Air conditioning (AC) is a crucial part of maintaining the comfort of your home, especially during the hot summer months. It's important to know how long air conditioners last so you don't get the unpleasant surprise that the air conditioner breaks down during the hottest part of summer. In general, properly maintained air conditioners can last 15 to 20 years. Homeowners who know what affects the lifespan of the air conditioner, as well as the signs to look out for that something is wrong with their system, can practically ensure that their air conditioner lives a long and happy life, keeping them cool for many years to come.
If you dedicate more hours of service to your air conditioner in a short time, it may reach the end of its useful life faster. If you notice any of these signs and fear that your air conditioner is nearing the end of its life, contact an HVAC professional to help you determine if air conditioner repair or replacement is the best option for you. For example, if you live in a climate where summer is milder and shorter, such as the Northeast, you're likely to use less air conditioning than someone who lives in a warm outdoor climate most of the year, such as the South. Maintenance is important for all types of air conditioners, so if you're wondering how long minisplits last and how long a central air unit should last, the answer is that all types of air conditioners have roughly the same average lifespan, which can be extended with proper maintenance. Air conditioner maintenance involves things like changing filters regularly and making sure that the outside of the air conditioner is free of debris and on level ground.
It's extremely important for homeowners to be aware of signs that the air conditioner is at the end of its useful life. This way, they can prepare to repair or replace the system before it's too late and it runs out of air conditioning. We'll talk more about air conditioner maintenance in a moment, but for now it's important to note that regular maintenance performed by both homeowners and HVAC professionals can help extend the life of the air conditioner. The lifespan of the air conditioner can be affected by a number of factors, both within and outside the owner's control.
By combining air conditioner maintenance to prevent problems and solving air conditioner problems to detect them early, you can help your air conditioner extend its lifespan for many years. Air conditioning troubleshooting should always be done by an HVAC professional, so if you notice any problems with your system (from strange smells and noises to a system that doesn't expel cold air), contact an HVAC professional for immediate help. Each air conditioning system has a slightly different lifespan, depending on the type of unit and the manufacturer. Two of the most important factors affecting the lifespan of the air conditioner go hand in hand: the outdoor climate and the speed of use.
