A residential AC unit is an investment. You likely want to preserve your system's operation for as long as possible. Your AC system can either outlive its lifespan or break down sooner than expected due to many factors. Check out some factors below to know what affects your air conditioner's longevity.
1. AC Size
When you shop for an AC system, get expert help, as an undersized or oversized system struggles to cool your home. An air conditioner that is too small runs continually to maintain an optimal temperature in all rooms. As a result, its parts can wear out quickly, leaving you to pay recurring repair costs.
An oversized cooling system runs short, numerous cycles and fails to remove humidity from your home effectively. A constantly running unit experiences premature wear and tear. You will likely replace the system earlier than you have to. An air conditioning expert measures the house size, the number of rooms, and floor configurations to get a rightly sized cooling system.
2. Installation Quality
Many air conditioner experts caution against DIY installation because an AC system is a complex system with numerous parts that work harmoniously. For instance, an air conditioning expert installs the vents correctly and seals ductwork to prevent leaks.
The technician ensures that the refrigerant pipes running between the indoor and outdoor units aren't too long to reduce the burden on the compressor. The type of filters you install is also critical, as restrictive filters impact the system's ability to draw air for cooling.
Thermostat placement is another aspect AC professionals should handle. Thermostats often give incorrect readings if they are near appliances that radiate heat or in areas that receive direct sunlight. As a result, your cooling system can work harder for longer due to temperature fluctuations from the false thermostat readings.
If you install the AC unit yourself, you may fail to secure screws and connections, resulting in refrigerant leaks and an overheated compressor. Remember that inefficient cooling systems often need frequent repairs, contribute to high energy bills, and have short lifespans.
3. Usage
An AC system running for long periods usually experiences more wear and tear than a system in moderate use. However, don't compromise your comfort by limiting your AC unit use. Instead, upgrade to a smart air conditioner, which reduces the time the AC system runs to save energy. Smart air conditioners let you monitor sir conditioning usage and make adjustments from your phone.
A smart thermostat is another excellent investment since it provides programmable temperature settings to match an AC system's operation with your lifestyle. Over time, your smart thermostat learns your schedule and adjusts the air conditioner's performance without affecting comfort.
4. Local Climate
Your geographic location also affects AC system lifespan, as exposure to the elements quickly wears out different components. If your home is on the coast, the salty air settles on the outdoor unit's condenser coil and can take a toll on the AC system. Although your AC unit can absorb stress from the weather, extreme conditions often cause premature aging.
5. Maintenance
Neglect usually has the greatest impact on air conditioning durability. Over time, an AC unit's components deteriorate, and the system may break down or fail. An air conditioner technician performs many actions that promote your system's efficiency.
To start, the expert replaces dirty, clogged filters because they limit airflow and make the AC system operate harder to move air across your home. Remember that air conditioning elements wear out quicker in an overburdened system, while energy bills skyrocket due to inefficiencies. Air can also go around the dirty filter and deposit debris into the evaporator coil, leading to premature wear and tear.
Then, the technician cleans the evaporator coils on the indoor and outdoor units, as they absorb dirt, even with a clog-free air filter. The metal fins on the condenser coil need straightening because they bend over time and disrupt the airflow. Air conditioner experts also check for refrigerant leaks, seal duct leakage, check the thermostat's accuracy, and examine electric connections.
Our AC unit experts at C. J. Services, Inc., help homeowners install and maintain cooling systems to avoid premature failure. Contact usfor long-lasting AC service.
