Get Your AC Coils Cleaned Get your coils cleaned annually. If you live in an area where your AC unit is exposed to excessive amounts of dirt, dust, debris, or moisture, it is best to regularly clean your coils every three months or so.
We recommend cleaning your window AC unit every month during the cooling season. Dust the unit's exterior as part of your weekly home cleaning routine. Make sure you replace your home's HVAC filter every 1-3 months to lower dust, dander, and other airborne irritants that could clog your window AC filter.
The $5,000 rule is a rule of thumb in the HVAC industry to help homeowners decide whether HVAC repair or HVAC replacement makes more sense in the long run. The $5,000 rule: Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacing your unit.
Depending on the system, an optimal time of 3 minutes is required before switching the system on. If the system is turned on without waiting for at least 3 minutes, the system can start with a pressure load. This pressure load prevents the system from cooling properly, which could affect the system in the long run.
If you neglect to clean your air con filters every three months, your system's efficiency can drop. It has to run longer and work harder to circulate air and maintain the desired temperature, which can lead to wear and tear on its components much faster than if it were running under optimal conditions.
Once the AC completes a cycle of about 15 and 20 minutes, it should remain off for 7 to 10 minutes. This helps it cool off before starting another cycle. The stops happen 2 to three times per hour.
The New Regulations
Starting January 1, 2025, all new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must utilize A2L refrigerants. Older refrigerants like R-410, which are likely the refrigerant used by your current system, are being phased out.
On an average summer day, a general guideline is that your AC should operate between 12 and 16 hours. However, several factors can influence this, including the outdoor temperature, desired indoor temperature, the size and type of your unit, and your home's energy efficiency.
It's important to be aware of how long air conditioners last, so you don't get the unwelcome surprise of a broken air conditioner in the peak of the summer heat. In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.
Running the AC unit full-time in our big house example would cost $7.39 per day for the efficient unit, or about $222 per month. For the less efficient unit, you're looking at $10.56 per day or about $317 per month. Not only that, but running all day is hard on your air conditioner.
Usually, it is a quick fix, but sometimes the failure can be caused by a much bigger problem. The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor.
Cleaning AC units reduces electricity bills.
A product like Air Conditioning Coil Cleaner removes counterproductive dirt and oxidation on air conditioning coils. When fins and coils are clean, air circulates more fully and AC systems operate and cool more efficiently, reducing the unit's power consumption.
In most cases, professionals and manufacturers recommend you have your air conditioner — and your heating system — seen by an HVAC technician at least once a year, preferably just before the heat ramps up and you start really putting your air conditioner to work.
HVAC Regulation and Refrigerant Changes
Starting in 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) raised the minimum energy efficiency standards for HVAC systems. For homeowners, this means that any new air conditioning unit installed must meet higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings.
Part of that obligation includes having and maintaining air conditioning. If your employer does not fulfill their duty to maintain a safe environment then they may be liable for damages and you may be eligible for workers' compensation.
The new refrigerant changes in 2025 are part of a larger effort to make air conditioning systems more environmentally friendly, while still keeping homes comfortable. These changes are being driven by regulations to phase out older refrigerants like R-410A, which have a high global warming potential (GWP).
This will reduce the strain placed on your AC unit, allowing it to run more efficiently, and lowering your energy bills. Bottom line, while it's not necessary to give your AC unit rest breaks during summer, its maintenance is essential.
Allow a 3-minute break after turning the AC on or off and reset the circuit breaker 24 hours prior to first use to prevent damage and improve efficiency. Perform a pre-start inspection by cleaning the unit, checking filters and coils, and starting the AC in fan mode before cooling to ensure it runs smoothly.
Is it safe to leave the air conditioner on all night? It is safe! However, it can lead to greater expenses associated with energy usage. Ask our team at Comfort Specialists about energy-saving solutions today!
Visible Dirt and Dust
Take a look at your AC unit. Can you see dirt, dust, or debris accumulating on the vents or around the system? If so, it's a clear indication that your AC needs cleaning. Regular cleaning not only improves efficiency but also enhances indoor air quality, keeping you and your family healthy.
Poor Air Quality: A dirty AC can circulate pollutants, allergens, and contaminants trapped within its components back into the indoor air. This can exacerbate respiratory issues, trigger allergies, and contribute to a generally uncomfortable living environment.
Air Duct Leaks
In fact, according to ENERGY STAR, the average home loses between 20%–30% of the air flowing through its ductwork, typically through gaps around fittings or unsealed joints in the duct system. The result is increased dust in your system, which then circulates throughout your home.