All air conditioners have an expiration date. You will need to replace them down the road in order to ensure proper functionality, energy efficiency, and home temperature maintenance. However, most don’t know the expected lifespan of an air conditioner. Here’s how long you should expect your system to last, as well as some additional tips on how to get the most out of your setup.
How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
Air conditioners can last anywhere from a decade to 20 years. Central air tends to have the longest lifespan, lasting anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Meanwhile, window units may last around 10 years or less (although you’ll likely be focused on central air). This is a relatively long period, but it’s important to remember that longevity relies heavily on a wide range of factors.
How Can I Make My Air Conditioner Last Longer?
Reaching the end of your air conditioner’s estimated lifespan depends on how well you care for it. If you don’t look after it properly or have professionals regularly inspect and maintain it, you could end up with an air conditioner that only lasts a decade or has a much shorter lifespan. Care and maintenance are integral to getting your money’s worth.
- Replace air conditioner filters regularly to reduce strain and help your AC run optimally.
- Create a regular inspection schedule so that HVAC professionals can catch issues early.
- Use a programmable thermostat that keeps your AC running at a consistent temperature. A smart thermostat will offer even more helpful features that will support your AC.
- Have professionals look at other parts of your system, like air ducts, to address blockages that could be affecting performance.
When Is It Time to Replace It?
Ideally, you’ll want to have a professional take a close look at your air conditioner once it reaches the expected lifespan. Even if it functions, it may result in increasingly expensive repairs to keep it running. Other signs that you need to replace your air conditioner include an increase in your energy bills despite your best efforts to keep it running, inefficient cooling throughout the home, and strange noises or odors that aren’t being solved by tune-ups and repairs.
Air conditioners need to be replaced, on average, every 15 to 20 years. If you’ve had your air conditioner for this amount of time, it might be time for a replacement. Reach out to the HVAC professionals here at Alabama Home Pros in Montgomery, AL, for new AC installation now!