{"id":1855,"date":"2024-07-08T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-08T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/?p=1855"},"modified":"2025-11-26T05:36:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T10:36:30","slug":"7-ways-to-protect-your-air-conditioning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/air-conditioning-service\/7-ways-to-protect-your-air-conditioning\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Ways to Protect Your Air Conditioning"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/7-Ways-to-Protect-Your-Air-Conditioning.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/7-Ways-to-Protect-Your-Air-Conditioning-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Thoughtful woman holding notebook and pencil, possibly planning air conditioning maintenance.\" class=\"wp-image-1856\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/7-Ways-to-Protect-Your-Air-Conditioning-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/7-Ways-to-Protect-Your-Air-Conditioning-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/7-Ways-to-Protect-Your-Air-Conditioning.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>With proper care, your air conditioner can last more than a decade. Sometimes, an AC system lasts twelve or thirteen years. Under ideal circumstances, it won\u2019t even require repair often. But without proper care, it might only last six or seven years, and it might need expensive repairs during that time. &nbsp;To avoid premature failure, it&#8217;s crucial to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/air-conditioning-service\/4-common-ac-problems-their-repairs\/\">understand and prevent common AC issues<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You want to get the most out of your investment, and that air conditioner was definitely an investment. So what do we mean by proper care? We\u2019ll tell you seven ways to make sure your air conditioner is protected and cared for so it will work as well as possible for as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you prevent heating and air conditioning repairs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schedule professional maintenance annually to catch small issues before they become major problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Replace or clean air filters regularly to prevent system strain and maintain airflow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep outdoor units clear of leaves, plants, and debris to ensure proper operation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean indoor and outdoor coils to maintain energy efficiency and system health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protect the unit from pets and pests that may damage wires or components<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use ceiling fans, seal air leaks, and raise the thermostat slightly to reduce system load<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address strange noises or performance issues early to avoid costly repairs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Annual Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once a year, generally in the spring, have an HVAC technician come give your air conditioner a check-up. This will involve cleaning, lubricating, inspecting all parts of the system, and testing the electrical components. Wear and tear will be lessened, and small concerns will be caught early. It will boost efficiency, reduce repair needs more than 50%, and maximize the lifespan of your system.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Air Filter Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once a month (or every 2\u20133 months when you use the AC less) you must make sure the system has a clean air filter. This protects it from particles and fibers and keeps air flowing well through the indoor unit. Some filters are disposable and should be replaced. Others are reusable and can be washed and dried. Check your owner\u2019s manual for details if you\u2019re unsure what to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Airflow Around the Outdoor Unit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The outdoor unit is where the heat that was carried out of your home needs to be dispersed. Don\u2019t let anything crowd it, or the heat won\u2019t dissipate enough before the refrigerant heads back into the house. Trim back plants, trees, and shrubs. Rake away lawn clippings or leaf litter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Cleaning the Coils<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To allow the indoor coils to absorb as much heat as possible, you want them dust-free. You can gently blow them off with canned air. To allow the outdoor coils to release as much heat as possible, they need to be clean, too. Spray them with a gentle hose if they are dirty. For best results and safety, it&#8217;s smart to schedule professional help to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/air-conditioning-service\/keep-your-ac-coils-clean\/\">keep your AC coils clean<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Guard Against Pets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our beloved fur friends can cause serious AC damage. Keep dogs who might mark territory away from the outdoor unit, or their urine will corrode it. Keep puppies, kittens, rabbits, or other nibbling gnawers away from the indoor unit and any cords or wires. And if you have multiple or heavily-shedding pets, change that air filter a little more often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Reduce Your Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping humidity down with a dehumidifier and keeping air moving with ceiling fans will both make you feel cooler at the same temperature, allowing you to raise your thermostat several degrees. And blocking the sun from windows and keeping your cold air in by using weather stripping in drafty places will also help the air conditioner run less, reducing wear and tear. Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/air-conditioning-service\/how-to-reduce-indoor-humidity-and-why-its-important\/\">how to reduce indoor humidity and why it\u2019s important<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Prompt Repairs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do notice that anything is wrong, get repairs immediately. Waiting can allow a small issue to turn into a much bigger one! Prompt <a href=\"\/service-areas\/pomaria-sc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AC repair in Pomaria, SC<\/a> can keep your system running for many more years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question: What is the benefit of scheduling annual professional maintenance for my air conditioner?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Annual professional maintenance helps clean, lubricate, inspect and test all components of your air conditioning system. This reduces wear and tear, catches small issues early, helps your system run more efficiently and extends its lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question: How often should I change or clean the air filter and why?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Answer:<\/strong> You should check the air filter monthly during heavy use, and replace or clean it every 1\u20133 months depending on usage, pets and dust levels. A clean filter maintains proper airflow and prevents dirt from accumulating on internal components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question: Why is it important to keep the outdoor condenser unit clear and the coils clean?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Answer:<\/strong> The outdoor condenser unit needs sufficient airflow to release heat efficiently. Clearing vegetation or debris around it and cleaning the coils ensures heat transfer works properly, reducing strain on the system and improving performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question: How do pets and indoor humidity affect my air conditioning system?<br>Answer:<\/strong> Pets shed hair, dander and sometimes mark outdoor units, which can corrode parts. High indoor humidity causes your system to run more often. Reducing humidity and protecting the outdoor unit from pet damage helps your system perform better and last longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question: What should I do if I notice something wrong with my air conditioner?<br>Answer:<\/strong> Promptly address any signs of trouble rather than waiting. Early repairs can prevent minor issues from turning into major breakdowns, saving money and prolonging system life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the benefit of scheduling annual professional maintenance for my air conditioner?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Annual professional maintenance helps clean, lubricate, inspect and test all components of your air conditioning system. This reduces wear and tear, catches small issues early, helps your system run more efficiently and extends its lifespan.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How often should I change or clean the air filter and why?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"You should check the air filter monthly during heavy use, and replace or clean it every 1\u20133 months depending on usage, pets and dust levels. A clean filter maintains proper airflow and prevents dirt from accumulating on internal components.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Why is it important to keep the outdoor condenser unit clear and the coils clean?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The outdoor condenser unit needs sufficient airflow to release heat efficiently. Clearing vegetation or debris around it and cleaning the coils ensures heat transfer works properly, reducing strain on the system and improving performance.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How do pets and indoor humidity affect my air conditioning system?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Pets shed hair, dander and sometimes mark outdoor units, which can corrode parts. High indoor humidity causes your system to run more often. Reducing humidity and protecting the outdoor unit from pet damage helps your system perform better and last longer.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What should I do if I notice something wrong with my air conditioner?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Promptly address any signs of trouble rather than waiting. Early repairs can prevent minor issues from turning into major breakdowns, saving money and prolonging system life.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"\/contact\/send-message\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Contact Fulmer Heating &amp; Cooling<\/strong><\/a><strong> today for an AC expert in Columbia, SC!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We\u2019ll tell you seven ways to make sure your air conditioner is protected and cared for so it will work as well as possible for as long as possible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[70],"tags":[39,210],"class_list":["post-1855","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-air-conditioning-service","tag-ac-repair","tag-pomaria"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1855","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1855"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1855\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2304,"href":"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1855\/revisions\/2304"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1855"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1855"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fulmerheatcool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1855"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}