How Long Does An AC Unit Last?

There are two things you should know about air conditioners: they’re incredibly useful (especially here in Alabama) and can also be pretty expensive to replace. With this in mind, you may wonder how long your AC will last. After all, you don’t want to be stuck in a blazing hot house on a summer day in Daphne.

Although we wish we could predict the future here at Baldwin Heating & Cooling, there’s no way for us to know the exact lifespan of your air conditioner. Luckily, there are some helpful practices that you can try to help your AC last as long as possible.

Is There An Average AC Lifespan?

Determining the average lifespan of all AC systems is impossible. Many factors contribute to the longevity of your AC, including age, model and maintenance. As a general rule, a brand-new AC will probably last around 15-20 years before needing replacement.

Unless you just replaced your AC or recently moved into a recently-built home, your AC is probably not brand-new. The older your AC is, the more likely it will need to be replaced or repaired soon. However, this doesn’t mean that you should neglect a newer system, especially if you want to keep it running as long as possible.

How Can I Make My Air Conditioner Last Longer?

As a homeowner, you actually have a lot of control over how long your AC lasts. If you want your air conditioner to last as long as possible, consider doing one or both of the following things:

Schedule Routine AC Tune-Ups

AC tune-ups are one of the best ways to care for your air conditioning system. Scheduling AC maintenance here in Daphne has never been easier! All you need to do is call Baldwin Heating & Cooling to schedule a tune-up.

We recommend scheduling a tune-up twice a year. During the tune-up, a technician will clean out your AC, replace the air filter and perform minor repairs if needed. Tune-ups are a great way to catch potential issues before they become much bigger and more expensive.

Set Your Unit To A Warmer Temperature

Since it gets pretty warm here in Alabama, you may be tempted to set your AC to a cool temperature. However, when you set your AC to a temperature lower than the one outside, your AC has to work extra hard to cool down your home.

We get it— some people are more warm-blooded than others. Nevertheless, when you set your thermostat to low temperatures, especially to 70° F or below, it wears out the various internal parts. If you’re trying to make your AC last longer, turn the thermostat up a few degrees.

When To Repair And When To Replace Your Air Conditioner

When your AC breaks down, it may be difficult to know if you should repair or replace it. The best way to solve this dilemma is by calling an AC professional from Baldwin Heating & Cooling. After one of our technicians inspects your air conditioner, they will tell you what’s wrong with it and if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

The most telling factor in determining AC replacement is the age of your unit. If you have a system older than 15-20 years, a repair won’t always make sense because your system might be nearing the end of its lifespan. However, if you recently had the system installed, a repair is probably the more economical and practical solution.

When Is It Time For An AC Installation?

If your unit is at the end of its lifespan or can’t be repaired, you’ll need to schedule an AC installation service. Your system will begin to show a few signs when the time for replacement is drawing near. A few indicators to look out for are:

• Consistent need for repairs
• High energy bills
• Increasing indoor humidity levels
• Poor airflow

In most cases, an experienced technician can correct a problem with your unit. If an older system is exhibiting any of these issues, a professional can inspect the machinery to determine if a new installation is necessary.

Reliable AC Replacement In Daphne

At Baldwin Heating & Cooling, we perform AC replacement in Daphne and surrounding areas.. It’s our goal to keep Daphne cooler through each tune-up, repair and replacement we perform. Although we can’t tell you exactly how long your AC will last, we encourage you to take good care of your unit so it can reach its estimated lifespan. If you have any questions or want to schedule an AC service, contact us today!