Now that we’ve put winter behind us it’s time to start thinking about warmer weather. In fact, we’re dreaming about the days when it gets so hot that sweat starts beading up on our brows the second we step outside. The days when heat waves shimmer above blacktops and our cars become saunas.
Sure, the heat itself might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But after spending even a few minutes with the sun blowing its hot breath down your neck, air conditioning systems offer a relief that’s hard to top. That satisfaction is on par with the first bite of your favorite food after a month without so much as a crumb. But instead of limiting that sensory perfection to the tiny surface area of your tongue, cooling systems let you relish their indulgence with every inch of your body.
It’s safe to say we’re especially fond of air conditioning. With summer squarely in our sights, we’re already performing maintenance calls every day. Have you had your AC looked at this year?
Most people don’t think about their air conditioner until they need it. But how sure are you that your AC can handle the first heat wave of the year? If you had any problems with your AC last summer or if it’s just getting old, you may want to think ahead this year to schedule a standard maintenance appointment.
The Importance of Air Conditioner Maintenance
The best way to get your AC ready for the summer is to schedule an HVAC tech to come out for your annual maintenance call. They’ll be able to clean and inspect your unit to identify any potential problems. Performing regular maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your systems and could wind up saving you thousands of dollars over the life of your unit.
How Long Should An Air Conditioner Last?
Air conditioners come in a wide variety of styles and designs and the average life spans of these different kinds of ACs can vary wildly. The affordability of window units and portable air conditioners may seem appealing at first glance. But these designs tend to give out after about five years of use.
So how long does a central air conditioner last? Well maintained systems should easily survive 10-15 years. And many will continue to keep you cool for 20 years or more. Even though they’re more expensive upfront, the efficiency and longevity of central air conditioners often ends up saving you money in the long run.
A ductless mini split system can last even longer, living to the ripe old age of 20 years on average. Plus, mini-split systems serve double duty, providing heat in the winter and cooling in the summer. Best of all, they’re significantly more energy efficient than standard HVAC solutions.
Mini split air conditioners even allow you to manage the climate in different zones of your home independently of one another. So you’ll never have to argue over the perfect thermostat setting again. All in all, mini-split systems should lower your energy bills, outlive other kinds of HVAC systems, and give every family member the opportunity to enjoy their own private perfect temp.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
If you’re concerned about the health of your air conditioner, it’s always a good idea to have an HVAC technician inspect the system. If the unit isn’t functioning properly and approaching 15 years of service or more, there’s a good chance that replacing it will make more sense. That said, new units are expensive and a simple repair might buy you a few more years with your existing system.
At Pearson Plumbing, we offer AC repair in Rockford and the surrounding areas. We can send one of our skilled technicians to your home to diagnose your issue and explain your options for moving forward. But before making a decision about whether you should repair or replace your AC, we encourage you to look at more than just the cost of the current repair.
Have you paid for any other repairs over the last few years? How often have you needed them and have they become more frequent? What about your utility bills? Have they risen over the last few summers?
It’s important to recognize the full costs of your existing air conditioning system before you start thinking about a new one. In most cases, the energy efficiency of new ACs are significantly greater than those of older units. The energy savings alone might cover the cost of replacing your air conditioner in just a few summers. But you can’t know for sure until you crunch the numbers.
Help Is A Phone Call Away
To schedule a maintenance appointment for your AC or discuss the possibility of a new unit, give us a call today at 815-398-8312. We’ll have a technician out to your home in no time to assess the situation. And depending on how you want to proceed, we can either get your existing system running as efficiently as possible or install a newer, more efficient AC.
