Metro Air Heating & Cooling

In general, air conditioners seem to last about 15 years if they are well maintained, and furnaces may last a bit longer when maintained properly. Repairing equipment older than that is typically not cost effective. Most manufacturers provide a 5-year parts warranty. The Bryant equipment we install comes with a standard 10-year parts warranty.

AC maintenance should be done in the spring once the temperature is warm enough to allow the AC to operate properly. Ideally, the temperature should be above 70 degrees. Furnace maintenance can be done at any time of the year. Both the furnace and the air conditioner should be serviced annually. We typically try to get the AC maintenance done in May and June as the weather accommodates, and we typically complete the Furnace maintenance in September and October.

Dirty filters restrict air flow and will result in higher utility bills, operating problems, and potentially damage your equipment. One-inch filters should be changed every 1-2 months. Four-inch media filters should be changed every 3-6 months.

Proper maintenance of your equipment will minimize your expenses. First, your equipment warranty does not cover problems or damaged caused by improper maintenance. Second, proper maintenance is required to keep your equipment operating properly. For example, cottonwood fuzz and other debris collects in your outdoor AC unit. This material restricts airflow and heat transfer, which increased your utility costs and can damage your equipment. Third, proper maintenance ensure small problems don't become big problems. For example, the condensate line from the furnace/indoor coil may become clogged with organic buildup and result in water backing up into the furnace and damaging expensive parts. By properly maintaining your system, you will minimize your utility bills, avoid expensive repairs, and maximize the life of your equipment.