A central AC system typically will last a homeowner up to 12 years. Usage matters perhaps most of all. With frequent usage, a cooling system can experience wear-and-tear faster. Although that doesn't necessarily mean it's doomed, if left unchecked and used intensely for an extended period of time without proper maintenance, it can drastically reduce the service life of your system.

An annual service appointment for your home's HVAC system is highly recommended. While regular checks and cleaning should be done throughout the year to ensure optimal performance, a yearly service call is essential. Arranging for regular air conditioning servicing during the seasons will help you gain more value for your money, optimize your time, and safeguard the life and safety of your AC system.

• little to no airflow • leaking • Strange noises • Rising energy bills • Unusual sounds coming from AC condensing unit • Bad smell • The unit requires frequent repair • Moisture in the house while unit is constantly on These are many examples of signs that something can be wrong with your cooling system and needs to be inspected.

Central Air Conditioning Central air conditioning is the most reliable way to stay cool in your home. It consists of two units – an external condenser that works to expel heat from the house and an evaporator coil, usually located above the furnace, which cools down the air inside. Finally, you can couple your furnace or air handler with an AC unit and use the fan to circulate cooled air throughout the ductwork in your home. With a central air conditioner integrated into your furnace system, it can reuse the furnace filter and any extra air purification systems you've installed. This assists in purifying the air in your entire dwelling. Ductless Split Air Conditioner A ductless AC system is a great option for older homes that do not have the ductwork necessary for a traditional AC. It can help to efficiently cool the space without needing any additional installation or modifications. The lack of air ducts also makes it much easier to install and maintain compared to a regular air conditioning system. Ductless split systems are gaining traction due to their versatility and convenience. They come with multiple heads that can be mounted on walls, floors or ceilings - each cooling down a different room of your choice. This grants you the ability to set temperatures independently in various rooms. To connect the indoor and outdoor heads, the condensate drain, refrigerant tubing and power cable must be linked. This requires the creation of a small opening in an external wall so they can run through. Heat Pump There are certain air conditioners that come in the form of a heat pump, which is an older & more traditional system compared to the other ACs. A major difference between the two is that while regular air conditioners can only take out warm air from inside, a heat pump has the capability to move heated air either in or out of the building. The air conditioning unit is a proper dual climate control device; it can heat and cool your home as needed throughout the year. Heat pumps are a great option as they run off electricity and can be compatible with a furnace. During the warmer months, this pump is similar to an air conditioner in the sense that it helps keep your home cool. During colder weather, a heat pump will draw heat from the outside air and bring it into your home as a source of warmth. An integral part of your furnace will kick in to provide heating when temperatures drop too low for the heat pump to function properly. Heat pumps have traditionally been favored in regions with generally moderate temperatures. But, thanks to the latest innovations, heat pumps are now suitable for much colder areas as well. Canada is one of the places where geothermal heat pumps are commonly used due to the colder climate. This type of heat pump takes the heat from beneath the surface rather than from above like a typical air-sourced system. Installation costs for this kind of system are greater than for many other systems, however. To get this system running properly, you will need an experienced and skilled installer. However, the energy savings can be quite substantial in the long run. Portable air conditioner A portable air conditioner can easily be moved around from one area to another, however it needs good ventilation for the hot air and moisture it produces. Portable air conditioners are typically placed on the floor of a room, and their output heat is usually dissipated via a window vent kit that comes along with them. Portable air conditioners usually have the evaporator fan running continuously, making them louder than many other types of ACs. Additionally, they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing cooling solution for your home. Installing the air conditioning unit may alter the aesthetic of your space, as it will occupy some form of floor area. Additionally, its presence could affect how one of your windows functions. Window Air Conditioner Another type of air conditioner, small enough to fit in a window frame, is the window AC. They are mainly used to cool individual rooms and the condensed moisture it produces falls outside the house. Window air conditioners absorb the warm air inside your home, cool it via an evaporator coil then blow it back into the house. The heat taken from the evaporator coil is then passed on to a condenser coil and expelled outside. Installing a window air conditioner is a straightforward task and is suitable for those who do not require an AC system for the entire house. For places like older apartments, this may be the only practical cooling solution.