5 Ways to Extend Your Air Conditioner's Lifespan

Your air conditioner is the unsung hero of summer. It works tirelessly to keep your home comfortable during the hottest days. But this hard work takes a toll on the system. Replacing an entire AC unit can be a major expense that many homeowners dread. The good news is that you have the power to significantly prolong its life. 

In this article, we’ll share several ways you can keep your air conditioner running efficiently for years to come. Let’s start!

Change Your Air Filters Consistently

One of the easiest and most impactful tasks you can perform is changing your air filters. The filter's job is to trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating in your home and clogging up your AC system. When a filter becomes dirty, it restricts airflow. This forces your air conditioner to work much harder to pull in air, putting unnecessary strain on its fan motor and other critical components. 

This added stress not only shortens the unit's lifespan but also drives up your energy bills. For most homes, it is best to inspect the filter monthly and replace it at least every three months. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to change it more frequently. A clean filter is the first line of defense in maintaining a healthy and long-lasting cooling system.

Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean and Clear

Your air conditioning system has two main parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit, known as the condenser, is responsible for releasing the heat collected from inside your home. To do this effectively, it needs plenty of clear space for air to circulate. Over time, things like leaves, grass clippings, dirt, and branches can accumulate around and inside the condenser, blocking the fins and choking the system. This blockage traps heat, forcing the compressor to work overtime and risk overheating, which can lead to premature failure. 

At the start of each cooling season, make sure to clear away any debris in a two-foot radius around the unit. You can also gently clean the fins yourself. First, turn off the power to the unit at the breaker box. Then, use a garden hose on a gentle setting to spray down the exterior, washing away the accumulated grime. Never use a pressure washer, as it can easily damage the delicate fins.

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings Wisely

How you use your thermostat has a direct impact on your air conditioner's health. While it can be tempting to crank the temperature way down when you get home, this causes abrupt and prolonged cycles that wear out the machinery faster. A much better approach is to use a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices allow you to set a consistent, energy-efficient schedule. 

With a thermostat, you can program the temperature to be a few degrees higher when you are away from home or sleeping, and then have it cool down just before you return or wake up. This prevents the system from working constantly and avoids the heavy strain of rapid temperature changes. By maintaining a more stable indoor climate, you reduce the wear and tear on your AC's compressor and fan motors, extending their operational life while also trimming your cooling costs.

Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance

While DIY tasks like changing filters and cleaning the outdoor unit are essential, they cannot replace a comprehensive professional inspection. An annual tune-up is a vital investment in your AC's longevity. During a service visit, trained technicians perform tasks that go beyond basic cleaning. They check refrigerant levels, test for leaks, lubricate moving parts, inspect and tighten electrical connections, and clean the indoor evaporator coils. 

This preventative care allows them to spot and fix small issues before they escalate into major, costly breakdowns. Think of it as a check-up for your cooling system. By having it serviced regularly by maintenance professionals, such as Long Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., you ensure every component is working in harmony. This boosts efficiency, improves performance, and can add many years to the life of your unit.

Repair Minor and Major Issues Immediately

Air conditioners often give warning signs before they fail completely. You might hear strange noises like grinding, squealing, or clanking. Perhaps you notice that the unit is not cooling as effectively as it used to, or you see water pooling around the indoor unit. Ignoring these red flags is one of the fastest ways to turn a small problem into a catastrophic failure. A minor issue, like a worn-out fan belt or a clogged condensate drain, is often a straightforward fix. However, if left unaddressed, it can cause a domino effect. 

The moment you suspect something is wrong, it is crucial to call a qualified technician for AC repair. A prompt and professional repair will not only restore your comfort but will also prevent a simple fix from becoming a full system replacement, saving you money and stress in the long run. Think of it as essential protection for one of your home's most important and expensive appliances.

By taking these proactive steps, you can play a direct role in the health and longevity of your air conditioning system. A little attention today can prevent major headaches and expenses tomorrow, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable for many summers to come. With this approach, your air conditioner becomes a reliable investment in your home's comfort rather than a potential liability.

5 Simple Home Upgrades That Make Your Space Safer Without Changing Its Look

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Some upgrades work behind the scenes. They don’t stand out, but they help make a place feel steady and safe. Many people want their space to stay calm and look clean. They don’t want big changes, just simple fixes that help life move more easily. Small risks, like a slippery step or a loose rug, can create stress or cause injury over time.

The good news is that small changes can lower those risks without changing how a space looks. These ideas are easy to use and don’t need major work. If you’ve been looking for ways to feel more secure at home while keeping your space just the way you like it, this list offers helpful tips to get started.

1. Anti-Slip Stair Strips for Outside Steps

Outdoor stairs can get slick when it rains or snows. One way to fix this is by adding thin treads made from strong plastic. These strips screw in and stay in place. They are simple to put on and come in neutral colors. That means they work with almost any outdoor look. They also hold up well in all weather.

To get the same benefit at your place, you can buy anti slip treads for stairs online and install them yourself with just a screwdriver. These treads help lower the chance of falls without drawing attention. They are great for families with kids, pets, or older adults who may need a little more support on steps.

2. Motion Lights for Night Use

Getting up at night to use the bathroom or check something in the kitchen can lead to stubbed toes or missed steps. A soft light that turns on by motion can fix that. These lights plug into the wall and work without touching any switches. The light turns on when someone walks by and turns off on its own.

They are gentle on the eyes and work well in halls or near bedrooms. These types of lights don’t clash with furniture or paint colors because they are small and plain. You can place them where light is needed most. These lights help prevent trips and keep the space feeling safe during late hours.

3. Keep Rugs from Sliding

Loose rugs are easy to trip on. But you don’t have to remove them. Rug pads or small grips under the corners can help keep them flat. These tools stay hidden but do the job. They hold the rug in place, even on smooth floors.

This is a simple fix for rooms where rugs are part of the design. You still get the soft feel underfoot, but without the risk of sliding. This small step helps everyone in the home, especially kids who run around or anyone who moves fast from room to room. It adds comfort and safety without changing the look of your floors.

4. Support Bars That Look Clean

In some spaces, like bathrooms, extra help can go a long way. A support bar near the shower gives people something steady to hold when they need it. Older versions were often bulky or looked like medical equipment, which didn’t fit well in home settings.

Now, you can find options that match modern bathroom designs. These bars are slim, simple, and come in neutral shades. They work well for anyone who needs balance or is recovering from an injury. Because they blend in and don’t take up much space, they keep the room looking clean while quietly adding comfort and safety.

5. Entry Mats That Stay in Place

Front doors are often where dirt and water come in. A mat with a non-slip bottom helps keep mess outside and also keeps people from slipping. Some mats move around, which creates new problems. Mats that stay flat and hold still are better for safety.

Many mats look good and have a strong grip underneath. Some are made from natural fibers, while others feel soft and dry quickly. Choose one that fits your space and stays put. A good mat helps stop water from making the floor slick and lowers the chance of falls, especially during rainy weather.

Conclusion

Small updates can make a big difference. They help reduce risk without changing how your home feels or looks. Each tip in this list offers a quiet way to improve safety. These ideas are simple, useful, and fit well into any routine. You don’t need to make big changes to get peace of mind. Just focus on areas where small problems might show up. When handled early, those problems don’t grow into bigger ones. Try one or two of these updates and see how they help.  

Can Income Changes Affect Spousal Support?

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Did you know that there are many instances where households having income worth $1 million or more in net worth face alimony expenditures exceeding $100,000 on a yearly basis? 

Spousal support is dependent on the duration of marriage, income disparity, and other circumstances. Changes in income may significantly influence spousal support. When one loses a job or receives a promotion, life may change, and the finances may shift drastically, causing a reassessment of support agreements.

There are different rules when it comes to spousal support. Every state has its own way to calculate spousal support. For example, when calculating spousal support in California, 40% of the higher earning ex-spouse’s income is taken then 50% of the lower earning ex-spouse’s is subtracted from that 40%. 

The higher earner is then responsible for paying the other that difference as spousal support. Those exact percentages are not permanent and can be altered depending on certain circumstances. 

It is beneficial for your case to know what the legal provisions and concerns in your state are. Both the husband and the ex-spouse are affected by changes in income, so you need to know what needs to be done to tackle these financial changes.

Understanding Spousal Support and Its Purpose

Spousal support is used to give financial security to one of the spouses after the divorce. Also known as alimony, it aims to help the involved parties in divorce move into their new environment without unnecessary suffering.

Spousal support is meant to compensate any amount contributed by one of the marriage partners whether financially or otherwise. The knowledge of spousal support enhances the likelihood of a just settlement between the two parties.

Spousal support lawyer Todd K. Mohink says there are instances where a spouse is awarded indefinite alimony. This support goes on until one of the spouses experiences a notable change in circumstances that would warrant a termination or modification. 

Factors Influencing Spousal Support Adjustments

There are several factors that require adjustment concerning your obligation to either pay or receive support. One of these factors is changes in income. Regardless if the income increased or reduced, it affects the relationship between the parties. 

The period of marriage and standard of living during that phase at the time of divorce may also be used as evidence in determining the amount awarded as spousal support. This information concerning all parties will allow a smooth transition post-divorce.

The Impact of Job Loss on Alimony Payments

Your job loss might directly affect your ability to pay alimony. The physical and emotional toll of losing your job is devastating. This event might mess with your financial standing and stop you from carrying out your duties.

Maintain open communication lines with your ex concerning your situation so that you may be informed about the other and understand each other during this trying time. You could also talk about the prospect of changing the support agreement according to your new financial realities. Consult a lawyer about your options after a job loss.

Promotions and Increased Income: What to Expect

Your promotion or increase in income will also impact your spousal support obligations. A higher income can indeed shift the numbers in your payments, as your ex-spouse will likely seek reevaluation with the new financial status. 

You might get a mixed feeling with your success, but bear in mind that it may also mean that you have to pay more spousal support. If you and your ex-spouse cannot compromise on the spousal support, you can consult a lawyer.

Legal Processes for Modifying Spousal Support Agreements

As noted, an increase or decrease in your finances, including a promotion or wage rise, can trigger the need to reconsider your spouse support agreement. You will normally petition the court to start initiating the changes.

Presenting pay stubs or tax returns can prove the changes in your circumstances. You will need to demonstrate the effects of these changes on your ability to pay or your need for assistance.

Once a case is filed, a hearing will be provided where the two parties may bring their cases. What matters most in this process is open and respectful communication. Remember to aim at a fair resolution that truly represents your position, allowing you to move on positively in life.

Gutter Gripes: 6 Sneaky Signs Your Roof Is Crying For Help

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A roof usually keeps its complaints to itself. It shields, it sheds water, it minds its own business. Then one day we glance upward and notice something that looks slightly off, the same way a cat looks at you when the food bowl is two-thirds empty. Below are six subtle warnings your shingles may be sending while you sip coffee unaware. Catch them early and you sidestep leaks, lumber rot, and awkward conversations with the neighbor whose begonias now receive your runoff. 

1. Stains on Siding – Where Water Doesn’t Belong  

A clean exterior wall is like a polite dinner guest: quiet, unassuming, and never leaves streaks. When rusty or dark vertical stains start striping the siding under the gutters, water is overshooting or sneaking behind those gutters. Gravity does the rest, ushering moisture into the sheathing. Before you haul out a ladder and discover more surprises, tap one of the best roofing companies in salt lake city. Pros own the gear, the insurance, and the knack for spotting a pinhole leak at twenty paces.

2. Pebbles in the Downspout – A Shingle’s Mid-Life Crisis  

Those gritty granules that coat asphalt shingles are a bit like sunscreen for the roof. When you find a beach’s worth of them piling up in the splash block, the protective layer is waving goodbye. Loss of granules invites ultraviolet rays to cook the underlying mat, turning flexible shingles into brittle crackers. No one likes a rooftop cracker. A quick inspection after heavy rain tells you whether shedding is seasonal or symptomatic.

3. Sagging Gutter Lines – A Tired Spine  

Gutters ought to run straight and slightly sloped, the architectural equivalent of good posture. If they bow in the center or pull away from the fascia, water pools rather than drains. The weight of that standing water strains fasteners, saturates the fascia board, and eventually seeps into the attic. Metal brackets cost pennies now; new wood framing costs small fortunes later.

4. Shingle Edges Curling Like Old Paperbacks  

Edges that curl upward signal aging asphalt, poor attic ventilation, or a roof that simply draws too much sun. Curled shingles lift in strong winds then break, gifting the neighborhood free confetti. Worse, they leave nails exposed, creating miniature water slides straight to the decking. Catch curling early and spot-replace rows instead of planning a full tear-off.

5. Indoor Paint Bubbles Near the Ceiling  

Paint rarely blisters just to keep life interesting. Bulges or soft patches up high suggest moisture traveling inside the wall cavity. The trail often starts at a flashing gap around a chimney, vent, or skylight. Interior wall repairs without curing the rooftop source resemble mopping while the tub still overflows. We recommend prying open those bubbles, tracing the dampness back to the framing, then resealing flashing before mildew sets up camp.

6. Energy Bills That Climb Like Ivy  

Roof problems are not confined to waterfalls and rot. A compromised roof assembly leaks conditioned air year-round. Suddenly the HVAC works overtime, and the utility bill resembles a car payment. Missing insulation, damp insulation, or attic vents blocked by wind-driven debris all trace back to an underperforming roof system. Ask the technician to peek at insulation levels during the next tune-up; the payback often arrives by the very next billing cycle.

A roof can’t pour you a cup of tea and explain its troubles, so these quiet hints are the next best thing. Pay attention to stains, shed granules, sagging gutters, curling shingles, paint bubbles, and unexplained energy spikes. Acting on any one of them keeps water where it belongs and dollars in your pocket. Your future self, safe inside a dry living room during the next downpour, will approve of the vigilance.