As a homeowner, it’s almost impossible to be an expert about every appliance you own. Given that Sterling and the surrounding areas depend on air conditioning throughout the year, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how your system works, potential problems, and the benefits of investing in upgrades.
As part of our commitment to helping the communities we serve stay informed, we’re going to answer some of the most common questions we receive about air conditioners in a two-part FAQ series.
If you have any additional questions about the information we discuss, feel free to reach out to our team for more information!
Four Common Air Conditioning Questions
How Often Do I Need to Have My System Serviced?
In general, you should have your air conditioner professionally serviced at least once each year. Spring is the perfect time to schedule air conditioner maintenance, as it’s generally the time of year when you no longer need to use your heater each day. Depending on the weather, you might even need to use your air conditioner at the beginning of the season! A general maintenance appointment ensures that everything is still working properly and that you’ll stay cool and comfortable through the summer.
When Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?
Air conditioners last between 10 and 15 years, depending on the manufacturer and how well they’ve been maintained. If you schedule air conditioner maintenance each year and invest in air conditioner repairs when needed, you may be able to get between 15 and 20 years out of the system. However, if you have an older system, it may be worth considering upgrading for the benefits discussed in the next section.
Will a New Air Conditioning System Really Save Me Money?
We can’t commit to a one-size-fits-all answer, but we can point you in the direction of encouraging statistics from the Department of Energy. They report that, in general, homeowners can expect to reduce their air conditioning energy use by 20% and 50%, depending on the model they’re replacing. This means that if your household pays the national average of $300 per year in air conditioning costs, you could be saving anywhere from $60 to $150 per month. Of course, you’ll need to invest in the unit before you reap the benefits, but if you plan to remain in your home for several years, upgrading to a high-efficiency system is a smart move.
How Important Is it to Change My Filters?
Very! As we explained in a previous post, the Department of Energy estimates that you could save 5–15% on energy consumption each month simply by keeping up with filter changes. Moreover, you’ll benefit from better indoor air quality and less wear and tear on your system! Given that filters are extremely cost-effective, this is one of the easiest ways to invest in air conditioning maintenance while reducing your monthly energy expense!
Contact the Quality Air Experts Team!
We plan to continue answering your questions in part two of this installment — be sure to come back to our blog!
If you would like to learn more about air conditioner installation, repair, maintenance, or anything discussed in this post, please reach out to us!