How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
Buying an air conditioner is a big investment, and you want to make sure that you get the most out of it. The life expectancy of your AC unit depends on several factors. These factors include how you use it, your region, and your personal preference.
The longer an AC system is used, the more wear and tear it will experience. However, if you take care of it and keep up with regular maintenance, you should be able to stretch its lifespan quite a bit.
Factors Impacting the Life of an Air Conditioner
It’s no secret that your home or office central air conditioner has the lion’s share of wear and tear. Luckily, there are several factors that can make your HVAC system go the distance for many years to come.
In particular, the life of any HVAC unit is influenced by your usage habits, location, and budget. A well-maintained air conditioning system that operates efficiently will save you money on your energy bill while keeping you and your family cool and comfortable. The key to a long-lasting system is to keep it in top condition with regular inspections, cleanings, or proper maintenance.
To find out how to keep your equipment running for as long as possible, be sure to schedule an estimate from a professional HVAC service specialist like Pioneer Mechanical LLC. The results can help you decide which model to purchase and provide a road map to keeping your home or office cool and comfortable for many years to come. The best way to do this is to start by assessing your current needs, and then matching these with the latest technologies to get you the results you need.
Rate of Use
Air conditioning units are used by many homes, workplaces, and public spaces to help keep people healthy in hot weather. It helps prevent dehydration, circulation problems, and other ailments that can be dangerous to your health if left unchecked by affecting indoor air quality.
But relying on an AC system to cool buildings and homes is also a major energy and environmental problem. It drives up demand on the grid, increases emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gasses, and costs homeowners.
The United States is the world’s leading air conditioning user, with more than 88% of households running a home cooling system at some point. The trend is set to continue, especially as temperatures climb.
As the climate warms, Americans are relying on their air conditioning system more than ever to stay comfortable and protect themselves. That’s one of the most paradoxical trends in our society, which is often regarded as a “blue nation” and “American exceptionalism.”
And yet, our reliance on AC is also contributing to global warming, according to data from the Energy Information Administration . That’s because AC units – like many other appliances – put heat-trapping hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) into the atmosphere when they’re not being used, triggering a cascade of climate change impacts.
A recent study found that many American homes have air conditioning units– ranging from window ACs to central AC units – running non-stop during the summer. That’s despite the EIA’s recommendations that people use their air conditioning only when they’re at home and that they adjust their temperature settings throughout the day to avoid heating up their homes.
Almost half of US homes with individual AC units, such as portable or window units, have their thermostats set to the same setting all day, while only about one-third of those with central air conditioning do the same.
In fact, a study by TIME found that if people in the United States were to follow this advice, their air conditioning would be more efficient and they would spend less money on electricity.
Using an AC to regulate the humidity in your home is also beneficial, as it reduces mold and mildew growth, which can have serious health consequences for people with allergies or asthma. That’s why keeping your system clean and changing the filters regularly is essential.
Level of Upkeep and AC Maintenance
Like many household appliances, your air conditioner requires regular maintenance to keep it running smooth and long. For instance, replacing the air filter regularly is a great way to boost your system’s efficiency and increase its lifespan. Other cool ways to improve your HVAC system’s performance include adjusting thermostat settings, replacing old ductwork, and installing energy-efficient insulation. Keeping a close eye on the state of your air conditioning system is key to saving you money down the road.
You can even get a jumpstart on the job by calling in the professionals from the start! This will make sure your new or existing system will be in tip-top shape when you need it most. We can help you find an ac repair contractor in your area to fit the bill and get your home or office ready for spring.
Exposure to the Elements
Your outdoor AC unit will be exposed to the elements, so it is important to keep it clean. Keeping it free of leaves, pine needles, trash, and other items can help prevent moisture from building up on the unit, which may cause damage to its components.
It also helps to have the coils cleaned on a regular basis to prevent dirt and corrosion from forming. This will prolong the life of your outdoor air conditioning unit.
Another factor that can impact the lifespan of your air conditioner is exposure to electromagnetic pollution. Many older central air conditioners generate a high amount of EMF radiation that has a range of negative impacts on the environment, humans, and animals.
The effects of electromagnetic pollution on humans are varied, including mental blocks, insomnia, dizziness, loss of appetite, and reduced energy. Animals and plants exposed to it for an extended period of time can also die or become debilitated.
A variety of trace elements can be analyzed in environmental samples and biological specimens to determine the levels of exposure. These include metals, metalloids, and rare earth elements. Some are essential to human health at low (trace or ultratrace) concentrations while others can be toxic if exposed in large amounts.
Your outdoor air conditioning unit will be exposed to the elements all year long, so it is important to keep it clean. The best way to do this is to remove debris from the area around your outdoor unit physically. Taking care of this will not only make your AC unit last longer but will save you money on maintenance as well.
- insiteadvice
- March 9, 2023
- 8:57 pm
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