In the hotter months, your central HVAC system plays a crucial role. Temperature levels reach all-time highs that even if you have one at home, you can still feel like you are exposed to the scorching sun indoors if it lacks efficiency. AC units need the best care from a reputable HVAC service provider like Best Brooklyn Heating and AC Repair to keep them in tiptop condition.
Coming as no surprise, an important concern for most homeowners when investing in a new air conditioner is how long it will last. Because, after all, an air conditioning unit is a sizable financial commitment. But there is no simple right or wrong answer to this.
Every unit is unique, so there is no universal agreement on when a central air conditioner is beyond repair. Every homeowner has a distinct standard for that. However, with regular servicing and care, a modern high-efficiency air conditioner may provide comfortable temperatures for 15–20 years on average, depending on how well it is taken care of.
5 Key Factors that Can Negatively Affect Air Conditioner Efficiency
The truth is that there are a lot of factors that affect how long an HVAC system lasts. Whether it shortens or lengthens its life expectancy differs widely on the AC unit quality, the skill of the HVAC expert who installed it, the local temperature, your personal preferences for the level of comfort, and how well you take care of the system.
It would help you better to learn the factors that can quickly push them to fail so that you can lead it to better performance for a long time. Here are some common mistakes that contribute to depreciating your AC efficiency:
- Leaks in Ventilation System
Ductwork is commonly used to distribute the air in HVAC systems. Consequently, if this ductwork develops gaps or fractures, your AC performance may decrease. These cracks allow cool air to escape and warm air to enter your house. Ductwork problems not only decrease the effectiveness of your air conditioning system, but they also let dust, grime, and other particles into your home.
- Low Temperature Setpoint
Your set indoor temperature setpoint has an impact on how well your air conditioner works. The unit will have difficulty maintaining a temperature difference between your house and the weather outside, so the ideal temperature range should be within 76-78 degrees. Anything below 76 can quickly deplete your AC efficiency and increase energy costs. We recommend avoiding fast-cooling your home by setting the thermostat too low.
- Choosing An AC Unit with Inadequate SEER Rating
SEER is an abbreviation of Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This score measures how well an air conditioner transforms the energy it consumes into cooling output. Currently, 13 SEER is the minimum for cooling systems; higher values indicate greater efficiency. Selecting an air conditioner without considering the square footage of your home can lead to the unit having to work harder than necessary.
- Dirt and Debris in the AC Coils
One common method of removing heat from a space to cool it is via an air conditioner with evaporator and condenser coils. On the other hand, dirt can accumulate on these coils, making heat exchange less efficient. Changing the air filters on your unit regularly helps keep debris from building up on the coils. If you want to get rid of even more pollutants from the air in your home, an air scrubber or filter might be the way to go.
- Regular Service and Maintenance
Suppose you can install your climate control system without the assistance of a professional. In that case, you won’t be as diligent about keeping it serviced and updated as you should be—this is a risky business. Hiring a certified AC service technician is the best way to ensure that your air conditioning system is repaired and maintained to industry standards, just like all other electrical equipment.
Is it your priority to reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying a top-notch cooling performance from your HVAC system? Our HVAC technicians here at Best Brooklyn Heating and AC Repair have profound experience in the industry! They can provide dependable services to homeowners across Brooklyn!
If you have questions or concerns about your HVAC system, you only need to get in touch with our team at Best Brooklyn Heating and AC Repair. We are on deck 24/7 to assist you!