Air conditioning units are quite an investment, so you often hope they will last for many years. Typically, your air conditioner may last from 10 to 30 years, but its useful life depends on a lot of factors, most of them having to do with proper use and maintenance.
The longevity of your air conditioner would depend on how many hours a day you run it, how close it is to corrosive elements and contaminants, how well it has been maintained, and whether or not any major repairs have been completed. While you don’t have a huge amount of control over the placement of your air conditioner and the elements, the main thing you do have control over is how well you maintain it.
By following these simple tips, you can avoid having to call for AC repair frequently.
Pay Attention to the Filter and Vents
The air filter in your air conditioner is vital to its efficiency, as it catches large airborne pollutants that would otherwise damage your unit. When your air filter gets too dirty, it can start to impede air flow and suffocate your air conditioner unit, causing it to work harder and cause lasting damage. This can dramatically reduce the lifespan of your air conditioner.
You need to replace the air filter on a regular basis. To find out how often you should change your filter and what “dirty” looks like, you should contact a reputable air conditioning repair company.
When you turn your air conditioning unit on in the summer, you need to make sure that nothing is blocking the vents. Having things like curtains, furniture and other solid objects in front of your vents can cause your air conditioner to work longer and harder to cool the room.
Look Out for Pets
Animals, especially dogs, can do enormous damage to your air conditioning unit. Dog urine can damage various elements of your AC unit, and it can eat away at the outer shell and interior coils. Over time, this can cause a leak that allows the refrigerant to escape, thereby losing its ability to cool your home. To ensure that your pet doesn’t do serious damage to your air conditioning unit, you should consider putting up a fence to stop your pet from urinating on it.
These are easy and simple things you can do by yourself to extend the life of your air conditioner, but the most efficient way of extending its lifespan is through regular professional maintenance. Ask a reputable AC repair company about maintenance contract packages so your unit can keep you cool and comfortable much longer.
Sources
HVAC System Life Cycles: How Long Should it Last?, ACHRNews.com
Air Conditioning, AngiesList.com
