A home with air conditioning is a beautiful thing. When the temperatures get hot, it plays an integral part of how comfortable your home is. When the summer months arrive, your HVAC system will be working more steadily. This of course means wear and tear on the AC unit, causing it to wear out faster than you’d like. Air conditioners are also one of the most expensive appliances you will buy for your home. For this reason, it’s important to know how much life your AC has left so you can start saving for the next one.
How Long Does an Air Conditioner Last?
The answer to this question will depend on where the unit is located, the type of air conditioner you have and how well it has been taken care of. In most parts of the country an air conditioner will typically last 15 to 20 years. Areas with hotter temperatures in the summer will cut the lifespan down, making it closer to 12-15 years, but only if it’s the right size and has been maintained properly.
Factors that Affect AC Lifespan
• Size of AC Unit. Many older homes had air conditioners installed that were too big. An air conditioner that is too big or too small, for that matter will need to work harder to cool your home than one that is the right size. Units that are too big will cycle on and off more often than needed, leading to more frequent maintenance and repairs. If you have a unit that is correctly sized for your home, you’ll see it last longer.
• AC Maintenance. Think of your AC unit like a car. When you perform regular maintenance on your car it will run better and last longer. The same goes with air conditioners. Proper maintenance and cleaning can increase the lifespan of your unit significantly and allows you to catch issues early on when they are more easily and cheaply repaired. Why make it work harder than it has to?
• Clean Air Ducts. Your air conditioner works with ductwork that also needs to be well-maintained to do its job. When ducts are dirty or leaking it can put strain on the system and shorten its lifespan. It will also increase your energy bills. Have the ducts cleaned regularly so your AC unit will last as long as possible.
• AC Temperature. The temperature you set will also impact the lifespan of your unit. If the temperature inside your home is 30 to 40 degrees below the temperature outside, you’ll know it’s working at its best. If you lower the temperature below that you are putting more stress on the unit than necessary, causing it to wear out more quickly.
Central Air Conditioning Tune Up Maintenance, Repair, Replacement & More Services in Manhattan, New York
There are steps you can take to help your air conditioner out. Make sure you have regular maintenance performed on the unit. If you discover you need a new unit, make sure it’s sized correctly for your home. Make sure you set the temperature that allows the unit to work best. Taking these steps may just extend the lifespan of your unit and save you some money. Contact NY NJ AC Connection for all your HVAC needs.
