HVAC units are not only energy efficient but also rigid machines that are designed and engineered to last for years before needing a replacement. However, HVAC units will only last long if they are looked after by getting AC repair services to maintain them. On average, HVAC units last somewhere around 8-10 years if well-maintained. So, let’s take a look into what factors affect the lifespan of HVAC units and what you can do to prolong the unit’s life.
What Factors Affect The Lifespan Of HVAC Units?
The lifespan of HVAC units is influenced by several external factors. Extreme weather conditions such as thunderstorms, snow, and dust storms can physically damage or affect the performance of the unit. If you live in a region that experiences extreme weather conditions throughout the year, your HVAC unit is going to need professional inspection and maintenance at least twice a year.
The reason is that HVAC units, especially the outdoor units where vital components such as the compressor and evaporator coils are installed, bear the brunt of nature. Dust, dirt, debris, moisture, dead leaves, and shrubs make their way inside the outdoor unit and accumulate on the vital components.
There comes a time that the accumulation turns so stubborn that the coils and other components are not able to dissipate heat. This causes the components to utilize more energy, which puts the entire unit under additional stress. Ultimately, the unit ends up consuming more power, leading to higher bills each month.
How To Increase The Lifespan Of HVAC Units?
Like most home appliances, HVAC units require maintenance as well. As mentioned previously, HVAC units deal with air and all the dust and debris that comes with it. However, these factors can hardly cause any trouble if you were to look after your AC unit.
Looking after your HVAC unit means that you should opt for professional inspection and maintenance at least once or twice a year depending on the weather conditions in your region or country. In between the professional inspections, you should regularly clean the air filters and keep an eye out for unusual sounds and visible leakages or cracks.
Having a professional inspect your HVAC unit goes a long way in terms of ensuring that your HVAC unit runs trouble-free and that any potential damages or leakages can be identified and fixed before turning for the worst.
How Is Professional Maintenance Done?
Professional maintenance involves a certified individual using specialized tools and equipment to check the refrigerant level and health of other vital components. The most common problem amongst HVAC units, especially older units, is leakage. If the HVAC unit happens to be leaking, you can end up paying for an expensive compressor replacement.
An HVAC professional will thoroughly clean the air filter and other essential components to remove stubborn dirt and dust. Furthermore, you should also consult the user’s manual to become familiar with the manufacturer’s recommendations about maintenance.
How Frequently Should Professional Maintenance Be Done?
The frequency of the professional maintenance should be based on the frequency of the usage as well as the region you live in just as mentioned previously. The majority of homeowners either ignore or are not aware of the fact that weather conditions play a significant role when it comes to the lifespan and maintenance of HVAC units.
For instance, in coastal areas, HVAC units will not last more than 10 years due to excessive salt and moisture. The reason is that vital components such as the compressor and condenser develop rust and begin to leak. This is why people living in coastal areas tend to replace HVAC units almost every 10 years.
Can I Maintain The HVAC Unit On My Own?
HVAC units can be complicated machines for those who are not aware of the basics. As a result, it is better to avoid experimenting with the essential components as you might end up injuring yourself. However, as far as the basic maintenance goes, you can clean and replace the air filters. But if you want to go a bit deeper, make sure that you wear safety equipment and shut off the unit from the main power supply.
Consult the user’s manual for removing stubborn dirt and dust accumulation, especially when it comes to parts like the compressor and condenser.
Final Word
Concluding, the lifespan of HVAC units primarily depends on external factors and maintenance. However, HVAC units are expected to last somewhere around 10 years on average if well-maintained. So, if you have recently purchased a new unit, make sure that you look after it and get it inspected by air conditioner repair services Huntington every 4 months.
