Are you wondering if you need a new AC? Or, maybe you are considering an air conditioner for the first time. You may have a lot of questions if you are getting an AC unit for the first or if your old one has performance issues. Many people wonder: how long do AC units last? We will talk about it in this blog.
How Long Does an AC Unit Last?
An air conditioning unit generally lasts anywhere between 10 to 30 years, with an average of 10 to 15 years. However, the lifespan of an AC unit depends on factors such as the type of AC you have, the climate, usage, and more. For instance, a Window Unit AC might last 10 years, whereas a ductless mini-split AC system may have a lifespan of 20 years.
Signs You Need to Replace Your AC
You can call in a professional HVAC expert to install a new AC if yours shows the following signs:
- Your air conditioner is not cooling your home. It might kick on, but it does not blow cold air, which can make your home uncomfortable.
- When you turn your AC on, it should run around 15 to 20 minutes before shutting off. If there is an issue, it might run longer than that or seem to run constantly on hot summer days.
- Is your air conditioner squeaking, grinding, screeching, or making other strange noises? Some noises are easily fixable, but other sounds, such as a high-pitched screeching, could be a sign of a dangerous malfunction.
- While some air conditioners drip water sometimes, you should call in a technician to take a look at it. If the dripping is due to a buildup of ice on the AC coils, that could signify leaking refrigerant; this is a health and environmental hazard, and you should call in a professional to inspect the AC unit.
- Is your electric use getting higher? You should get your HVAC system checked out to see if there is an issue that is responsible for the spike in your energy bill.
- Dust particles and mold spores can invade the ductwork and circulate in the house when air is flowing. You may also notice this problem when you have not been regularly replacing your air conditioning unit’s filters.
- If your AC system is short-cycling, which means turning off and on in short spurts without adding to the comfort of your home — it shouldn’t. You might want a replacement, especially if you have an old AC unit!
Factors Impacting How Long AC Units Last
Yes, the lifespan of your AC unit is impacted by some factors, such as the quality of installation and whether it is the proper size.
The rate of use also affects how long your AC unit lasts. An air conditioner that is used more than average will also experience a greater amount of wear and tear than a unit that is used moderately.
Your AC requires regular maintenance and tuning up. So, if the unit is not properly maintained, it will not last as the one that is properly taken care of. Usually, the condensing unit of the AC is outside, which means it is exposed to the elements. You should have the coil cleaned regularly to extend the life of your AC system.
Final Word
An AC unit generally lasts 10 to 30 years, with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Of course, the lifespan of an AC depends on the rate of use, maintenance, type of AC, and other factors.
Advanced Construction and Development also provides HVAC installation and repair. So, if you are looking for a new AC, you can contact us at (936) 521-2446.