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How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

When you install an air conditioner in your home, you hope that it will keep your family cool and last a long time. However, if it’s been a while since you’ve replaced your cooling system, you might be panicking at the thought of having to upgrade your unit soon.

It’s important to be aware of your unit’s age, as this will help you avoid an irreparable air AC system breakdown in the middle of summer. But how long do air conditioners last? Is there an air conditioner life expectancy that you should be aware of?

Average Air Conditioner Life Expectancy

On average, air conditioners last between 10 to 12 years. Why is there a range? All-in-all, your HVAC unit’s specific lifespan can depend on several factors.

For instance, air conditioners that see a lot of use will likely need to be replaced more frequently. If you live in an area with a cooler climate, your unit can last beyond this life expectancy range. It’s also worth noting that the unit’s SEER rating, size, and maintenance needs can all significantly affect your air conditioner’s lifespan.

The Significance of SEER Ratings

Every central air conditioner has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will have better energy efficiency than those with a lower rating.

Why is energy efficiency important? The higher the energy efficiency, the less energy your air conditioning system will waste. As a result, you can enjoy big savings on your energy bills. An energy-efficient unit also functions more smoothly. Air conditioners with a lower SEER rating must work harder to keep a home cool — resulting in more wear and tear. As you can imagine, this damage can negatively impact air conditioner life expectancy.

Why You Should Install a Properly-Sized AC

It’s important to ensure that your air conditioning unit is properly sized to fit your house. If an HVAC professional installs a unit that’s too big or too small, you could end up paying for a replacement much sooner than you would like.

Installing an air conditioner that’s too large for your home may seem like it would have its benefits. However, it causes more harm than good. This too-large unit will constantly turn on and off since it’ll cool your home much quicker than it should. These short cycles can damage the parts inside of your air conditioner to the point where you’ll need frequent repairs or a complete replacement.

To avoid this problem, find residential HVAC contractors you trust to handle your next installation. A highly-trained professional will install an air conditioner that fits your home’s size and your family’s cooling needs.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Now that you know how long air conditioners last, you can take steps to lengthen your system’s lifespan. One of the most notable steps is scheduling professional maintenance services.

During the spring and summer months, the air conditioner is constantly working hard to keep your home cool. It’s critical that you schedule regular maintenance services for your HVAC systems to make sure that they are functioning as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

There are some routine maintenance tasks that you can do all by yourself to extend the life of your air conditioner. For example, it’s recommended that you replace the air filter every 90 days. Dirty air filters can lower your system’s efficiency and adversely affect your home’s indoor air quality.

How long do air conditioners last when they’ve been properly maintained? It’s possible that your unit could last up to 25 years — but any longer than that is unlikely.

Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs To Be Replaced

If you’re unsure how to tell if you need a new air conditioner, there are a few signs you can look out for. First and foremost, you’ll want to see if your AC unit is keeping you cool. In some cases, insufficient cooling or a complete lack of cool air can be a simple problem to fix. In other instances, however, this problem could indicate that it’s time for a replacement.

Also, keep an eye out for rising energy bills. These high costs suggest that your air conditioner is working extra hard to cool your home. If your AC has to exhaust itself to do its job, a breakdown is likely in the future.

How long do air conditioners last if they’re making strange noises? If your AC makes loud banging or squeaking noises, a replacement could be needed sooner than later. These sounds signify that something is very wrong inside the system.

Upgrade Your Home Comfort With an AC Installation

“How long do air conditioners last?” Many different factors can influence air conditioner life expectancy — some of them you can control, while others you simply cannot.

If you’re unsure whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, turn to Arlinghaus for assistance. Our team of experts is highly familiar with a wide range of air conditioning systems and can help you find a suitable solution. Contact us to learn about our Butler air conditioning services!

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