How long can your air conditioner (AC) last

As an element of the HVAC system, the air conditioner, which is responsible for keeping the room at a comfortable temperature no matter what the weather outside, often gets little attention. Unfortunately, it is often remembered when it suddenly stops working. How long can you expect your air conditioner to last and how often should it be serviced? Learn more about the average lifespan of a typical air conditioner and what you can do to extend the life of your current air conditioner.

What determines the life of an air conditioning unit in Philadelphia?

The life expectancy of your air conditioner depends on 

• The brand of the unit

• Frequency of use

• Location and exposure to external factors such as sunlight (the air conditioner works harder and wears out faster in direct sunlight during the day), sand or other abrasive elements.

• Regularity of scheduled maintenance

On average, an air conditioner lasts 10 to 20 years, and its maintenance (or lack thereof) can swing that number one way or the other.

How to extend your air conditioner's life?

By far the most influential factor in the life of your air conditioner is maintenance and the quality of its performance. Regularly removing debris, replacing air filters on time, covering it to protect it from the harsh weather in the winter, monitoring refrigerant levels, and performing tune-ups from time to time will extend the life of your air conditioner for years to come.

You'll also want to do everything you can to reduce the stress on your air conditioner while it's running. This could mean protecting your air conditioner from the scorching Philadelphia summer sun, and monitoring the accuracy of your thermostat to make sure it's not forcing the unit to cycle on and off too often. In some cases, you may want to consider switching to a different air conditioner that is tailored to your home's needs. After all, an overworked air conditioner runs on short cycles and is at risk of overheating, which can lead to a number of potentially costly problems.

Finally, schedule annual tune-ups and maintenance with a reputable HVAC contractor. By conducting a thorough inspection of your unit, HVAC professionals can catch any problems early, preventing potentially costly repairs (or even air conditioner replacement) in the future.

When to replace your air conditioner?

If your current air conditioner is struggling to maintain a consistent temperature, or if some rooms feel too hot or too cold, it may be inefficient or undersized. Older units tend to be less efficient than newer models. If your energy bills are rising despite regular maintenance, this could indicate decreased efficiency, and a more energy-efficient replacement could save you money in the long run. More frequent repairs to your air conditioner or the failure of major components (such as the compressor) is another sign that it may be more cost-effective to replace the unit rather than continue to pay for repairs. In addition, older air conditioners use R-22 refrigerant (commonly known as Freon), which has been phased out due to environmental concerns. So replacing your old air conditioner with a newer model is a good idea. Especially considering that they often come with advanced features, higher energy efficiency ratings (SEER ratings), and are more environmentally friendly.

If your air conditioner hasn't been serviced in a while, or if you think it's time to replace it with a more efficient one that meets your needs, visit the appropriate section of our website to learn more about the services we offer and get in touch with one of our experienced air conditioning technicians.