All air conditioners are designed to cool a home or office space. They can make you comfortable during the hottest days of summer. However, this luxury didn’t last a lifetime with just one purchase, as air conditioners have expected lifespans. When your current system reaches the end of its service life, you’ll need to start looking for a replacement.
In order to keep your air conditioner functioning properly, you need regular AC maintenance New Hope, PA. Depending on the type of air conditioner you have, this can mean different things. But how long should a well-maintained air conditioner last?
Let us answer that question through this article, so keep reading.
What is Regular Maintenance for Your Air Conditioner?
Just like any appliance or mechanical system in your home, regular maintenance is key to keeping your air conditioner running properly. It is a service that should be done at least once a year by a professional.
During this maintenance visit, the technician will clean the unit, check for any damage, and ensure that all the parts are still working properly. This will help extend your air conditioner’s lifespan and keep it running efficiently. AC maintenance New Hope, PA can also improve your comfort and lower your monthly cooling bills.
Depending on the type of air conditioner you have, this maintenance can be as simple as regularly changing the filter. Other types of air conditioners may require more involved maintenance, such as having a professional service the unit every year. But even with regular maintenance, all air conditioners will eventually reach the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced.
What is the Expected Lifespan of an Air Conditioner?
The lifespan of an air conditioner depends on several factors, including the type of air conditioner, the quality of the unit, how often it is used, and how well it is maintained.
The average lifespan of a central air conditioner is 15-20 years. But if the unit is not properly maintained, it may only last 10-12 years.
Room air conditioners have a shorter lifespan, typically lasting 5-10 years. But like any appliance, there are always exceptions to the rule.
You may have a friend or neighbor who swears their window air conditioner is still going strong after 20 years. But it’s important to remember that this is not the norm. In general, most air conditioners will need to be replaced after 10-15 years.
Lastly, a ductless mini-split air conditioner has an average lifespan of 20-25 years. But, as with any mechanical system, regular maintenance is key to keeping your ductless mini-split running properly and extending its lifespan.
Factors that Affect the Lifespan of any AC Unit
Several factors play a role in determining how long an air conditioner will last. These include the following:
Type of air conditioner you have
Your AC unit’s lifespan will depend on the type of air conditioner you use. Each air conditioner is designed differently and will have a different lifespan. Typically, a central AC can last longer than a room air conditioner. This is because central AC units don’t have to work as hard as room air conditioners.
The quality of your unit
The higher the quality of your air conditioner, the longer it will last. But even the best quality air conditioners have a finite lifespan and eventually need to be replaced. When purchasing, make sure to do your research and buy an AC unit from a reputable manufacturer.
How often do you use it
If you live in an area with a long cooling season, you will likely use your air conditioner more often than someone who lives in an area with a shorter cooling season. The more often you use your air conditioner, the shorter its lifespan will be. Normal wear and tear can develop, affecting how well your unit works and how long it will last.
How well it is maintained
All air conditioners need regular AC maintenance New Hope, PA to keep them running properly. How often you have your air conditioner serviced will depend on the type of air conditioner you have. Some units need to be serviced more often than others.
But regardless of how often you have your maintenance, staying on top of it is important. This will help extend your air conditioner’s lifespan and keep it running efficiently.
How to Extend the Life of Your AC Unit
While you can’t control the type of air conditioner you have or how often you use it, there are some things you can do to extend the lifespan of your unit. Here are the steps you should take:
Regularly replace or clean the air filter
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause your AC unit to work harder than it needs to. This can lead to premature wear and tear on your unit. Also, dirty filters can cause health problems, as they can circulate dust and other allergens through your home.
To avoid these problems, it is important to regularly replace or clean the air filter in your AC unit. Depending on your filter type, you will need to either replace it or clean it every 1-3 months.
Keep the area around your unit clean
The area around your unit may become cluttered over time. This can restrict airflow and cause your unit to work harder than it needs to. Debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt can also get caught in the unit and cause damage.
Keeping the area around your unit clean is important as part of Air Conditioning maintenance New Hope, PA. This includes removing any leaves, twigs, or other debris that could block airflow to your unit. In addition, you should trim any plants or shrubs near your unit. This will ensure that your unit has enough airflow and can operate properly.
Clean the coils
The coils in your air conditioner can become dirty over time. This can reduce the efficiency of your unit and cause it to work harder than it needs to. To clean the coils, you will need to turn off the power to your unit and remove the housing. Once the housing is removed, you can use a soft brush or cloth to clean the coils. Be sure not to bend or damage the coils while cleaning them.
If the coils are dirty, you may need to use a cleaning solution. You can make your own cleaning solution by mixing one part vinegar with one part water. Once the coils are clean, you can replace the housing and turn the power back on to your unit. Call the pros for AC maintenance New Hope, PA if you are not comfortable doing this job.
Clear the vent and registers
The vents and registers in your home can become blocked with dust and debris. This can restrict airflow and cause your unit to work harder than it needs to. To clean the vents and registers, you will need to turn off the power to your unit and remove the housing. Once the housing is removed, you can use a soft brush or cloth to clean the vents and registers.
Inspect the ductwork
The ductwork in your home can become damaged or disconnected over time. This can cause air to leak out, making your unit work harder than it needs to. To inspect the ductwork, you will need to turn off the power to your unit and remove the housing.
Once the housing is removed, you should check the ductwork for any signs of damage or disconnection. If you find any damage, you should repair it or replace the damaged section of ductwork. For best results, contact the experts.
Check for leaks
Leaks can occur in your unit’s ductwork, coils, or other parts. These leaks can cause your unit to work harder than it needs to, leading to premature wear and tear. Inspect all of the parts of your unit for any signs of leaks. If you find a leak, you should repair it or replace the damaged part.
Hire a professional
If you are not comfortable doing any of the above steps, you can hire a professional for AC maintenance New Hope, PA. A professional can properly maintain your air conditioner and extend its lifespan.
An air conditioner is a big investment. To ensure that your investment lasts, it is important to maintain your unit properly. By regularly replacing or cleaning the air filter, keeping the area around your unit clean, and clearing the vents and registers, you can extend the lifespan of your AC unit.
Best AC Maintenance New hope, PA
Now that you know that regular AC maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your unit, you should not underestimate the importance of hiring a professional to help you. A professional will be able to properly maintain your air conditioner and ensure that it is running efficiently.
If you are looking for the best AC maintenance New Hope, PA, look no further than Infinite Mechanical. Our experienced professionals can help you with all your AC maintenance needs. We service all makes and models of air conditioners and can provide you with the best possible service. Contact us today at 215-774-2153 to schedule a consultation.
