If you’re not ready to shell out for a new system just yet, here are five things you can do to help your AC keep chugging along until it refuses to do its job anymore.
1. Change the Filter (Yeah, of course)
It sounds so basic, but a clogged filter makes your AC work harder than it has to, which wears it down faster. Plus, it’s not great for your indoor air quality. Changing the filter every 1–3 months is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to keep your system happy.
Pro tip: If you’re the kind of person who only remembers things when prompted, set a recurring filter order. When it arrives, there you go.
2. Give the Outdoor Unit Some Breathing Room
Your outdoor unit needs airflow to function properly. If it’s buried under a jungle of weeds, grass clippings, or “creative” landscaping, it’ll overheat and wear out sooner. Clear a couple of feet of space around it so it can do its thing.
Bonus points if you hose it off gently (thumb pressure only) now and then to remove dirt and debris.
3. Schedule a Pro Tune-Up: Yes, Even If You Think It’s Fine
An annual maintenance check by an HVAC tech isn’t just a money grab—it’s like giving your AC a spa day. A professional can catch little problems before they turn into big ones, like a leaky coil or an undercharged refrigerant level.
Cost of a tune-up: Around $100–$200. Cost of a major repair or replacement: A lot more than that.
4. Use a Smart Thermostat: Because Your AC Shouldn’t Have to Work When You’re Not Home
A programmable thermostat lets you cool your house only when you need to, reducing the system’s workload. Less wear and tear means your AC can live a longer, less stressful life.
Decreasing the number of hours it runs is a surefire way to push this AC retirement date farther down the road.
5. Don’t Ignore the Weird Noises: It Could be Your AC’s Version of a Cry for Help
If your AC starts making rattling, banging, or squealing sounds, don’t turn up the TV and hope it’ll stop. Those sounds are often warning signs of loose parts or failing components. The longer you wait, the bigger (and more expensive) the problem could become.
Moral of the story: Pay attention to what your AC is telling you—it might just save you from a meltdown (literally and financially).
Final Thought
Keeping your AC alive and kicking isn’t rocket science—it’s just about giving it the TLC it deserves. Whether you change the filter religiously or call in the pros once a year, a little effort now could mean a lot fewer sweaty nights and surprise expenses down the road.