Frequently Asked Questions about Air Conditioners

There are a couple of questions you may ask yourself while looking to purchase an air conditioner. We hope to answer some of those questions on this page.

What Size Air Conditioner is right for me?

The air conditioner that is right for you can be determine by following some general rules. Each air conditioner has a determined output capacity for air circulation, it’s determined by the rate at which air is cycled through a given amount of space. Usually this can be related to the size of space within your house. To determine the approximate cubic footage of your home, simply take your square footage and multiply it by 8, which is the average ceiling height in a house.

This rule of thumb will give you an approximate estimate of the amount of air that the air conditioner needs to cycle through. It is then a simple process of finding an air conditioner that meets those needs. While this is a good rule of thumb it is suggested that you still consult an air conditioner expert to get a second opinion.

When Should I Get my Air Conditioner Service?

Your air conditioner is a lot like your car, in order to keep it running properly it is important to have regular inspections and tune-ups to make sure that everything is running at its very best. For your air conditioner it is recommended that you get it serviced at least annually, most likely during the spring as that is when you will start using it. Keep an eye on your HVAC system, and if it starts behaving in a strange way don’t wait, get it serviced immediately.

Can Debris get into the Air Conditioner?

Every mechanical system will slowly degrade and get dirty over time, it is simply by nature of how they work. Air conditioners are no exception, and in fact are more likely to get dirty as they are part of the air flow system throughout your home. As dust and debris moves through the air, it is eventually brought into the intake system and will be transported through HVAC system. If your air filter isn’t clean the dirt can get into the system and cause deterioration. Be sure to have your Air filters clean so as to extend the life of your air conditioner.

What is the average lifespan of an Air Conditioner?

As you might expect, the lifespan of an air conditioner is affected by a number of factors, maintenance, air quality, damage, usage, but from studying the general degradation from different generation a fairly accurate estimate can be given. Air conditioners built in the 1980s and 1990s generally last approximately 15 years. Newer generations of air conditioners are built to last approximately 20 years. Keep in mind you can extend the lifespan by taking good care of the unit, and having it regularly serviced and inspected.