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How Long Should My Air Conditioner Last?

It’s the middle of summer and you’re sweating bullets. You turn on the AC unit in your house and wait for the relief that it will bring, but it doesn’t seem to be working as well as it used to. You may be wondering how long air conditioning units last and when you should start thinking about getting a new one. In this article, we will discuss the average lifespan of an AC unit and when you should start to think about repairs or replacements.

There's No Quick Answer

The reality is there’s no specific number of years after which your unit will need to be replaced. Both the type of unit and the environment, as well as the installation and subsequent maintenance are contributing factors. Bottom line: if your unit is starting to show signs of wear, it may be time to start thinking about repairs or replacements. Here are some of the direct influences on your air conditioning unit’s longevity.

Factors Influencing Your Air Conditioning Unit's Longevity

The reality is there’s no specific number of years after which your unit will need to be replaced. Both the type of unit and the environment, as well as the installation and subsequent maintenance are contributing factors. Bottom line: if your unit is starting to show signs of wear, it may be time to start thinking about repairs or replacements. Here are some of the direct influences on your air conditioning unit’s longevity.

Rate Of Use

How often you use your unit is also a factor in how long it will last. If you live in an area with hot summers and mild winters, your unit will be working overtime to keep your home cool. This extended use can shorten the lifespan of your AC unit.

On the other hand, if you live in an area with moderate temperatures year-round, your AC unit won’t have to work as hard and will likely last longer. Even if you don’t use your AC unit very often, it’s important to have it serviced regularly to ensure that it’s in good working condition.

For those of us in Arizona, air conditioning units are a necessity. Moreover, they are constantly online, which means the wear and tear happens at a greater scale. This means keeping up with maintenance is paramount, as whatever problems your unit is experiencing today will be exacerbated over time if the issues aren’t addressed. Having regularly scheduled maintenance ends up saving dollars in the long run as you’ll be able to stave off the necessity of buying a new unit. Sooner or later, every unit needs to be replaced, but with maintenance a unit’s longevity can be greatly extended.

ROUTINE AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE IN PHOENIX INCLUDES

  • Checking air filters
  • Checking electrical amp pulls
  • Checking evaporation and condenser coils for cleanliness
  • Checking temperature splits
  • Checking electrical connections for weak wire connections
  • Checking freon levels

Exposure To Elements

If your AC unit is located in an area that is exposed to the weather, it will likely not last as long as a unit that is protected from the weather. For example, if your unit is located outside and is constantly exposed to the sun and wind, it will likely not last as long as a unit that is located inside your home. For prospective buyers, please keep this in mind while considering where to place your AC unit.

Many of us don’t have a choice – outside units are more or less a standard, so make sure you regularly clean the coil and perform other maintenance tasks as needed to ensure your unit lasts as long as possible. This includes removing any mulch, grass, leaves, or sediment build-up within the unit. Obstructions to airflow make your machine unnecessarily work overtime.

Type Of Air Conditioning Unit

The type of AC unit you have will also affect how long it lasts. Central air units tend to last longer than window units because they’re designed for more extended use. Additionally, central air units are less likely to be damaged by inclement weather since they’re installed inside the home.

Window units, on the other hand, are more susceptible to damage from storms and other weather conditions. They’re also more likely to develop leaks since they’re not as well-sealed as central air units. As a result, window units don’t typically last as long as central air units.

While there’s no definitive answer for how long your AC unit will last, these factors can give you a general idea of what to expect.

Size Versus Home Needs

Another factor in how long your AC unit will last is the size of the unit versus the needs of your home. If you have a small unit for a large home, it will have to work harder to cool the entire house. This extended use can cause the unit to wear out more quickly. Additionally, if your unit is too small for your home, it won’t be able to effectively cool all of the rooms, which can lead to higher energy bills and additional wear and tear on the unit.

Conversely, if you have a large AC unit for a small home, it will cycle on and off more frequently since it won’t need to run as long to cool the smaller space. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can actually shorten the lifespan of your AC unit. Additionally, a unit that’s too big for your home will cost more to operate because it will use more energy.

The best way to determine the right size AC unit for your home is to have a professional come and take a look. They can help you select a unit that’s the right size for your needs and ensure that it’s properly installed.

AIR CONDITIONER BRANDS WE’VE WORKED WITH:

  • American Standard
  • RUUD
  • Rheem
  • Carrier

These are the air conditioning brands we’ve worked with in the past. We’ve also worked with other AC brands as well. If you recently bought a new AC unit from a brand not on our list, contact us and we will let you know what we can do for you. Our team is always expanding our knowledge and we may be able to service your air air conditioner even if it isn’t listed here. If you currently have an air conditioner that isn’t manufactured by a company we’ve mentioned give us a call and we can send one of our air conditioner technicians to examine the air conditioner and give you a quote if we are able to install it for you. 

Thermostat Setting

Another factor that can affect how long your AC unit lasts is the thermostat setting. If you keep your thermostat set at a lower temperature, your AC unit will have to run longer to cool your home. This extended use can cause the unit to wear out more quickly. If you frequently turn the temperature down low and then back up again, this can also shorten the lifespan of your AC unit.

To extend the lifespan of your AC unit, it’s best to keep the thermostat set at a consistent temperature. This will allow the unit to cycle on and off less frequently, which will help to prevent wear and tear. Additionally, if you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, it’s best to turn the unit off completely. This will help to prevent damage from occurring while you’re away.

Maintenance & Installation - We are here to help!

You can trust Lee Collins Air Conditioning to quickly repair your air conditioner with new replacement ac parts and keep your home comfortable 24/7. Our technicians have been with us for over 25 years and have amassed over 60 years of experience in air conditioning.

Have questions? We have answers! Give us a call directly at 602-805-1348 or schedule an introductory service call by clicking the button below.