This Really Depends on You (And Some Other Things, Too)
You’ve done it. You’ve made the switch and are basking in the comfort of your new air conditioner. The last thing you’re probably thinking about is how long your system will last because it’s new and oh so wonderful!
But it’s important to think about this now. After all, the day your air conditioner is installed marks the start of a new journey—and how long that journey lasts depends on a number of factors.
No one likes to ask a question and hear “it depends” as the answer. But when customers ask how long their new AC in Thousand Palms will last, this is what we tell them—because it’s the truth! We’ll tell you right off the bat that new, high-efficiency air conditioners are designed to last about 15 to 20 years. The key word here is “designed.” How long your AC actually lasts depends on a number of factors, including how the AC was installed, how well it’s maintained through the years, what type of climate you live in and your own cooling preferences. We’re going to explain these four factors in more detail so you can make sure your AC stays with you for as long as possible.
The Installation
Installing a new AC isn’t like folding laundry. It requires a great deal of focus, attention to detail and expertise. Unfortunately, many homeowners overlook the importance of the installation. They think that as long as they’re choosing the right product, they’ll see the right results. What they’re missing is a huge part of the equation—the installer. A dishonest company might try to get you to purchase a more expensive system that’s not the right size for your home. Or it might install the thermostat in a sunny area of the home, causing your AC to always think your home is hotter than it actually is. Or it might do a horrible job with sealing the ductwork, costing you more money every time the AC runs.
The way your system is installed today will directly impacts its performance today, tomorrow and every day. That’s why it’s so important to work with a reputable company with plenty of five-star reviews. Another important qualifier is whether the company employs NATE (North American Technician Excellence)-certified technicians. NATE-certified technicians complete rigorous coursework and pass specialized exams to prove their knowledge. By working with a company that employs NATE-certified technicians, you can have peace of mind knowing your installation is in the hands of a true expert.
Seasonal Maintenance
We can’t emphasize this one enough. Purchasing an AC and failing to maintain it is accepting a future full of repairs, frustrations and a system that leaves you far too soon. Seasonal maintenance is absolutely critical for maximizing the life of your air conditioner. Why? Because it catches minor problems before they can turn into major ones that will cause serious, long-term damage to the unit. Maintenance also keeps your unit running at maximum efficiency. Systems that aren’t maintained collect dust and debris over time, forcing them to work harder than they should. All this wear and tear eventually takes a toll. Air conditioners are like people in this way. When we take care of ourselves and go to the doctor for checkups, we’re increasing our chances to enjoy a longer, healthier life. The same goes for your air conditioner.
Climate
At the time of writing this post (11 a.m.), the temperature in Palm Desert is 81 degrees. The high for this coming Saturday is 107 degrees. Needless to say, we live in a warmer part of the country. Because we use our air conditioners more frequently than, say, people in the Northeast, this impacts how long our systems will last. On the flip side, we can hold on to our heaters longer than our neighbors in the north.
Cooling Preferences
The more you use it, the faster you lose it. It’s important to keep your home at whatever temperature you’re comfortable with. But just like mileage racks up on a car, the same goes for air conditioners. If you truly want to maximize the life of your air conditioner, it’s better to keep your home closer to 78 degrees rather than 68 degrees.
We’ll Keep Your AC Running Strong
If there’s one point we want you to take from this blog, it’s that the quality of the installation and ongoing maintenance are keys to a long-lasting system. The installation lays the foundation for a healthy life, and the maintenance tune-ups keep your system running as optimally as possible, for as long as possible.
At Timo’s, we specialize in flawless AC replacements that set you up for success. Once you’ve settled in and discovered the difference of your new, energy-efficient system, we’re there to keep it running like a champion with our seasonal maintenance tune-ups, including our Advantage Plan Membership. So while you might not know for sure how long your AC will last, you can know with certainty that as long as we’re the ones installing it and taking care of it, your system has the best possible chance for a long, healthy life.
To schedule AC service for your home, contact us online or call Timo’s Air Conditioning & Heating at 760.475.9542 today.
