Air conditioner lifespan depends on us at the first place,  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  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

Regular Tune-ups:

As with all things mechanical, regular HVAC maintenance  the best way to prevent a catastrophic and costly failure. HVAC systems do not demand particularly high maintenance, but that doesn’t mean routine maintenance isn’t important. Your air conditioner and furnace should both be inspected, cleaned, and tuned up every year. The best to schedule your air conditioner service in spring and your furnace service in late summer or early fall — that way, your system will be optimized for efficiency the first day you need it. If a serious problem discovered, you can deal with it before the time comes to switch systems.

Outdoor Unit Inspection:

The outdoor unit, or a condenser in general terms,  your air conditioning system’s real workhorse. During periods of rough weather, debris and stones can become lodged inside the unit. When operating, this debris can then interfere with the fan and lead to possible damage or leakage in the pipes. It is thus good practice to visually inspect the unit for any visible damage after a storm, especially before air conditioning season starts.

Moreover, keep an eye out for any shrubs or weeds growing around the condenser unit. The unit needs to blow out the heated air, and if the outlet vents seemed blocked, this will lead to decreased efficiency of the system.