Air conditioners are an invaluable asset on a blistering summer afternoon — especially if you live in one of the hotter parts of the country. The cool air they provide for your home can be the difference between a comfortable summer and a miserable sweaty one. Unfortunately, AC units don’t last forever and will eventually need to be replaced once they’re past their prime. If you’re thinking about getting a new AC unit before the intense heat of the summer months arrives, here’s how you can tell it’s time for an air conditioner replacement.
How Many Years Do Air Conditioners Last?
First, let’s take a look at the average lifespan of an air conditioner unit. Homeowners can expect their central AC system to live roughly 12 to 15 years, meaning that they should start thinking about a replacement once they’ve had it for that long. However, it’s worth noting that different air conditioning styles and models can have different lifespans. For example, a ductless mini-split can potentially live up to two decades. With that fact in mind, you should always take into account the specific kind of air conditioner you have when considering a replacement.
What Factors Influence How Long an Air Conditioner Lasts?
While it’s worth knowing the average lifespan of your air conditioning system, that alone doesn’t determine when you need to get an AC replacement — there are actually a number of factors that can wind up influencing how long your air conditioner lasts, so be mindful of the following:
Maintenance
How well an air conditioner is taken care of can have a profound influence on how long it lasts. By ensuring that all of the system’s components are functioning correctly and are regularly cleaned during maintenance, it can help extend the lifespan of an AC unit. Routine maintenance tasks can include cleaning and replacing air filters, inspecting and cleaning evaporator and condenser coils, and ensuring that the outdoor unit is free from debris.
Additionally, regularly scheduled maintenance can help your AC live longer in other ways too. Much like when a human goes to the doctor for a check-up, a technician maintaining an air conditioner can catch a problem early on before it escalates into something more serious — and costly too.
Frequency of Use
The more you use your air conditioner, the more wear and tear it will experience. This means that if you live in a hot climate and frequently run your AC unit, it can end up wearing itself out faster than if you live in a milder region.
Additionally, the size of your air conditioner in relation to the area it’s cooling can lead to more frequent usage. An oversized or undersized unit can lead to increased strain on the system, causing it to work harder and less efficiently, ultimately shortening its lifespan. As a result, it’s important to have your system properly sized before installation.
For Fast Air Conditioner Replacements, Give Us a Call
When it’s time to say goodbye to your current air conditioner system, we’ll be there to help. At Paradise Heating & Air, we offer professional AC replacements in Salt Lake City, UT, and the surrounding areas, and will help you determine if your air conditioner has gotten too old. To schedule a replacement and learn more about our other AC services, call us today!