Air conditioners, or AC, are the ones that make our homes cool. Like any appliance, though, they have an expiration time too. You may be wondering, “How long will my AC last?” In this guide, we shall discuss how long an air conditioner will last, what will shorten its life, and when to replace it. We shall also provide you with some tips on how to prolong the lifespan of your AC.
How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The average lifetime of an air conditioner is 10 to 15 years. But lots of things come in between. Your usage of your AC, the quality of maintenance you give to it, and your locality all decide how long your AC will last. Some ACs would have lasted longer, and some would fail at an early stage.
Different Types of Air Conditioners and Lifetimes
Your model of air conditioner will also indicate how long it will last. This is for how many years different ACs will last:
Central Air Conditioners: These are what most homes have. They will last between 12 to 15 years if properly maintained.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems: These will last up to 15 years or more with occasional fixes.
Window Air Conditioners: They typically last for 8 to 12 years.
Portable Air Conditioners: They would last between 5 to 10 years.
What Can Influence the Life of Your Air Conditioner?
Even though the average life span of an air conditioner is 10 to 15 years, there are plenty of things that can influence your machine in some other way. Let’s discuss the most crucial stuff.
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Maintenance
Maintenance of your AC is the greatest thing that you can ever do to make it last long. That involves:
Filter replacement now and then.
Cleaning of coils.
Check the refrigerant level.
Checking for issues in advance.
Maintenance will place your AC in its best operating and long-lasting condition. Without maintenance, the system will be loaded or clogged, and therefore it will fail prematurely.
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How Often You Use It
The manner in which you utilize your air conditioner will make it last for as long as that. If you never give it a break at all, particularly during very hot weather, then it will be for a shorter duration. But if you use it on extremely hot weather days alone, then it will be for a longer duration.
You can also extend the life of your AC by maintaining the temperature at a mid-point. If you run it at full power all the time, its life will be shortened.
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Climate and Environment
Where you are located may impact the life of your AC. If where you are is very hot and humid, your air conditioner will have to work that much harder to cool your home. That will reduce its life.
Dirt, dust, and moisture do the same thing. An unclean air conditioner has a shorter life
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Installation Quality
Your air conditioner installation is critical. The system will not function well if poorly installed. It will be short or consume excess power. Always ensure that a professional installs your air conditioner.
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Unit Quality
Not every air conditioner is the same. Some companies make better-quality ones that will be more durable. A good-quality AC will be more expensive to purchase, but it can pay for itself in the long term because it will last longer and need less maintenance.
Though the majority of air conditioners will last you 10 to 15 years, you may not be able to prevent yourself from replacing yours earlier. Some signs inform you that it is time to replace your AC:
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Frequent Repairs
If you need to fix your air conditioner intermittently, do it a little in advance. It can become expensive if you keep on fixing it very frequently. Replacing it with a new one may be economical in the long run.
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High Energy Bills
Older ACs are not energy-efficient. I.e., they consume more power to cool your home. If your electricity bill goes up without you using more power, it may mean your AC is not working properly.
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Unusual Sounds
An air conditioner must never produce peculiar loud noises.
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Not Cooling Properly
If your air conditioner is not cooling your house as well as it once did, the compressor, refrigerant, or cooling coils are malfunctioning. It might be more expensive to fix than to replace at times.
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Old Age
Older air conditioners are less effective. If the home system is aged between 10 to 15 years or older and inefficient, then it is probable that you will have to start considering replacing it. Energy-saving air conditioners are newer types, which will cost you less.
How to Make Your Air Conditioner Last Longer
While air conditioners are ultimately going to need to be replaced, there are some things you can do so you get as much use out of them as possible. Some of them are outlined below:
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Have Regular Maintenance
Have a trained service technician come to your air conditioner once a year. They can clean it, inspect for issues, and ensure that it’s performing at maximum efficiency.
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Replace the Air Filter Regularly
A dirty filter requires your AC to work extra hard. Have the air filter replaced every 1 to 3 months so that your system remains in its best condition. Pet owners and allergy patients can have it replaced more frequently.
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Clear the Space Around Your AC
If you do have an exterior unit, leave it unobstructed. Leaves, dust, and dirt can block airflow and destroy your AC. Clear the space around the unit.
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Seal Leaks Around Your Home
If your house is leaky, cold air will escape, and your AC will get tired more quickly. Seal leaks under doors and in windows to keep from losing cold air.
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Set a Reasonable Temperature
Don’t allow the thermostat to get cold. Keeping it medium, i.e., 78°F (25°C), will make your AC perform more efficiently and last longer.
How to Select a Replacement Air Conditioner
When your air conditioner must be replaced, use the following when selecting a replacement unit:
Size: Get the unit sized correctly for your home. A unit that is too large or too small will not work.
Energy Efficiency: Choose an Energy Star-rated AC. Such ACs use less energy, lowering your bills.
Respected Brands: Use top-respected brands that produce high-performance, long-lasting
air conditioners.
Professional Installation: Install your new AC professionally at all times. Proper installation is the key to making sure your system will run efficiently.
Conclusion
Learning how an air conditioner survives tells you when your unit needs to be repaired or replaced. Servicing your AC will make it last longer. If your air conditioner is outdated, inefficient, or malfunctions from time to time, then the replacement time has come. Follow the guidelines below to make sure that your air conditioner will run well and blow cold air in
the future!
Frequently Asked Questions. ( FAQs )
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Will an air conditioner last 20 years?
Most air conditioners last 10–15 years, but with good care, some can work for up to 20 years. Most of them will begin to be used less effectively after 15 years.
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When do I need to replace my air conditioner?
You need to replace your air conditioner after 10-15 years. But if it is already old and is functioning in a faulty condition, you might have to replace it sooner.
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How do I extend the life of my AC?
Cleaning, cleaning the filter, and cleanliness outside the unit are all methods of extending the life of your AC.
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How heavy is a new air conditioner?
Between £2,000 and £5,000, size and model dependent.
There is no installation fee.
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What are the indications that my AC needs to be repaired?
Indications include strange sounds, little or no cooling, and frequent failure. If you observe these, then repair or replace is what you have to do.
