How Long Does An A/C Unit Typically Last?

How Long Does An A/C Unit Typically Last?

Your a/c is often the silent hero of your home, consistently maintaining it at a comfortable temperature no matter what the outside weather is like. But far too often, your a/c unit isn’t appreciated for all it does until it suddenly stops. Just how long can you expect an a/c unit to last? Learn more about the average lifespan of the typical a/c unit, as well as what you can do to extend the usable life of your current unit.

Typical A/C Lifespan

The life expectancy of your a/c depends on several factors, including: 

  • Brand of the unit
  • How frequently you use it
  • If it’s located in direct sun for much of the day (therefore forcing it to work harder)
  • If it’s exposed to salty sea air, sand, or other abrasive elements
  • How often you perform routine maintenance

The “average” a/c will usually last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, though maintenance (or the lack thereof) can skew this figure in one direction or the other.

Extending Your A/C’s Working Life

By far the most impactful factor in your a/c’s life expectancy is the maintenance you perform on the unit. If you don’t clean out debris regularly, cover the unit during winter to protect it from the elements, change your air filters on a regular basis, monitor your refrigerant, and have an occasional tune-up performed, you could be shortening your unit’s life by years.

You’ll also want to do what you can to reduce the burden your a/c bears while it’s working. This can mean shading the unit so that it doesn’t get too hot in the Jacksonville summers, monitoring your thermostat’s accuracy to ensure that it’s not causing the unit to cycle on and off too often, and, in some cases, even upgrading to a larger a/c unit that’s sufficient to accommodate your home’s needs without overworking itself. An a/c that runs or cycles too frequently is at risk of overheating, which can lead to a whole host of potentially expensive problems.

Finally, it’s a good idea to schedule annual tune-ups with a reputable HVAC company. By giving your unit a thorough once-over, HVAC professionals like those at A/C Designs can spot any problems before they start, preventing potentially expensive repairs (or even a/c replacement) down the road. If it’s been a while since your a/c unit was given some TLC, visit our website to learn more about the services we offer or to get in touch with one of our experienced a/c technicians.