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Air conditioning systems are one of the most important items in your home. This is why preventative maintenance is critical on your unit. You can extend the service life of your AC by an additional three years.
Proper AC maintenance requires diligence and some knowledge about how they work. There are other things that you can do to extend service life that require no skill.
However, sometimes there is no avoiding getting a new AC unit. Read on to answer the question, how long do air conditioners last? Explore things you can do to extend service life and signs that you need a replacement.
Service Life
Homeowners often wonder how long does an AC last? The answer depends on a number of variables.
On average, residential ACs are built to last 12 to 15 years. This service life range depends on how often the unit is used. Another major factor is whether the AC was properly maintained. Continue reading to learn how to extend your unit’s service life.
Turn It Off
Many people set their thermostat and forget about their air conditioner. By doing this, you are forgoing an opportunity to extend your unit’s service life.
In the cool spring and summer months, shut off the air conditioner and open your windows. Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air.
You can extend the AC unit’s service life by reducing the daily burden on it. Increasing the set temperature on the thermometer will limit its usage.
Also, you can adjust the thermostat’s schedule to make the unit run more efficiently. For example, turn the AC off when your home’s residents depart for work or school.
Preventative Maintenance
It is important to regularly service your AC. As one of the most expensive items in your home, it is critical to protect your investment.
Some things require professional assistance, while other maintenance tasks are completed by the homeowner. For example, you should replace air filters every 30 to 90 days. This is a simple way to relieve the burden on the AC and improve its efficiency.
Many homeowners enter into service agreements with a local service company. Here, professionals crack open your unit and perform more complex maintenance tasks. These tasks include blowing out pipes and re-charging the unit with Freon.
Upgrade Your Unit
Father Time eventually catches up with your AC system. There are signs and symptoms that your AC needs replacement.
You may notice that your electricity bills are inexplicably higher. This is a sign that the AC unit is working harder than normal to maintain the thermostat’s set temperature.
Another sign is that your house cannot reach a comfortable temperature while the AC is running. This means that it is working hard but not producing the desired results.
Leaking and frequent repairs are other signs that a new system is necessary.
If your AC is acting up, you should perform online research to learn more about the problem. A service call may be required if the issue cannot easily be determined.
How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
This is a complicated question with many different possibilities. Your AC is supposed to last up to 15 years, but it may be less if you do not properly maintain it.
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