Minnesota’s hot, humid summer is just around the corner. Spring into cool this summer with these routine tips and expert recommendations for choosing the best air conditioner for your Twin Cities home.
Depending on usage and maintenance, you can expect your air conditioner to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Learn how to lengthen the life of your air conditioner and stay cool with annual maintenance checkups from qualified licensed heating and cooling technicians.
AC Maintenance – Spring Checklist
Change the Filter
The number-one killer of air conditioners is dirt and dust getting on the condensing coils. It can shorten the lifespan of an air conditioner by up to half its normal life expectancy.
Clean the Outside of The Air Conditioner
Grass, dirt, debris and other physical particles can build up on the outside of your air conditioner over time. A simple rinse and clean of the outside of your unit can improve airflow into the system so that it does not have to work as hard.
Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up
An annual checkup in the spring by a licensed technician can help stop problems before they begin. It is best to have a technician come when it is at least 55 degrees outside. A technician will do a comprehensive inspection and ensure your air conditioner is ready for the heat waves. Check out some other air conditioning tips from the pros here.
Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
Blue Ox technician Matt Weber says, “Don’t throw good money to fix the bad.” Accordingly, the decision to repair or replace an air conditioner comes down to the costs. Homeowners should start to consider replacing air conditioners at around 10 or 12 years of age or if the unit needs repair more than once per year. If the air conditioner is old and inefficient, it may be time to start weighing the energy savings of installing a new, more efficient model.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioner For You and Your Home
We’re not brand-specific; we can install (or repair) any brand you want. Still, we recommend and prefer using industry-tested brands, which benefit from reliability, reputation and availability of parts. Below are some considerations when choosing the right air conditioner:
Q: Does your home already have an existing air conditioner and/or ductwork?
A: If so, you may want to consider an energy efficient air conditioner. Air conditioners are one of, if not the most, taxing appliances on the Twin Cities electricity grid. We recommend energy efficient models because the energy cost savings are often more than the additional initial costs to buy a “green” air conditioner. The measure of efficiency for air conditioners is called the SEER rating—the higher the rating, the more efficient.
Q: Do you have a very large home or especially like cool air?
A: Homes that are larger than normal sometimes require a two-stage air conditioner to keep a constant supply of cool air throughout your home. You may also consider a two-stage if you prefer your home to be cooler than 70 degrees at all times.
Q: Are you looking for a mid-line, quick-and-easy replacement of an existing unit?
A: The Amana Goodman line of air conditioners is used in roughly 27% of all residential cooling systems. This line is the easiest to get parts for because many are universal parts. This means we can fix it at any time rather than wait. They are reliable, efficient and industry-tested.
Q: Are you considering a wall or window air conditioner?
A: Built-in wall air conditioners are also called mini-splits. Ductwork is not required because wall air conditioners work to cool rooms individually rather than from a central cooling system, making them one of the most efficient ways to cool your home. Window units are also an affordable option, but they don’t always cool consistently and might not be your aesthetic preference.
Need to schedule spring or summer air conditioner maintenance? Blue Ox Heating & Air’s qualified and licensed technicians are ready to help. Feel free to contact us by filling out an online form, check out our heating coupons and air conditioning coupons, or give us a call today!
