Air conditioning systems don’t last forever. Research shows that most residential air conditioning systems, in fact, have an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. Regardless of your air conditioning system’s age, though, there are several things you can do to extend its life.
#1) Professional Inspections
Regular inspections by a trained heating, ventilating and cooling (HVAC) professional can make your air conditioning system last longer. Many HVAC companies, including Atlanta Heating and Air Solutions, offer inspections. During an inspection, an HVAC professional will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your air conditioning system and all its respective components to ensure its functioning properly.
#2) Avoid Short-Cycling
You should avoid short-cycling with your air conditioning system. Short-cycling occurs when an air conditioning system frequently turns on and off. It usually happens with oversized air conditioning systems. If your air conditioning system is too big for your home, it will quickly cool your home’s interior. As a result, it will short-cycle by turning on and off many times throughout the day.
#3) Clean the Coils
Cleaning your air conditioning system’s coils can extend its life. All air conditioning systems have coils. They have an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condenser coil. Over time, these coils can accumulate dirt and debris. If left unchecked, dirty coils can degrade your air conditioning system while shortening its lifespan in the process. You can prevent this from happening by cleaning the coils on a regular basis.
#4) Set the Fan to Auto
Another way to extend the life of your air conditioning system is to set the fan to auto. Most thermostats allow you to switch between “auto” and “on” for the fan. With the former setting, the fan will be synchronized to your air conditioning system and furnace. Whenever the air conditioning or furnace is running, the fan will run. If neither of these systems are running, the fan won’t run.
#5) Add More Insulation
Adding more insulation to your home can have a positive impact on the performance and longevity of your air conditioning system. Homes that are poorly insulated require more energy to cool during the summer months. In turn, their air conditioning systems have to work harder, which can shorten their lifespan. If your home is missing insulation or has insufficient insulation, you should consider upgrading it with more insulation.
