What’s REALLY Shortening the Life of Your AC? (It’s Not What You Think)

When most people think about what wears out an air conditioner, they picture the obvious: scorching hot summers, long run times, old age.

But over the years, I’ve learned that some of the biggest factors that shorten the life of an AC system aren’t what you expect. They’re small, hidden issues that quietly chip away at your system’s performance—until one day, it quits for good.

Let’s talk about the less obvious AC killers that could be hiding in your home right now—and what you can do to stop them.

Oversized Systems: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

It’s a common misconception: the bigger the system, the better it cools. But if your AC is oversized for your home, it actually turns on and off too frequently (a problem called “short cycling”).

Every time it restarts, it puts extra wear on the compressor and electrical components. Instead of lasting longer, it wears out faster.

This is why we always check for signs of short cycling during our 15-point Central Air Clean and Check. We measure temperature drop, airflow, and static pressure to make sure your system is matched and operating efficiently—not working against itself.

Poor Thermostat Calibration: Small Error, Big Impact

An improperly calibrated thermostat causes your system to work harder and longer than it needs to. If your thermostat reads two degrees higher than the actual temperature, it could be making your AC run unnecessarily, burning more energy and wearing out components.

That’s why we recalibrate your thermostat as part of our clean and check. It’s a simple adjustment that protects your system and saves you money on utility costs.

Dirty Coils: The Hidden Energy Hog

Your condenser coil is responsible for releasing heat from your home. But when it gets dirty—a problem most people never see—it traps heat instead of releasing it. That forces your compressor to work overtime, raising your energy bills and wearing out your system faster.

Cleaning the condenser coil is one of the first things we do in our 15-point service. It’s not just about better cooling—it’s about keeping your system alive.

Neglected Blower and Airflow Issues

Your blower motor is the heart of your system’s airflow. If it’s dirty, clogged, or out of adjustment, it restricts how much air moves through your home. That doesn’t just make you uncomfortable—it makes your AC work harder to achieve the same result.

During your tune-up, we check and adjust blower components, measure airflow, and recommend blower cleaning if needed. By restoring proper airflow, we reduce strain on the entire system.

Loose Electrical Connections: The Silent Saboteur

Loose or corroded electrical connections are one of the most common causes of sudden AC failure. Left unchecked, they lead to voltage drops, overheated parts, or even burned-out motors.

That’s why we tighten every electrical connection and check voltage and amperage on motors as part of our tune-up. It’s one of those small steps that prevents very expensive problems down the road.

The Bottom Line: Small Issues Become Big Ones—Unless You Catch Them Early

Most people don’t think about these hidden AC killers. They assume that as long as the system turns on and blows cold air, it’s fine. But by the time it stops working, these quiet problems have already done their damage.

That’s why our 15-point Central Air Clean and Check is designed to find them early. We look at everything—from coils to motors to electrical connections—so you’re not blindsided by a breakdown.

And right now, we’re still offering it for just $89.

Schedule Your 15-Point AC Tune-Up Today

Call (651) 273-2414 or visit www.bobboldthvac.com to book your appointment.

We’ll make sure your AC isn’t quietly wearing itself out—and help you get every year, every cool breeze, and every ounce of comfort from your system.

Thanks for trusting us,
Bob Boldt
Owner, Bob Boldt HVAC