Does your home have an air conditioner? Approximately 66% of all homes in the United States have some type of air conditioning and cooling system. Due to technological advancements, these units currently use approximately 50% less energy than in decades past.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has conducted research on the prevalence of air conditioners. They predict that by 2030, there will be 700 million air conditioners installed throughout the world. Given hot weather conditions throughout the United States and in other countries, this will definitely serve to create cooler and more comfortable living environments for millions of individuals and their families. It’s likely that these systems will also be installed in both public and private business establishments and organizational offices.
In general, air conditioning systems have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. This does, however, depend on a variety of factors. If you’ve been asking the question, “Is my central air broken?” then it may be because your central air system hasn’t been receiving regular maintenance. Air conditioning maintenance should be conducted on a regular basis to determine whether or not any repairs are needed and ensure that the system is functioning optimally.
Furthermore, if your air conditioning system was improperly installed, then it can potentially decrease your home’s cooling efficiency by as much as 30%. This is something else that an air conditioner checkup can determine.
Do you have a duct or a ductless air conditioning system? If your ducts are leaking, for example, this can greatly reduce your system’s capacity to function. In fact, studies have shown that even when your air conditioning system appears to be operating well, that leaky ducts can further reduce your energy efficiency by 20% to 40%.
Energystar.gov reports that the filters in most HVAC systems need to be replaced between every 1 to 3 months. Maintenance inspections should also be conducted twice a year. When you have a professional air conditioning service handle the routine maintenance, then chances are that your system will last longer than average. Data shows that this can be more than 40% longer than the average system’s lifespan.
How old is your current air conditioner? It may be time to replace this unit if it’s more than 10 years old. Furthermore, you may also be able to save about 20% on your energy bills when you replace your existing system with a new, energy-efficient model.
Is your central air broken? When you have a professional air conditioning service come out to your home to evaluate the system, they will be able to determine whether or not it is. In some cases, repairs may be possible, while in others it should be replaced.
At this time, your technician will be able to discuss the benefits of a new energy-efficient system. If you decide to have a new system installed, be sure to schedule regular inspections and maintenance. For future reference, the question, “Is my central air broken?” will not arise as often or at all.