Every homeowner knows they have to replace their air conditioner at a certain point. The big question is, how long do AC units last? According to AC repair services providers, air conditioners last between 10 and 15 years.
The life expectancy of the appliance varies depending on plenty of factors such as the quality of the appliance, how it was installed, the area you live in, and how you maintain it.
Can you extend the lifespan of the AC?
Yes, it’s possible to make your AC last longer. As mentioned above, the lifespan of the air conditioner is affected by plenty of factors, so for your appliance to last longer, you need to do the right things. Some of the things you should do include:
Install the right sized air conditioner
Everything begins here. There is no way your appliance will have a long life if you have installed the wrong one. When you install an appliance that is too big for your house, it works too hard and, at the same time, cools the house excessively.
On the other hand, if you install a small appliance, you will be overworking it so it won’t last long enough.
To ensure your air conditioner lasts for as long as possible, ensure you install the right one for your home. If you are installing it for the first time, it’s recommended you involve an AC technician who will advise you on the right one to go for.
Have the AC professionally installed
You might buy the right sized air conditioner, but if you install it the wrong way, it doesn’t last long enough. To avoid this, ensure expert AC technicians do air conditioner installation.
Be on top of air filters.
While they seem harmless, air filters have a significant impact on the life of the air conditioner. If you don’t clean or replace them regularly, you risk your air conditioner breaking down often and also having a short lifespan.
To keep your AC in top working condition, make a habit of cleaning the air filters regularly. A great schedule is to clean them monthly and replace them every 3 months.
When replacing the filters, go for high-quality pieces that will last for a long time.
You don’t need to hire professionals to help you clean the filters, but when you are doing it, ensure you thoroughly clean them. When cleaning the filters, also remember to vacuum the vents and air ducts. This will increase the efficiency of the air conditioning system, keep the air clean, and prolong the life of the appliance.
Is it time to replace the air conditioner?
Sometimes even with the best care, you have to replace the air conditioner. Signs it’s time to replace the appliance include:
The appliance is making unusual sounds.
Squealing, rattling, banging, grinding, and other unusual sounds mean there is something seriously wrong with your air conditioner. In most cases, it means the belt has slipped out, or the motor bearings have broken. Replacing these is usually more expensive than replacing the air conditioner, so you are better off getting a new unit.
The AC keeps breaking down.
Does your air conditioner keep breaking down? The money you spend hiring air conditioner repair services Woodbury providers might be more than you would spend on a new unit, so you are better off getting a new appliance.
As mentioned above, when getting a new appliance, ensure it’s the right size for your home. Get a unit with a high energy star rating. This way, you have peace of mind the appliance won’t consume a lot of energy.