Did you know that you could save 20-40% of your cooling costs by updating your air conditioning unit, according to the U.S. Department of Energy? In some cases, it’s better to replace than repair. A new and more efficient system could save you big bucks if yours needs substantial repairs.
Not sure when you’ll need to invest in a new air conditioner? If you’ve found yourself wondering how long do air conditioners last, here are some answers. Read on to learn more about the average air conditioner lifespan.
Air Conditioner Lifespan
Fun fact: the average lifespan of an air conditioner is 12-17 years. Those numbers are true for both a split AC lifespan and a central unit.
Factors in Longevity
One of the key factors in deciding the AC lifespan in your home is how much you use it.
For example, if you live in a climate that is warm almost year-round, your unit would burn out sooner than someone living in a cold climate that uses it for Only a few months out of the year. Likewise, if you have an outdoor unit that is exposed to harsh elements, it may give out sooner.
Signs That Your Air Conditioning Unit Needs Repair
The first thing to check is how your AC sounds because if it makes a lot of noise by rattling and clanking, it needs a check-up. Another sign of an impending issue is excess humidity in your home, like over 50%. Finally, if you’ve found that the temperature fluctuates as much as your energy bills, your system may be in desperate need of repair.
How To Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioning System
Want to get more mileage out of your AC unit? One of the simplest ways to do that is to have regular maintenance done. Get into the routine of having a professional come out and do annual AC inspections, and it could save you money in the long run by avoiding costly surprise repairs.
Repair or Replace?
If your AC is still less than 12 years old, it can be challenging to know whether to replace or repair it. But if you’ve had frequent service calls, and your system isn’t working optimally even when fixed it might be time to replace it. But it’s worth doing an inspection because your system may only need repairs if the ductwork or other parts were improperly installed in the first place.
Ready To Get the Most Out of Your Air Conditioner?
Now that you’ve found out about the average air conditioner lifespan, you can make an informed decision about your own unit. And you can improve your air conditioner life expectancy by investing in a yearly maintenance and inspection program. Finally, don’t forget to check your warranty to see if your equipment is covered if something breaks.
Want to learn more about similar useful topics? Check out some of the other articles in the Lifestyle section of this site.
