What is the Life Expectancy of a Home AC Unit?
It always feels like the hottest day of the year is when your AC decides to go out. ACs don’t last forever. In fact, it can be difficult to know when your AC is taking a turn for the worse.
Luckily, there are a few contributing factors to watch out for, allowing you to take a proactive approach. The worst-case scenario is your AC going out when money is tight.
Here are some signs to keep an eye out for. If you find that your air conditioning is nearing its life expectancy, it’s best to reach out to a qualified AC contractor.
What Factors Contribute to the Life Expectancy of a Home AC Unit?
The average home AC unit can last between 15 to 20 years. However, the life expectancy of your home AC unit is dependent on a variety of factors, including:
- Rate of Use – How often is your AC running? An AC that is running for 8 hours a day will have a shorter life expectancy compared to one running for 1 hour a day.
- Level of Upkeep – Regular inspections and maintenance can increase the longevity of your unit. If you never replace the air filter or complete tune-ups, you can expect your home AC unit to have a shorter life expectancy.
- Exposure to the Elements – If your AC unit sits outside all year long, it can take a greater beating, especially if you live in turbulent weather conditions. Extreme cold and hot periods can take a toll on the condensing unit.
These are just a few of the factors that contribute to the life expectancy of a home AC unit. You may notice other factors depending on your geographic region.
How Can You Tell if Your Home AC Unit is Going Out?
There are ways you can tell if your AC unit is going out before it fully stops working. These include:
- Lack of Airflow – This is one of the first indicators that your AC is going. If you notice no airflow, it can be a sign that your unit should be replaced.
- Strange Sounds – If your AC unit begins making strange sounds, it’s best to get an expert out there to tell you if a part needs to be fixed or if the unit needs to be replaced.
- No Cool Air – If your AC unit is working, but not producing cold air, it can be an indicator that the unit is going bad.
- Foul Odors – Your AC unit shouldn’t have a foul smell. If you notice an unusual smell, it’s time to take a closer look at the remaining life expectancy.
Having an expert analyze your home AC unit is the best way to determine how much longer your unit has. Don’t forget to check the AC warranty to determine if your unit will be covered by the manufactures.
Finding the Right AC Contractor
Finding the right AC contractor is essential, whether you are taking preventative measures or need a new unit now. Our team at 365 Mechanical is your trusted partner when it comes to home AC unit replacement and maintenance. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.
