The Life Of Your HVAC System
There are a few things in life that you need to live – water, food, and shelter being the most obvious. Staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer is another necessity. Whether you have an existing HVAC unit or, you’re buying or building a home or business and considering a new unit, one question remains, “How long should my unit last?” While there’s not always an easy answer, we’ve broken it down for you.
System. One of the many factors to consider when answering this question is the type of system do you have. In general, a newer model HVAC system should last between 15-20 years, depending on the maintenance performed. Older model units generally aren’t built to last as long, and it may be more difficult to order parts for replacement. In some cases, with lesser quality systems, parts may not be available at all. At Thornton’s, we pride ourselves on using top brands, such as Rheem, which has over 100 years of industry experience and customer satisfaction. Our Rheem units also include a 10 year warranty on parts. These units are built to last, but just like most important investments in your life, keeping them serviced is a key factor to longevity.
Service. You get your oil changed for your car every 3,000 miles, your teeth cleaned every six months, and your pets vaccinated yearly. A HVAC unit needs the same type of routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly and to avoid any unscheduled problems. Our maintenance agreements keep you covered for both hot and cool air. The experienced technicians at Thornton’s will service your unit once in the spring before the hot air arrives and again in the fall to prepare your unit for the cold temps. This preventative agreement includes inspecting electrical parts, oiling motors, checking freon, checking gas pressure, cleaning your drain line, checking air flow, calibrating your thermostat, and much more. One low price not only covers your unit’s “check up” but also provides you a discount on any unscheduled repairs in the future.
By keeping your unit serviced and running smoothly, you can easily extend the life of your HVAC system for several years. When it’s no longer possible or cost efficient to repair, our technicians are happy to provide you a free estimate on a new quality unit and offer financing options as well.
Surroundings. The type of system you have and keeping it serviced are two main factors in how long your unit will last. There are also a few things that YOU can do at home to help. For starters, keep your filters changed at least every two months, more in a home with pets. Clean filters allow the air to flow smoothly and your unit to run less. When completing any yard work, always blow grass and debris away from your outdoor unit to keep it from getting clogged. Don’t constantly change your thermostat, either. Our technicians suggest either using a programmable thermostat, or setting the temperature and forgetting it. Constantly changing the temperature on your thermostat can cause the unit to work overtime to catch up.
Just like any major investment, you want your HVAC unit to last as long as possible to get the most value from it. Call Thornton’s first and we’ll be happy to provide you a free quote on a new unit, set up a maintenance agreement on any existing unit, or answer any of your service and repair questions. Just like your HVAC unit, after serving the community for over 48 years, we believe in keeping a good thing going!
