AC Unit Life Expectancy: How Long Do They Last?

Introduction

Air conditioning units are a necessity in many homes, even if they're not used on a daily basis. Without an AC unit, you'd be at risk of getting sick from the heat and your home would be uncomfortable. But how long do these units last? Do they always work perfectly for as long as their warranty states?

In this post, we'll discuss how long air conditioning units typically last and what factors affect their lifespan. We'll also share some tips for maintaining your unit so that it lasts longer than expected!

How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

The life expectancy of an air conditioner can be affected by a number of factors. The type and quality of the unit, proper maintenance, and whether or not you live in an area prone to extreme weather conditions all play a role in determining how long your system will last.

If you purchase a high-efficiency central air conditioning system from a reputable manufacturer(like TCL) and take good care of it with regular maintenance, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years out of your new high-efficiency A/C unit.

Factors affecting A/C life expectancy.

A/C units are designed to last for a specific number of years. However, the actual lifespan of an air conditioner depends on several factors:

The rate of use is another factor affecting air conditioner life expectancy. A unit that runs constantly will wear out faster than one that's used sparingly.
The level of upkeep is also important to consider when determining how long your system will last, as well as its overall performance. Keeping it clean and in good working condition will extend its life considerably, so make sure you inspect any issues with the AC unit before they become big problems!
Exposure to the elements can also damage an AC unit over time; if yours gets rained on regularly or sits outside exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time (like during summertime), then this could cause damage over time--and shorten its lifespan significantly!

Besides those mentioned above, the following factors affect the longevity of air conditioners:

Quality installation and proper sizing
System wear and tear, thermostat settings, and individual comfort preferences
climate conditions like high humidity
Problems with air quality, such as salty sea air or other airborne corrosives
routine maintenance

Also read: Why Is My AC Not Blowing Cold Air? Easy Fix

Signs That Your AC Unit is Nearing the End of its Life

There are a few signs that your AC unit is nearing the end of its life. These include:

The air conditioner is not cooling the room as well as it used to. If you notice that the temperature in your house seems warmer than usual and your AC unit isn't able to cool down the space, then this could be a sign that something is wrong with it.
Weak airflow. You should feel cool air blowing with a powerful, dependable force. Weak airflow from your vents could be a clue that your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan. It can also indicate that your appliance needs a tune-up.
Your air conditioning system won't turn on at all or turns off randomly during use. If you notice that your system stops working after being turned on for just a few minutes or hours (or even days), then there might be something wrong with its wiring or connections that need replacing before they cause further damage to other parts of your house's electrical system.
Strange noises coming from inside an old AC unit when running--like loud buzzing sounds from motors making vibrations throughout their metal frames--are usually symptoms of wear and tear over time due to frequent use without proper maintenance checks every couple of years (or sooner if needed).
Weird smell. Your vents should be spewing unscented air. Mold growth inside your ductwork or HVAC unit may be the source of an offensive stench. This must be addressed immediately because it is potentially harmful.

If you notice any of these signs and your AC is old, then it's best to schedule a maintenance checkup for your air conditioning system ASAP.

A/C life expectancy and maintenance

To ensure that your air conditioner will last as long as possible, it is important to perform regular maintenance. You can do this yourself or hire a professional. The following are some tips on maintaining your unit:

Clean the coils once per season to remove dirt and debris that may be blocking airflow, which could cause damage over time.
Check for leaks regularly. If you detect any moisture around the seams where two sections of metal meet each other and/or around screws holding them together, there may be a leak in one of those areas, and should be repaired immediately by a qualified technician before further damage occurs!
Change filters once every three months during high usage periods like summer months when people are running AC units more often than usual. If possible try switching between two different types so that you aren't constantly buying new ones every year - this helps save money!
Changing coolant every couple of years will help keep everything running smoothly too!

The lifespan of your air conditioner is strongly dependent on proper maintenance, which will save you money in the long run.

TCL cares:

Designed for your lifestyle, TCL air conditioners deliver efficient cooling and a modern look to suit your home or office. They’re designed to last - so you’ll enjoy a longer lifespan without the hassle of replacing them. Check our guide on how to pick the ideal AC for your home: How To Choose The Best Air Conditioner For Your Home in 2023

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