You see it all the time: several neighbors are forced to buy a new AC unit for their Argyle home, yet yours continues to chug along with no issues through May, June, and now into July. You’re certainly not going to complain about it; after all, no one wants to go through the time and expense of replacing their system. But at the same time, you often wonder, how is it that my AC unit is lasting so long while theirs seems to have problem after problem despite being installed around the same time years earlier?
Contrary to popular belief, most quality air conditioners in Texas can last between 10 and 15 years. And if you’re really lucky and take care of it, your system could still be working for another five or 10 years beyond that. But many factors play into that.
So if you’re noticing that some AC units are lasting longer than others, you might want to consider these factors:
Your Air Conditioner’s Longevity Comes Down to the Following:
1. Preventative Maintenance — The families who stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter are the ones who religiously have their systems professionally inspected, serviced, and cleaned once before winter (in the fall) and again right before the hottest months of the year (spring). So perhaps you’re one of those amazing people who are on their game about taking care of your AC unit. The Indoor Air Quality Association lists these essential reasons why preventative maintenance is so important:
• Prevent costly breakdowns
• Reduce energy bills
• Extend the life of your system
• Stay protected under warranty
• Improve your indoor air quality
• Improve your comfort
• Keep your home safer
Click here to see what’s included in A&A Air’s Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter preventative maintenance checklists.
2. Quality installation — Many air conditioning repairs and shortened life-expectancy issues come down to the system or individual parts not being installed correctly in the first place. When this happens, airflow is automatically compromised, and your AC will be forced to work harder than it should from the second it’s turned on for the first time. You should always hire someone with experience installing all major HVAC equipment brands. You want someone who has seen and done it all regarding AC repair, maintenance, and installation. They will know how to accurately assess heating and cooling loads and ensure all AC components are correctly matched to the size of the home and its unique cooling and heating needs.
3. Size of the AC unit — To piggyback off the previous item on this list, size matters. Many AC units are simply too big or too small for the home it was installed in and often didn’t match the components in the attic. This leads to higher energy consumption, uneven temperatures from room to room, poor indoor air quality, and a system with short run cycles that create air distribution issues and faster wear and tear. As a result, components and other parts built to last 15-20 years wear out early and must be replaced.
4. AC placement — Some AC units last longer than others because of where they are placed. If the outdoor unit isn’t placed in the right spot, such as a cool, accessible area along the side of your house that limits exposure to the sun and other natural elements, it will not adequately cool your home over the long haul. Your AC repair guy should look for a shady, level area away from trees and other elements that can lead to clogs and debris.
5. Air filters aren’t being changed — Air filters remove dust, dirt, pollen, and other particles to keep your home’s air clean and safe. They also ensure critical airflow cycles to and from your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable. Clogged air filters force the unit to work harder and kill its longevity. Most air filter manufacturers like General Electric, Filtrete, HEPA, and Honeywell and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every three months. But a lot of that depends on the size and quality of your air filter.
Call A&A Air Today!
With a little TLC and preventative maintenance, your AC unit can last significantly longer than the ones on the houses around you. And we’re here to help you with that! At A&A Air, we take your family’s comfort seriously and can keep that existing AC unit running smoothly for a lot longer than you think. We know our job inside and out and respond promptly. All you need to do is give us a call today!
We proudly serve Argyle, TX, and surrounding areas. You can email us at customercare@AAair.net or call 972-951-1320.