From the time of an air conditioning installation until replacement, you're going to have to deal with some issues. Knowing these systems' general lifecycle can make a huge difference when you eventually have to decide if AC repair work is worth it. Also, dealing with the AC installation correctly at the start can save you potentially thousands of dollars later. Homeowners should know these four things about the AC lifecycle.

AC Installation

The quality of the initial installation will dictate how much the system will strain or not when it's at its operational peak. Poor installation techniques can force systems to run longer and consume more energy. Over time, systems running under greater strain will require repairs. Worse, you might even have to schedule an air conditioning replacement.

Right-sizing the unit is the best thing you can do. A too-small unit will run all the time, but a too-large unit will be less efficient. Before an air conditioning installation project, measure the target area for climate control. Also, figure out how many people will be there at peak operating hours. The technician can then calculate your needs in BTUs and offer options that match.

Declining Energy Efficiency

Even the best AC unit will experience declining efficiency with time. You can expect a whole-home AC set up to provide 15 years of service, although many exceed that. If your home's system starts consuming more electricity after that point, then you may want to schedule an AC replacement rather than a repair job.

Maintenance and Repair

Regular maintenance heads off air conditioning repair needs. Where this gets tricky if you don't know the system's maintenance history. Usually, this happens when someone buys a house that has an older unit. You should ask an air conditioning system repair professional to inspect the unit before you buy the home. If it's going to need some work, adjust your bid price to account for the projected costs.

Track the AC unit's repair history. If you don't know it exactly, ask an AC repair technician to provide their best estimate of when the system went in and what its history has looked like. Have them service the unit now to ensure you know its condition going forward.

Replacement

Replacement is an eventuality. Even if the system still runs well, it may be an older model with lower efficiency ratings. All units have SEER ratings on the label. There should also be a manufacture date. If the date is old or the rating is low for where you live, you might want to arrange an AC replacement.

For more information about AC repairs and installations, reach out to a local service.

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