The summer of 2020 was the hottest summer ever recorded in Arizona.
In August alone, the average was 99.1 degrees.
When you’re dealing with that kind of heat, you absolutely need an air conditioning system to survive.
However, high heat is also one of the reasons HVAC systems end up failing.
They can only handle so much punishment before they get overwhelmed, especially if you haven’t prepared them for the warmer months.
How long will an air conditioning system last in Phoenix before you need to call in for HVAC repair services then? Read on to find out.
Factors That Affect Your Air Conditioning System
Every air conditioning system faces different stressors, depending on the environment they’re placed in.
A Phoenix air conditioner deals with much higher temperatures than a New York City one, and that kind of strain can cut short its expected lifespan.
These are a few things you should be aware of when buying a new unit.
Type of System
One of the most important factors that affect how well your unit lasts in the heat is the type of HVAC system you install.
The most common kind of HVAC system used in the United States is a straight cool AC system.
These cool your home with a condensing unit and air handler by removing moisture from the air to lower the temperature.
Electric heat strips work to warm your home in cooler months.
A cheaper alternative is the heat pump system.
Heat pumps allow you to redistribute warm air into or out of your home as needed.
While they are the most efficient, they wear out faster because they’re often used year-round.
Air conditioner units can also be split up into different variations, such as central air, portable, and window units.
Central air conditioning is meant to last much longer than a window unit, but HVAC repair services are also more expensive.
System Size
Not all AC systems come in the same size.
Larger ones remove heat more quickly and more efficiently.
Improper sizing can reduce its lifespan since an undersized one will have to work harder for longer to meet your demands.
You may also have issues with an oversized system that cools your home too quickly.
When that happens, it may turn on and off too frequently, resulting in wear and tear.
Your local HVAC services should hook you up with the right size, depending on the size of your home and how often you’ll use it.
Maintenance
Like any machine, maintenance is key to keeping your AC unit working properly.
Failing to do so can cause it to break down or get damaged.
The simplest thing a homeowner can do for their HVAC system is to clean out or replace their filter every month.
An air filter keeps dust from getting inside and causing issues.
It also prevents dust from getting circulated throughout your home.
You don’t need to hire a Phoenix HVAC service company often, however, you should have them inspect it in the spring and in the fall before any extreme temperature shifts.
The middle of summer or winter is one of the worst times for your AC to break down.
You should also keep your condenser clean by removing dirt and other debris in the unit.
Spray it down with a garden hose and check to see if any fins on the cover have gotten damaged.
Increasing Lifespan
If you want your air conditioning system to last as long as possible, you need to learn how you can take care of all of its various components.
While portable and window units work alone, most central AC is split between an indoor and an outdoor unit.
Inside your house, you have the evaporator coils and a filter.
Outside, you have the condensing coil, fan, and compressor.
Inside Your Home
Assuming there’s nothing wrong with your air conditioner, it’ll work as hard as you make it work.
It’s important to keep your thermostat set at a reasonable temperature so it doesn’t run all day.
Dust your vents often to prevent them from getting clogged up and reducing the efficacy of your system.
Keep windows shut if the air is running, and check every doorway to make sure they are properly sealed.
Outside Your Home
The part of your AC unit outside of your house is constantly exposed to the elements, such as storms, debris, and wildlife.
It’s important to have bi-annual maintenance to service your unit and clean it out.
Homeowners can also do their part to protect their HVAC systems by building or installing a protective shelter of some kind.
Direct UV rays can cause damage to the outer shell of the unit, so even a little shade can make a huge difference.
You should also take the time to prepare your system for the monsoon season by installing a surge protector and raising your AC unit out of a flood zone.
How Long Will an Air Conditioning System Last in Phoenix?
How long will an air conditioning system last in Phoenix, Arizona, when the temperatures run so hot?
How do you make sure your AC won’t die in the middle of summer, leaving you sweating buckets in your own home?
As long as you take care of it, you should expect to have your unit working for up to 14 years.
Even if it continues to work after that, you’ll be up to your knees in repairs and repair costs.
Although a cooling system replacement is a heavy investment, you can finance the cost and end up saving money overall with lowered energy consumption.
Get Quality HVAC Repair in Phoenix
Air conditioning units are a necessity for a good quality of life in the hotter states.
People moving to the area might wonder, “how long will an air conditioning system last in Phoenix?”
As it turns out, how you take care of your unit matters more than the actual area’s conditions.
At Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling, we’re committed to bringing you the best service possible.
Give us a call if you need an air conditioning system installed or your unit needs service.
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Time to have an expert inspect your AC System for repairs or possible replacement? Contact the Surprisingly Affordable HVAC experts at Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling to request service! Call 480-359-7141 OR you can request service online here.
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