Temperatures are heating up across the country, and during the next few months, home HVAC systems will be pushed to their limits as people try to beat the heat. As temperatures rise and air conditioners work overtime, a little preventive care can go a long way in keeping homes comfortable and helping avoid expensive breakdowns.
Air conditioning units typically run between eight and 12 hours per day during standard summer conditions, and up to 18 hours during extreme heat. That level of use can strain systems, making routine upkeep essential. Regular maintenance helps improve efficiency, extend equipment lifespan, and reduce the likelihood of sudden repairs, especially as many homeowners already feel the pressure of higher summer energy bills. Fortunately, a few simple steps can help keep your system running smoothly:
Homeowners should also watch for warning signs such as uneven cooling, unusual sounds coming from the unit, weak airflow, constant cycling, or sudden spikes in energy costs. These may indicate underlying issues like dirty filters, duct leaks, or mechanical problems that require attention. The average lifespan of a home HVAC system is between 10 and 20 years, but the exact number depends heavily on the quality of your unit and your local climate. Regular maintenance is the most critical factor in maximizing the longevity of your equipment.
American Home Shield offers three home warranty plans as a smart way to help get covered items like your HVAC and other key home systems and appliances running smoothly when they break down. AHS home warranty plans also offer access to maintenance services, such as HVAC tune-ups, to help ensure members’ units are ready for each season change. Ultimately, staying ahead of HVAC maintenance cannot only help keep your home comfortable but also help you avoid unexpected expenses, delivering peace of mind throughout the hottest months of the year.
* See the plan agreement at ahs.com/contracts for coverage details, including service fees, limitations, and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply. New Jersey Residents: The product being offered is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
