Central air conditioning is a great system to have in a home, as long as it is working well. If your system is old, it may not be working as well as it should be. This can happen for many reasons, but replacing a system can be expensive. If you would like to hold off for a couple more years, you may be able to with the right steps. Here are some tips that will help you get a couple more years out of your central air conditioning system.

Keep The Filter Clean

All the air entering your AC system must first go through a filter. This is designed to reduce the amount of dirt that enters the system, and it can also help keep the air in your home cleaner. But when the filter on your system is dirty, it can prevent the system from functioning properly.

If your filter is dirty, the first thing you might notice is poor airflow. The system may not be receiving enough air to cool your house, and this will cause a reduction in the airflow that leaves the vents in your home. If you continue to use your system without changing the filter, you may eventually have no air flowing from the vents.

Changing the air filter once every one to three months is usually sufficient; however, you may want to change it even more often than this. By changing it often, you will reduce the amount of stress dirt can place on the system, and this may help prolong the life of your system.

Get It Cleaned Each Year

Good maintenance on a central AC system is the key to longevity. Experts believe that when an AC system is not properly cared for, it will lose around 5% of its efficiency each year. If you have not properly cared for your system in the past, you might still be able to keep it running and cooling your house by starting now.

To do this, you should hire an AC company to clean your system each year at the start of the season. They will take the doors off the machine and will remove all the dust and debris from the inside. They will also replace any minor parts that may be worn out. Getting your system cleaned could help it stay running for a couple more years until you can afford to replace it.

Implement Other Methods To Assist With Cooling Your House

Finally, there may be things you can do to help your home stay cooler if your system is not cooling it enough. Here are some methods you could use in your home to keep it cooler:

• Use your ceiling fans the right way – During the summer, you should make sure your ceiling fans are turned to the summer setting. The summer setting spins the blades counterclockwise, which helps you feel the air the fan is circulating.
• Shut your window treatments – When the sun is shining in, your house will heat up faster. You might be able to stop some of this heat by keeping your blinds, shades, and curtains closed.
• Don't use your oven – Your house will get warmer each time you use your oven. Instead of cooking with your oven, use your grill or a crockpot to make food.

With a few minor changes, you might be able to stay cool without even using your old, worn-out air conditioner.

Eventually, your AC system may stop working completely or may be so inefficient that it is not worth using. When either of these things happen, you will need to get it replaced. You can find out more information about AC cleanings or replacements by contacting a company that specializes in air conditioning installation services.