When the weather outside gets hot, having an air conditioner is a must for keeping your home at a reasonable temperature. Having said that, an AC’s useful life is not infinite, just like any mechanical device. Knowing how long most AC systems last can help you plan ahead for repairs, maintenance and replacements.
Window Units
Window air conditioners usually last only eight to 10 years, which is far less than the lifespan of central air conditioning systems. The increased exposure to weather and temperature changes hastens the wear and tear on these systems. Damage to window units can also develop over time due to the increased frequency of installation and removal, especially in areas with diverse seasons.
These types of don’t last as long as central air conditioners. However, window units can still be a great way to cool off smaller rooms or add extra cooling to bigger houses without breaking the bank. To make these units last longer, you’ll need to clean them regularly, put them in the right place when they’re not in use and ensure they fit snugly in the window.
Central Air Conditioners
A central air conditioning system can chill a whole house and usually lasts between 15 and 20 years. These AC systems are typically better shielded from the weather than window units and have a longer lifespan owing to their sturdy build. But how long they last is highly dependent on how well you take care of them and how you use them.
Central air conditioning devices can live up to or beyond their predicted lifespan with regular servicing, which includes yearly professional inspections and continuous filter replacements. A number of factors influence a central AC’s typical lifespan. These include the quality of the initial installation, the size of the unit in relation to the cooling needs of the home and the local temperature.
Ductless AC
Depending on the model, ductless air conditioning systems (also called mini-split systems) can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, with 20 years being the median. The elimination of ductwork — a common cause of energy loss and troubleshooting in central air conditioning systems — is a major advantage of these systems. Their zoning capabilities and efficient functioning prolong their useful life by minimizing system wear!
How Your Local Climate Affects the AC’s Lifespan
The local climate in Farmington Hills, MI is a major factor in how long air conditioners last. Warm summers and chilly winters define this suburban city’s humid continental climate. Temperatures in the low 80s are common during the summer months of June through August, with rare heat waves bringing those numbers up into the 90s. Even if these summertime temperatures aren’t as bad as in other regions of the nation, you’ll still need to run your air conditioner constantly.
Air conditioners already work hard to remove moisture from the air, but the high humidity in the region, particularly in the summer, can make their jobs even more difficult. Seasonal changes can be particularly taxing for air conditioners in Farmington Hills due to the extreme temperature difference between summer and winter. There is a chance of icing during the winter months and strong thunderstorms on rare occasions in the area, both of which can damage outdoor air conditioning units.
Maintenance Practices to Extend Your AC’s Life
The key to maximizing your air conditioner’s life is regular maintenance. Changing or cleaning the air filter on a regular basis is one of the most critical things you can do. The recommended frequency for filter changes varies from one to three months, depending on usage and environmental factors. This simple action helps keep the air cleaner by preventing the system from working harder than it has to.
Having a professional service the AC unit once a year is crucial since they can spot problems before they escalate. In most cases, this service will involve cleaning the coils, checking the refrigerant levels and making sure everything is working properly. To help protect the outdoor unit from damage, you should do your best to keep it clear of any nearby landscaping, like plants, trees and shrubs.
Central air conditioning systems benefit from routine vent and register cleanings to keep airflow effective. Another way to extend the life of your air conditioner is to use a programmed thermostat and whole-home humidifiers or dehumidifiers to maintain good humidity in the home. Proper humidity levels not only improve indoor air quality and comfort but also contribute to a longer AC lifespan by reducing wear and tear on the unit.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Is Nearing the End of Its Lifespan
There are telltale signs that an air conditioner is getting close to its end of life as it gets older. A noticeable drop in cooling efficiency, in which the unit has trouble maintaining the required temperature or takes longer to cool rooms, is a common sign.
If the relative humidity rises within the house, it could be a sign that the air conditioner isn’t doing its job. Repairs becoming more expensive until they equal the cost of a new unit should be a red flag that it might be more cost-effective to replace it. Grinding, screeching or rattling sounds are all indicators of worn-out internal parts. Short cycling, in which the device repeatedly turns on and off, is another warning sign that something is wrong with its operation.
Replacement vs. Repair: Making the Right Decision
It’s not always easy to decide whether to fix or replace an old air conditioner. If your air conditioner is more than 75% of the way through its lifespan and needs major repairs, it’s usually cheaper to replace it. Your goal should be to weigh the short-term expenses against the potential savings and efficiency gains in the long run. This is why energy efficiency is important.
Newer models are usually much more efficient, so you can save money on your energy bills, making a replacement more cost-effective. And because repairs using discontinued parts can be prohibitively expensive or even impossible, the availability of parts for earlier versions can also play a role in the decision-making process.
AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is here to help you decide whether to repair or replace your AC. We work on HVAC units of all types, including ductless systems. We also provide drain cleaning, water leak detection, sewer services, electrical repairs, whole-house surge protection and more.
Call us now to schedule an AC inspection for your home!
