It’s an unfortunate truth: every appliance and system in your home will need to be replaced at some point. One day, you might wake up to find your washing machine no longer working like it’s supposed to. Or maybe, you might realize the refrigerator has been failing to keep your food fresh. The exact same can be said for your air conditioning system.
So, how long do air conditioners last? Although there is a straightforward answer to this question, there are a few factors that can affect the lifespan of your cooling system.
What Is the Average Lifespan of Air Conditioners?
How long do air conditioners last? If you ask various HVAC technicians this question, you might receive a wide variety of answers. The reason for these varying responses is that air conditioning systems typically have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. There’s a fairly broad range of how long these systems can last.
Although your cooling system isn’t likely to reach 30 years of age, there are still factors that can affect how long its service life ends up being. Below, let’s discuss how often you should replace your air conditioner and the circumstances that could lead to shorter service life.
How Often Should You Replace Your AC?
All-in-all, you should only replace your air conditioner when you think it’s time to do so. If your cooling system hits a bump in the road, you can typically schedule a repair to fix the problem. However, if your AC unit is more than twelve years old, needs frequent repairs, and fails to meet your cooling requirements, you’ll certainly want to consider a replacement. In some cases, upgrading your unit instead of repairing it can be the more cost-effective option.
If your unit has reached or exceeded the average lifespan of air conditioners, you might also want to consider consulting an HVAC technician. A professional with experience in the field can help you determine if it’s time to replace your system. This way, your home will be ready to face whatever hot weather awaits in the future.
What Can Affect the Lifespan of an Air Conditioner?
As a homeowner, you know that your house is different from each of your neighbors. So, it stands to reason that your air conditioner won’t have the exact same service life as the family’s next door.
But what causes air conditioners to have different lifespans? Let’s go over three important factors that can either extend or shorten your cooling system’s operating life.
Amount of Use
The average lifespan of air conditioners can be affected by the overall rate of use. The more you use your HVAC system, the more wear and tear it will experience.
If you reside in a hot climate, as we do in Phoenix, AZ, it’s not an understatement to say that you use your air conditioner on a near-constant basis. Although your cooling system provides much-needed comfort, especially during the day, you might need to replace your unit more frequently than someone that lives in a cooler region.
Regular Maintenance
Do you schedule annual AC maintenance with a professional HVAC company? If you don’t, you certainly should start doing so. When you get your AC system serviced by a trained technician, you can improve your home’s air quality, enhance your family’s comfort, and improve your unit’s energy efficiency.
The more energy efficient your air conditioner is, the less energy it will waste — and the more money you can save on your energy bills. Plus, energy-efficient air conditioners are known to last longer since they don’t have to work as hard to keep a home cool.
How long do air conditioners last with annual maintenance? Although there isn’t a cut-and-dry answer to this question, it’s important to realize that regular maintenance will only ever benefit you in the end. Since routine tune-ups can help your air conditioner run smoother, there’s a good chance that you won’t find yourself needing a premature Mesa AC replacement.
Improper Installation
It’s important to make sure you have your air conditioner installed by a reputable and experienced company. If you don’t, an improper installation can have negative consequences for your comfort, your wallet, and the average life of your cooling system.
When a professional HVAC technician performs an installation, they’ll take careful steps to ensure that your air conditioner is the right size for your home. You don’t want your unit to be too big or too small for the space.
How long do air conditioners last if they’ve been improperly installed? If your cooling system is constantly short-cycling because it’s too big for your home, you can expect the parts to wear out much faster than they should. The same can be said for an air conditioner that is too small for the space, as it will need to constantly run to keep you cool. As a result, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to schedule a replacement much sooner than you would have liked.
Upgrade Your AC With Plumbing & A/C Medic
Now that you know the average lifespan of air conditioners, you have a significant decision on your hands. Is it finally time to upgrade the unit inside your home?
Don’t wait until your cooling system breaks down completely. Instead, turn to Plumbing & A/C Medic for an air conditioning installation in Scottsdale, AZ, or the surrounding area. We offer a range of top-tier solutions for homes and businesses. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
