Speak to an HVAC Professional in Your Area
For most of us, there’s nothing like a nice cold blast of air conditioning when coming inside from the heat. Modern HVAC technology is rapidly developing, with new and improved AC units delivering improved air quality with higher efficiency and less noise arriving on the market all the time. As a homeowner who might be in the market for a new HVAC system, you may wonder how long should an AC unit last, and what steps you can take to ensure your investment provides cool, comfortable air for a long time to come.
How Long Should an AC Unit Last?
Just like everything else, there are many factors that go into calculating the average lifespan of an air conditioning unit.
If you use yours very frequently- as in all day, every day- your AC unit may not last as long as someone who uses theirs once in a while, or only on very hot days. This doesn’t mean you’ve got a poorly constructed AC unit. Wear and tear are inevitable on any type of mechanism, so this is to be expected.
Another key factor in how long your AC unit lasts is how and when the installation was completed. Older units dating prior to 1990 may still require freon, which has been phased out of modern AC unit production. Though your unit may be running well, this chemical is no longer readily available, and finding a replacement is extremely difficult. Additionally, even the best AC unit may malfunction or have a limited lifespan if it is installed improperly. Air conditioning systems require electrical connections, adequate space, and accurate measurements in order to perform at their peak.
On the whole, it is not unusual for an AC unit to last from 10 to 20 years. As a homeowner, there are things you can do to make sure your system lasts as long as possible.
How Can I Help My AC Unit Last Longer?
The number one thing you can do to give your AC unit the longest life possible is regular maintenance and cleaning. This means having an HVAC professional come to your house and conduct a full inspection of your AC unit, inside and out. As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of moving pieces within your system, and while you can occasionally limp along with a small malfunction, you’ll ultimately be cutting down the lifespan of your air conditioner.
Also, consider running your AC unit as little as possible. That doesn’t mean you have to suffer in the sweltering heat, but if you can give the system a break here and there, it will definitely benefit in the long run.
Lastly, make sure you’ve got a proper AC unit for your home and environment. If you live near the coast, the salty air will impact your AC’s operation. If you have a large home, you’ll need an AC unit that can handle the volume of space. If you have a very small area, make sure there’s enough intake and ventilation for your unit to operate properly. All of these considerations will ensure your AC unit is performing at its peak.
When your AC unit needs it’s annual check-up, call 844-962-2681 to connect with HVAC professionals in your area. These highly trained technicians will be happy to inspect your AC unit and provide a no-obligation quote for any necessary repairs or services to ensure your AC unit lasts as long as possible.
While there’s no set number to tell you how long should an AC unit last, proper and regular maintenance is the best way to help your system lasts as long as possible.
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Frank is the chief editor and director at Specialty Air, where he oversees testing, research, and editing for all air quality-related articles. Frank is an expert in the air quality space with extensive experience testing, researching, and reviewing air purifiers, air conditioners, air filters, air fresheners, fans, and more. He also has over 4 years of experience with issues surrounding mold remediation, radon mitigation, moisture management, air duct systems, HVAC, and insulation.
