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.

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

We partnered with a home improvement company. for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

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.

Is Your Home Ready for Every Season? Let's Find Out

We partnered with a home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

With every season comes change—not just outside, but also indoors. From scorching summers to icy winters, your home fights silently with the elements. Despite variations in weather patterns, the threat remains the same. Rain can cause leaks, leaves can clog drains, and cold air can filter through gaps you were not even aware of.

Homes across the nation, even in states such as Arkansas, where stormy weather and seasonal changes are merely part of the deal, suffer year-round strain. If you're not receiving an inspection on your home before the seasons change, you may be rolling out the welcome mat for expensive surprises.

Is your house then ready for what is ahead? Let us see some of the major areas that should receive attention—and how to prepare your home for the season ahead.

1. Spring: Clean Up, Seal Up, and Watch for Water

As the snow melts and flowers bloom, spring also brings heavy rain, damp air, and sudden storms. It's the season that often reveals winter's damage.

Start with your roof. Look for missing shingles, exposed nails, and signs of mold. Then move on to your gutters. These often get packed with leaves and debris during the fall and winter months. If they're clogged, water overflows and may damage your foundation or landscaping.

This is also the time to reseal exterior cracks, especially around windows and entry points. Spring moisture can slip into gaps and cause rot or mold later.

2. Summer: Shield Your Home from the Heat

Hot months are tough on a home's exterior. UV rays can fade paint, dry out caulking, and warp siding. If your home has vinyl or wood panels, make sure they're still tight and sealed. Any shift in alignment could mean future leaks or insulation issues.

Attic ventilation also deserves attention. Poor airflow traps heat, which raises indoor temperatures and adds strain to your cooling system. Check that vents are clear and fans are functioning. Don't forget to test your smoke detectors and ceiling fans while you're at it.

Summer's also the perfect time to look at shaded structures like decks or pergolas. Replace any cracked boards or rusted nails, and give outdoor wood a fresh sealant coat if needed.

3. Fall: Prepare for Leaves, Wind, and Chill

Fall brings cooler air, falling leaves, and unpredictable weather. It's the season to prepare your home for harsher conditions ahead.

Begin with a gutter check. If you've skipped it in spring, now is non-negotiable. Overflowing gutters can freeze in winter and cause ice dams. If your system is leaking or sagging, now's the time to act. A professional gutter installation company can help assess whether repairs or full replacement are needed. Several well-established teams, including those with over 25 years of experience in places like Arkansas, also handle storm-related exterior fixes during this season.

Besides the gutters, inspect your trees. Trim back limbs that hang too close to the roof. High winds can turn branches into expensive hazards. Check your HVAC filter, too. A clean filter improves heat flow and reduces dust buildup indoors.

4. Winter: Insulate, Seal, and Strengthen

Winter prep goes beyond just turning up the heat. The cold can creep into places you least expect.

Start with doors and windows. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal out drafts. Test for cold spots by placing your hand around frames during a chilly morning. If the air feels colder than the room, you have a leak.

Check your attic insulation. Is it dry and thick enough? If not, it won't hold heat effectively. This leads to higher energy bills and puts more pressure on your heating unit.

Also, examine your roof from a safe distance. Snow can build up, and if the surface isn't solid, water can sneak in through the weak points. It's smart to keep a snow rake on hand for quick clearing after a heavy snowfall.

Year-Round Tips That Make a Big Difference

Regardless of season, some tasks should be part of your regular home care routine. Keeping up with these checks makes each seasonal shift easier to manage.

• Walk around your property once a month. Look for signs of wear like peeling paint, loose siding, or cracked seals.

• Test outdoor lighting and security systems, especially as daylight hours change.

• Flush out downspouts to avoid blockages.

• Schedule one professional inspection per year—for roofing, siding, or drainage systems—just to catch anything you missed.

These actions don't take long, but they add up to major savings in the long run.

Conclusion

Your home handles a lot, every single day of the year. Giving it attention before each season ensures it stays strong, safe, and efficient. A few hours of care now can prevent expensive damage later.

Need help with exterior maintenance before the next season hits? Get in touch with a trusted expert and make sure your home is truly ready.

Are Solar Panels a Good Option for Your Family?

We partnered with a home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Solar panels are an increasingly common sight throughout the world. You can find solar panel farms on flatland, but they’re also often found on the roofs of residential and commercial properties alike. By using solar panels, you can become less reliant on the energy grid, but you do need to invest a fair amount of money in the panels. So, is it worth the payoff?

Benefits of Solar Panels

The first and most obvious benefit of solar panels is that they allow your household to be more environmentally friendly. If you’re interested in building a sustainable home, solar panels are one of the best ways to power your property. Solar panels can be built on rooftops, which cuts down on the amount of space they need. 

You can still be connected to the grid, so you can still keep your lights on at night when your panels aren’t generating electricity, but throughout the day, you rely on clean energy. Solar panels also work just fine on cloudy or dim days, so it doesn’t have to be glorious sunshine all the time. It just has to be daytime.

By being less reliant on the grid, you can pay less money on your electricity bills. You can also sell electricity back to the grid, although this is often at a very discounted price, so some people prefer to have batteries to store their solar power and continue to use it at night or during blackouts.

While you do save in the long run with solar panels, it will take a long time for them to pay for themselves, so you should consider whether it’s worth the financial investment, especially if you plan on selling your home within the next ten years.

Installing Solar Panels

Installing solar panels is relatively easy. Most rooftops can support solar panels, although it’s important to make sure that your roof gets the right amount of sun throughout the day, especially if you have a slanted roof. Otherwise, you can install solar panels on flat, sunny ground.

It’s best to get a professional to install solar panels for you, as you might risk breaking the panels and even damaging your roof in the process. But once they’re up there and hooked up to your home, solar panels will mostly look after themselves.

Maintaining Solar Panels

Solar panels are inherently low-maintenance, but there are ways that you can make sure that they stay as efficient as possible. This includes keeping them clean. If your solar panels are blocked by dirt, debris, or snow, they can’t function as well because they aren’t getting as much sun as they could. 

When cleaning a solar panel, it’s important to have the right equipment and cleaning kits. Ideally, you should hire a professional to safely and effectively clean your solar panels, but you can get rid of some dirt yourself if you need to touch them up. Water and a microfiber cloth can work well, and you should avoid harsh chemicals that could damage your panels.