Summer is a time of leisure and relaxation involving long, lazy days lounging by the pool, barbecues with friends, and ice-cold lemonade. And don't forget the air conditioning blasting away to keep you cool and comfortable indoors. 

Unfortunately, with the sun beating down on your home one hot day, your trusty AC unit may decide to pack it in. To keep it from prematurely giving up, here are a few things you can do to extend its life and ensure it keeps providing cool air for as long as possible. 

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance starts with regular inspections. This allows a trained technician to catch any potential issues and fix them before they escalate into costly repairs or system failures. 

These inspections often involve checking the refrigerant levels, inspecting the condensate drain, and assessing the efficiency of the electrical connections. Regular inspections can also improve the efficiency of your unit, saving you money in the long term.

Another proactive measure is to ensure that the area around the outdoor unit is clear of debris and plants. Overgrowth or accumulated debris can block the airflow to the unit, causing it to work harder and leading to faster wear and tear. Maintaining a clean environment all around can be beneficial. 

Similarly, cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils periodically can prevent excessive strain on the system, helping extend its lifespan. When they're dirty, they won't be able to effectively release heat, and this can lead to system overheating.

Allow Your Unit to Rest

Just like any piece of machinery, your AC unit also needs some downtime to prevent wear and tear. Constant use, especially in the harsh summer months, can overstress the system, leading to premature failure.

Giving your AC unit a break can extend its lifespan and maintain efficiency. So, turn off your AC when you're not home, or consider setting your thermostat at a higher temperature during cooler parts of the day.

Programmable thermostats are a great investment for this purpose. They let you set a schedule for your AC, allowing it to turn off or reduce its cooling during periods when you're usually out of the house or asleep. This lets the unit rest, reduces energy consumption, and significantly lowers your utility bills. 

Another fresh idea is to use natural ventilation and cooling techniques to give your AC unit a break. During cooler parts of the day, you can open your windows to let the cool air in or use ceiling fans to circulate the air in your home. This helps maintain a comfortable temperature without over-relying on your AC.

These practices, when combined with regular maintenance, can greatly extend the life of your AC unit, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable for many summers to come.

Contact a company like Bremer & Bouman Heating and Cooling to learn more.