When Do I Need Air Conditioner Replacement?
Your air conditioner is an important part of your home, and it works throughout the year to help keep you and your family comfortable. However, with all the work that your air conditioning system does, it is only natural that you will eventually need an air conditioner replacement. However, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether or not a replacement is needed. When is it best to schedule an air conditioner repair and when should you get a new air conditioner installation? Various factors can affect whether it is best to reach out for an air conditioner repair or an air conditioner replacement, and keeping a few things in mind can help you make the best decision for your home.
What is the Average Life Expectancy of an Air Conditioner?
The typical lifespan of an air conditioner can change depending on the type of air conditioning system you have. You can usually expect a high-quality air conditioning system to provide you with about 15 to 20 years of service. However, it is important to keep in mind that the life expectancy of your air conditioning unit can be shortened if you don’t provide it with the proper maintenance and care over time. Taking care of a few simple maintenance tasks can prevent major damage to your system that can be incredibly costly to repair.
How Often Do Air Filters Need to Be Changed?
Among the single most important tasks for maintaining your air conditioning system is replacing the air filters on a regular basis. Many homeowners neglect this task and allow excessive amounts of dust and dirt to accumulate in the air filter of their air conditioning system. Unfortunately, when an air filter is no longer able to remove the dust from the air around you, that dust is allowed to get into your air conditioning system, where it can damage various components of your air conditioning unit.
It is recommended that your home’s air filter be changed about every three months on average. It can also be a good idea to change the air filter more often if you live in an area where there is an especially large amount of dust and dirt in the air. Likewise, it can be a good idea to change the air filter more often in the hot summer months when there may be more dust and dirt in the air. This is a relatively simple task, but it is one that can help greatly extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit and prevent the need for an air conditioner replacement.
What Happens if My AC Coils Are Dirty?
The coils are another important part of your air conditioning system, and they are a part of your AC that is working constantly to provide you with cool air. Because of this, it may not be surprising to learn that your AC coils can build up an excessive amount of dirt over time. It is important to ensure that your AC coils are clean to keep them functioning properly.
It is a good idea to schedule an AC coil cleaning at least once per year to ensure they are being kept as clean as possible. Additionally, this is a job that is best left to the professionals. This is because it involves working in and around some of the more sensitive components of your air conditioning system, and the proper precautions must be taken to prevent any possible damage to your air conditioning system during the cleaning process. This is another maintenance task that can have a great effect on the lifespan of your unit and prevent the need for an air conditioner replacement when taken care of regularly.
When Should I Hire a Professional to Help With My Air Conditioner Services?
Above all else, the best way to prevent the need for an air conditioner replacement is to hire a professional to take care of any issues that come up with your air conditioning system in a timely manner. There are a number of things that an HVAC technician can do for you when checking your system that can prevent costly damage. These things include:
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Testing for leaks
- Measuring airflow through the unit
- Inspecting the electrical components
- Cleaning and replacing other air conditioner parts as needed
By working with an HVAC technician and getting professional service, you can get the most out of your air conditioning system. Additionally, the professional you work with will be able to tell you when an air conditioner repair or an air conditioner replacement is the best option given the current state of your system.
Pro Air Heating Cooling and Electrical can be there to help if you need air conditioner repair or air conditioner replacement in Downers Grove, IL. Call today at 630-641-5489 to learn more.
