A central air conditioning system usually lasts for anywhere between 8 and 12 years. In Rhode Island, this tends to be closer to eight because of the salty humid air from the Atlantic breeze constantly passing through and slowly corroding the A/C coils. Regardless, there are several things that you can do to ensure your system performs at its peak for as long as possible.

Change Your Air Filter

Air filters need to be changed every 1 to 3 months, depending on dust levels in the building. Air filter neglect is the number one reason that most systems have a premature problem that later turns into needing a repair, replacement, or even a new installation. Dust from the home clogs up the air filter and prevents enough air from passing into the air conditioner, often to the point where this dust gets past the filter and clings to the coils of the A/C system itself. When it gets to that point, your system needs to be cleaned by a professional.

Get a Maintenance Plan

Did you know that the factory warranty on an A/C system is voided unless you can prove that it has been maintained at least once a year by a professional? In coastal areas such as Rhode Island, it is recommended to be maintained twice a year: once in the winter, and once in the summer. This is because excess humidity encourages biological growth and metallic corrosion on the A/C coils. A technician should sanitize and clean this biological growth as it appears, and offer ways to slow down the corrosion process.

Changing the air filter and keeping the system maintained are by far the two most valuable ways to preserve the life of a central air conditioning system, and to prevent it from needing a replacement for as long as possible. Contact McKee Energy Solutions today, and get started on extending the life of your system.