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How Long Should an Air Conditioner Last?

Many homeowners want to know what the average life of a central air conditioner is in this area. They may be planning ahead for a new system or wondering if they should replace their current system before untimely breakdowns or expensive repairs occur. The quick answer is that the average life of a HVAC system, regardless of where you live is approximately 12-15 years and is no different. To understand more about Air Condition Repair just view the link.

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However, there are several factors that will either extend the life of the system or shorten it considerably. In this article, we look at those factors so that you will know how to get the most out of your home air conditioning system. 

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Issues that Shorten Central Air Conditioner Life


These things may produce a lifespan for your AC that is shorter than average. 

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1. Improper Installation: Unfortunately, a bad installation job can turn any conditioner into a piece of junk. If the unit isn't connected correctly or properly charged with refrigeration, it won't function as it should and mechanical failure is likely to occur long before it normally would. This problem can best be avoided by getting multiple estimates for the installation and choosing the contractor with the best reputation.  Acquire more knowledge of this information about hvac services.

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2. Poor Maintenance: When ACs aren't maintained, small problems which would have been caught during maintenance may become large problems leading to the failure of the system. These can include issues like small refrigerant leaks, an excessively dirty condensing coil, or the fan needing lubrication. 


 
3. Excessive Use: This one probably cannot be avoided. The reality is that a central air conditioner that runs from early spring well into fall every year simply won't last as long as one that gets used moderately or lightly. 


 
4. Being the Wrong Size: If your conditioner is too large, it will be prone to short cycles, and these are known to damage compressors. 


 
Issues that Lengthen AC Life


Assuming that your conditioner is the right size and that it has been properly installed, the best way to get extra life from it is to keep it maintained regularly. Most manufacturers suggest that their central air conditioners be checked yearly and serviced as needed. There is a long checklist that is covered during AC maintenance and it includes cleaning the coil, lubricating the fan motor or bearing if needed, checking for and clearing condensate drain plugs, checking and correcting refrigerant levels and checking for signs of damaging corrosion. Seek more info about HVAC https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Heating,_ventilating,_and_air_conditioning.

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