The climate in Palm Desert, CA taxes your air conditioner every day in summer with highs that regularly top 100 degrees. In California, the typical HVAC system is about 14 years old when it’s replaced but air conditioners don’t have an expiration date. When you change the filters and invest in HVAC maintenance, you help to determine how long your equipment lasts. Try these simple tasks to save money and extend your AC system’s lifespan.

Using Recommended Thermostat Settings

Energy-efficient thermostat settings can lower your utility bills by 10 percent and reduce your system’s workload. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and turn it up to approximately 83 degrees when you leave in the summer.

Changing Filters Frequently

Changing your HVAC filters every month is a simple and effective way to prolong your air conditioner’s lifespan. Clean filters reduce wear and tear by improving the airflow rate and protecting your AC from dust. They can also increase the system’s efficiency by 15 percent.

Scheduling Preventive HVAC Maintenance

Preventive maintenance can add years to your AC’s life. Cooling systems should be serviced once per year and heat pumps should be serviced in the spring and fall. Maintenance lowers your monthly utility bills as well as your long-term ownership costs by reducing decreases in performance and general wear and tear.

Investing in Cost-Effective AC Repairs

If you want to help your air conditioner last longer don’t ignore mechanical problems that crop up between maintenance visits. Catching issues early is the key to extending your air conditioner’s service life and reducing the need for costly AC repairs.

For more ways to lower your energy bills and keep your AC running well call Vic’s Air Conditioning at (760) 289-5998. You can also learn more about our tune-ups and annual maintenance agreements online.