooling a room is too great for the aircon model you get, it can overwork the unit. This can lead to the appliance being worn out sooner than its expected operational lifespan.

Buying a unit that’s too large for the room isn’t a good choice either. Since the unit can quickly reach the desired temperature, its motors will constantly turn on and off. This can similarly wear down your appliance and potentially damage other parts of it.

Having said that, it’s best to consult an expert technician before you buy an air conditioner. Measure the area where you plan to install the unit, and let this serve as your guide when purchasing a suitable air conditioner.

Install the Aircon in an Ideal Spot

Aside from buying the appropriate unit for your room, remember to be mindful of where you install it. Ideally, you should pick a location where the outdoor unit of the air conditioner won’t be in direct sunlight. In a window type aircon model, this refers to the back portion of the unit that usually juts out of the wall and is visible from outside your home. If you have a split type aircon, you need to ensure the outdoor unit is safe from direct sun exposure. So when choosing where to install your air conditioner, place the appliance where it won’t take a beating from the scorching sun, like on a shaded wall.

Let the Appliance Rest

While it might be tempting to keep the air conditioner running 24/7, it’s not recommended to do so. Instead, let your appliance rest once in a while to help reduce wear and improve its lifespan. This practice can also help manage your electric bill.

If you won’t be using the room for a few hours, turn off the air conditioner when you leave. Also, consider setting the unit’s timer to automatically turn off hours after it has cooled the space.

Additionally, consider other methods to cool your home while your air conditioner is resting. Use electric fans or a portable aircon to improve the airflow and stay cool if you’re staying in a small part of your house. On days when it isn’t too hot, open the windows and let the natural breeze in to make your space feel more comfortable. Letting fresh air in can also help improve the air quality in your home.

Regularly Clean the Unit’s Filter

Air conditioners have filters that collect dust, hair, and other airborne particles. When you use your aircon regularly, a lot of dirt can build up in this filter and impair your appliance’s performance. Having clogged and dirty filters can reduce airflow and wear down your unit faster.

Cleaning your aircon’s filter is easy. Firstly, turn off the appliance and unplug it. Next, locate where the filters are. Usually, these will be in the front part of your unit. Then, gently pull out the filter and use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust, dirt, and other debris. In some cases, you may be able to use soap and warm water to clean the filter. If you do this, make sure to dry the filter well before putting it back into place.

Ideally, you should clean your aircon’s filter once every six weeks during regular use or every six months if you use it less frequently. Cleaning frequency will also depend on whether you have pets at home and if you produce a lot of smoke while cooking. Using an air purifier at home can also help reduce the amount of dust that collects in your aircon’s filter.

Have the Unit Professionally Cleaned

Apart from cleaning the filter, you also need to take care of the other parts of your air conditioner. However, this task may be too complex to handle all on your own. As such, it’s better to have your air conditioner professionally cleaned. Qualified technicians are equipped with the skills and tools to clean every nook and cranny of many different air conditioner models. They also have more experience removing and reinstalling the unit properly.

When it comes to how often a unit should go through professional cleaning, experts recommend scheduling it every 12 months. This can ensure your air conditioner stays clean, works well, and lasts longer.

While most air conditioning units are meant to last up to 10 years, proper maintenance is an important consideration for extending the life of your appliance. So make sure that you start adopting these habits even while you’re still shopping for a new unit. Following these practices will help ensure that your air conditioner works efficiently and operates in the best condition for years to come.

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