When to Replace Certain Items at Home
Certain Items in Your Home Won’t Last Forever
There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when necessities in their humble abode expire. From the central air conditioner to the water heater, each of these home comfort essentials won’t last forever — but they can stick around for quite some time if properly maintained.
If you feel as if you may need to make an upgrade soon, here are some things to keep in mind about the most-used home comfort essentials in your space:
When to Upgrade Home Comfort Essentials
Central Air Conditioner
One of the most-used essentials in your home — especially during the summertime — is your central air conditioner. When compared to window-based units, central ACs are a much more effective way to cool down your humble abode — they’re genuinely a must-have and can make a difference in your entire living space (where ductwork permits, of course!).
On average, a central air conditioner can last eight to 10 years (with proper maintenance). Another factor that may require you to upgrade your current model is if it relies on R-22 — this is no longer being produced, nor imported, since the EPA states that R-22 depletes the ozone layer.
Furnace
While we’re on the topic of keeping your home comfortable from the elements, it’s time to look at your home’s furnace! Depending on when it was initially installed, you’ll want to keep in mind that a well-maintained furnace will last approximately 15 to 20 years. By well-maintained, this means that you:
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Schedule annual maintenance.
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Replace the unit’s filter often.
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Have repairs made promptly.
Water Heater
An item in your home comfort “collection” that also plays a vital role is your water heater. If you have a tank-based model, which is commonly found in many homes across the nation, the unit will need to be replaced in roughly eight to 12 years from the initial installation.
Of course, if your water heater hasn’t been taken care of correctly over the years, there’s a chance you may need to replace it sooner. Like a furnace, here are some essential tasks to add to your water heater maintenance “to-do” list to keep the tank in good spirits:
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Have it drained, by a professional, at least twice a year.
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Have repairs made as soon as you notice a performance issue.
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Consider lowering the thermostat to help extend its lifespan.
Professional Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Services in Knoxville
If you run into a problem with your home’s cooling, heating, or plumbing and prefer to forgo the DIY route, our technicians are here to help! Visit our website to learn more about the services that we offer here at Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. or call (865) 583-3957 to speak with a representative directly.
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