Are you worried about the state of your air conditioner? Call Topline Heating & Air at (717) 628-6825.
Residents of East Pennsylvania are no strangers to the oppressive summer heat, which is why they value their air conditioners. But how long should an air conditioner last? Keep reading to find out, as well as how to extend how long it lasts through proper maintenance.
No matter how well you care for your air conditioner, eventually, you’ll need the best expert air conditioner repair in Malvern. Topline Heating & Air provides reliable and professional services for all your air conditioner needs. Our services are essential in extending the life of your air conditioner.
What Affects Your Air Conditioner’s Life Expectancy?
When you follow an expert’s air conditioner maintenance tips, your central air conditioner should last 10 to 15 years. If you have a window unit, the AC’s lifespan is only 10 years. The following factors affect how long your HVAC system lasts.
Frequency of Use
The most important factor in your air conditioner’s life expectancy is how frequently you use it. Whereas the Pennsylvanian climate requires only three to four months of air conditioner usage, places like Florida require year-round temperature regulation.
Air conditioners last longer in more temperate conditions because they don’t experience the wear and tear of constant use. To increase your air conditioner’s life expectancy, set your temperature high and use fans to reduce its workload.
Level of Care
How frequently you maintain your air conditioner directly affects how often it needs repairs and how long it lasts. Schedule maintenance every spring to prepare your air conditioner for heavy use in the summer. Many homeowners use a second checkup in the fall to determine how summer affected the health of their device.
Climate Exposure
In addition to affecting how often you run your air conditioner, the climate determines how much wear and tear your device suffers. For example, the salty air of coastal cities can wear away your evaporator coil, whereas during the winter, air conditioners can build up ice that damages them, even if they’re not running.
Signs You Need a New Air Conditioner
Now that you know the answer to, “How long should an air conditioner last?” you can know when to start budgeting for a new one. Look for these signs of an AC nearing the end of its life.
Poor Air Quality
An older air conditioner can’t filter the air as well. If you notice worsening allergies or increasing respiratory problems, the problem could involve your air conditioner’s age.
Another sign of poor air quality is a lack of consistency in your temperature. If your air conditioner can’t adequately cool the air or each room in your home is a different temperature, upgrading your air conditioner can help.
Power Problems
Your air conditioner can suffer three types of power problems that require attention:
- Lack of power: If your air conditioner doesn’t turn on, it can’t perform even its most basic function. With such a serious problem, you likely need a completely new device.
- Constantly running: Your air conditioner should reach your desired temperature after 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how hot it is. If your device runs constantly, it means it’s not running as efficiently as it could.
- Rapid cycling: If your air conditioner turns on and off quickly, experts call it cycling. It indicates a problem with any number of components, including your air filter, coils, or thermostat sensor.
Weird Noises
If your air conditioner screeches, grinds, pounds, or makes other annoying or unusual noises, you likely have a broken piece. While repairing the device can help, if your air conditioner suffers the same problem repeatedly, you’ll save more time, money, and stress with a new model.
Foul Smells
The following three smells should concern you:
- Burning: This smell indicates a broken component within your air conditioner, and it could cause more severe damage that requires replacing the entire device.
- Mold: If your air conditioner has a moisture problem, mold and mildew can develop within it, slowly destroying it. If you smell fungal growth, call for help immediately.
- Decomposition: Sometimes, animals like mice and birds can nest or crawl into your air conditioner and become stuck. Over time, they decay, spreading the smell throughout your home.
Leaking Water
If you notice excessive condensation or leaking and pooling water, you likely have a problem with one of your coils.
Increasing Energy Bills
As your air conditioner ages, it has to work harder to obtain the same results. This uses more electricity and thus increases your energy bills. If your air conditioner is too old, repairs likely won’t suffice to lower your energy costs.
Frequent Repairs
As your air conditioner ages, it requires more frequent repairs. To determine if you’re better off replacing the device, multiply the cost of the repair by the age of the air conditioner. If the total is more than $5,000, consider upgrading to a newer model.
Benefits of Replacing Your Air Conditioner
Homeowners can experience several drawbacks of old air conditioners. When you replace your device, you receive the following benefits:
- Fewer repairs: A new air conditioner likely won’t require repairs for a few years, saving you time and money when compared with an older model.
- Lower energy bills: Newer air conditioners run with maximum efficiency, lowering your energy bills. With improved energy efficiency, many homeowners pay back the investment of a new air conditioner within a few years.
- Better air quality: You won’t have to worry about whether a new air conditioner can properly cool your air. You’ll also know that it’s adequately filtering out allergens and other pollutants, so you have a better overall quality of life.
Call Topline Heating & Air To Maintain Your Air Conditioner
How long should an air conditioner last? When you follow proper maintenance, it lasts about 15 years. Topline Heating & Air can increase your device’s life expectancy with reliable and friendly maintenance.
When you need the best air conditioning maintenance, choose Topline Heating & Air. Call us at (717) 628-6825 to book an appointment.