How To Make Your Old Air Conditioner Work Better

If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, it’s probably not working as well as it used to. But before you sprint away and buy a new one, there are a few things you can do to make your old AC unit work better. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the ways you can improve your air conditioner’s performance, including cleaning the filters, checking the refrigerant levels, and tuning up the compressor. 

Keep reading to learn how to make an old air conditioner work better!

Once you’ve learned how to revitalize your AC unit, you can check out the Anderson Air website if you need help with other HVAC-related issues.

How to make an old air conditioner work better in five simple steps

Here are some invaluable pieces of advice you can use to make your old AC unit work like it’s brand-new:

Clean the air conditioner filters

Air conditioners work by circulating air throughout a room or building. In order to do this effectively, they rely on a series of air filters to remove dust and other particles from the air. Over time, these filters become clogged, which reduces the efficiency of the air conditioner and can cause it to work harder than necessary. 

Because of this, it is important to clean the filters on a regular basis. The frequency will depend on the type of filter and the level of use, but most should be thoroughly cleaned or replaced at least once per month.

In addition to cleaning the filters, there are a few other things you can do to keep your air conditioner unit in proper working order. For example, make sure that the unit is level and that there is nothing blocking the intake or exhaust vents. If possible, keep the unit out of direct sunlight, as this can cause it to overheat. 

Lastly, to make the air conditioner work better, have the unit serviced regularly by a qualified technician. This will help to ensure that all of the parts are in good working condition and that any potential problems are caught early.

Inspect the outdoor unit for dirt, leaves, or other debris

Take a look at the outdoor unit; if it’s covered in dirt or leaves, this can prevent the passage of air and cause the unit to work harder than it needs to. To clean the unit, simply turn off the power and use a garden hose to remove any debris. 

Once the unit is clean, inspect the coils and fins for damage or other issues. If any of these components seem to be bent or broken, they’ll need to be replaced. Finally, check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. 

Tighten all screws and bolts on the unit

One of the optimal ways to ensure that your old air conditioner works better is to tighten up all of the screws and bolts on the unit. 

Over time, these components can become loose, which can cause airflow problems and reduce efficiency. In addition, be sure to check the condenser coils for dirt and debris build-up. If the coils are dirty, they will not be able to dissipate heat effectively, causing the unit to work harder and leading to increased energy bills. 

Finally, keep the area around the air conditioner clear of obstacles such as lawn furniture or shrubs. 

Obstructions can block airflow and make it difficult for the unit to function properly. 

Make sure the compressor is lubricated

One of the most important things to do is to make sure the compressor is properly lubricated. This helps to ensure that all of the moving parts inside your AC unit are working correctly and efficiently. 

You can check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to lubricate your particular model of air conditioner.

Check the electrical wiring to make sure there are no loose connections

Checking the electrical wiring in your AC unit is a relatively simple task that can help to ensure its longevity and efficiency. 

First, make sure that the power is turned off before beginning any work. Then, locate the main breaker box and find the switch that controls the AC unit. Once the power is shut off, remove the access panel to the AC unit. Inside, you will see the various electrical components that make up the unit. 

Carefully inspect each connection to make sure that it is tight and secure. If any connections are loose, simply tighten them with a screwdriver. Finally, replace the access panel and turn on the power to test the unit. 

Congratulations! You now know how to make an old AC work better than ever before. These tips are primarily for central AC units, but many can be used if you want to learn how to make an old window AC work better as well.

How to make an old air conditioner work better — Conclusion

If your current AC unit is ten years old (or more), it’s time to start thinking about a replacement. A new, energy-efficient AC unit can save you money on your monthly utility bills and help keep your home comfortable. 

Contact a qualified HVAC specialist today to learn more about the best options for your home and budget.