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How to Prolong the Lifespan of Your AC Unit

Air conditioning units are designed to live for a pretty long time, but sometimes it may not seem to last as long as it should, or as long as you might want it to. Just because a manufacturer’s warranty covers for up to a certain amount of time doesn’t mean that will be the lifespan of your unit. Keep reading to learn how to prolong the lifespan of your AC unit so you can get the most for your investment.

Get Yearly Maintenance

While air conditioners are designed to be able to handle a lot of abuse and are pretty tough, this doesn’t mean that you can afford to skip any regular maintenance checks for it. The average lifespan of an air conditioner is ten to twelve years, but it can be prolonged with the proper care. Most HVAC companies offer an affordable service agreement for yearly maintenance checks-including National Heating & Air Conditioning for homeowners in Cincinnati!

When the technician comes to your home, he should complete the following:

  • Clean the condensing coils on your unit
  • Oil the fan motor
  • Check the operating pressure
  • Check the coolant levels
  • Check the amp draw of the compressor and check that the belts are adjusted properly

Maintenance steps you can take on your own to ensure your unit lasts as long as it can:

  • Change the filter of your unit regularly
  • Cut any vegetation or shrubbery away from an outdoor unit
  • Listen for any odd sounds that could signal a breakdown of your unit

What Is the Best Way to Extend Your Air Conditioner’s Lifespan?

The best way to prolong the lifespan of your AC unit is to keep it clean, maintained, and free from debris both inside and out. Do not run it at too cold a temperature if it is not necessary, and turn it off when you can handle the indoor temperature-such as evenings when the outdoor temperatures drop.

If you have a technician come in for a maintenance check, you could have him include duct cleaning if that is included in your agreement. If not, you should check into that and do it every few years to help keep out pollutants and excess dust and build up that can make your air conditioner have to work harder than it should.

If you have a system that also produces heat in the winter, you should make sure you have your system inspected and serviced before both the winter season and summer seasons. If your system is already old, you may want to think about investing in a ductless system or a more energy efficient system that is designed for a longer lifespan.

If you have been using individual AC units in several rooms of your home, you also may want to think about installing a central air conditioning system within your home to help with your hydro bill and to provide a more stable temperature throughout the whole home with the ease of a thermostat control or remote control device.

Air Conditioner Service in Cincinnati

Would you like the help of a professional to keep your air conditioner running at peak performance for as long as possible to get the most out of your investment? If you live in the Cincinnati area, contact National Heating & Air Conditioning now for more information or to schedule service.

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