{"id":1287,"date":"2017-08-28T11:00:35","date_gmt":"2017-08-28T15:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.touchstoneheatingonline.com\/blog\/?p=1287"},"modified":"2017-08-28T11:00:35","modified_gmt":"2017-08-28T15:00:35","slug":"step-air-conditioner-live-longer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.touchstoneheatingonline.com\/?p=1287","title":{"rendered":"The Simple Step that Makes Your Air Conditioner Live Longer"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"technician-changing-filter-vent\"Regular maintenance, as we\u2019ve discussed before, is key to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly for longer. This is something that should always be handled by a professional technician, someone who knows the ins and outs of central AC systems and can spot AC repairs<\/a>\u00a0sooner. Regular tune-ups involve many steps, but not every <\/em>step of air conditioning maintenance can (or should) be handled by the pros.<\/p>\n

Completing this one simple step, once a month at least, can make your air conditioner run better, last longer, and use less energy\u2014meaning that overall, you save!<\/p>\n

Changing the Air Filter Is Simple<\/h2>\n

Changing your air filter is a simple task that doesn\u2019t require expertise, skill, or a lot of money. In fact, it can save <\/strong>you money\u2014but we\u2019ll get back to that later. Here\u2019s what you should know.<\/p>\n

Location<\/strong><\/p>\n

The air filter should be located on or near the air conditioner or furnace. You may find it in a slot on the return duct of the side or top of the unit, or it may be behind a return air grille in your home (on the wall or ceiling). There are typically arrows on a filter that help you align the new filter into place.<\/p>\n

Selecting the Filter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Choosing the replacement filter simply means finding one that is rated for your air conditioner. A standard air filter should do just fine, provided it is about the same size as your existing filter.<\/p>\n

Reusable Filters<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reusable air filters need to be cleaned, rather than replaced. All you need is a vacuum and a garden hose. Vacuum out lose debris, spray with a sink faucet or hose, and then\u2014as the most important step\u2014make sure the filter is completely dry before returning it to its place. (You don\u2019t want to risk mold!)<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s How a Dirty Filter Hurts Your Air Conditioner<\/h2>\n

Air conditioners<\/a>\u2019 lifespans are shortened by excessive wear and tear that goes beyond the usual. And a dirty filter that is left in an air conditioner for too long helps to contribute to this.<\/p>\n

The filter should be able to let air through, as the blower fan needs to suck in air in order to provide air to the home. Of course, it should also block allergens and particles from getting through. But when it\u2019s clogged up with dirt, in not only blocks particulate, it blocks airflow too!<\/em><\/p>\n

Your air conditioner needs <\/strong>a certain amount of airflow in order to function in the way it was designed. So, when it\u2019s all clogged up with dirt and debris, you interfere with the way it functions. The problems that result may start out minor, but over time, it can turn into something serious.<\/p>\n

Some examples of what happens when a dirty filter results in a lack of airflow:<\/p>\n