Whether they’re in the market for a new system or their air conditioning unit is out of warranty, many homeowners have questions about how long an HVAC system will last. Fortunately, there are some simple things that can help increase the lifespan of an AC unit.

From the quality of work performed during installation to a homeowner’s routine maintenance habits and their climate, there are several factors that can add years to an AC’s expected lifespan.

Size

While a typical central air conditioner can last up to 30 years, the exact lifespan of an AC depends on many different factors. Everything from the quality of the unit to how it is maintained can make a difference in its lifespan.

In order for an air conditioner to last a long time, it needs to be properly sized. The best way to determine what size air conditioner you need is by calculating your home’s square footage and layout. There are also several different factors that can affect how much cooling your house needs, including the number of heat-generating appliances and whether your home is on a floodplain.

Once you know what size AC you need, you can calculate how much BTUs your house needs to stay cool. You can then compare this to the AC unit’s BTU rating to find out if it is the right fit. For example, a 2-ton air conditioning unit can cool 12,000 BTUs per hour, while a 3-ton AC unit can cool 24,000 BTUs per hour.

It is important to note that if your air conditioner is too large, it will not run efficiently. It will have to work harder to cool your home, which can cause it to wear down faster and increase your energy bills. Similarly, if your AC is too small, it will not be able to keep up with cooling your entire home and can lead to discomfort in certain rooms.

A good HVAC contractor will ensure that you get the right-sized AC unit for your home, and they will also ensure that the installation is done correctly. When evaluating contractors, make sure they have a proven track record of completing high-quality installations and offer a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee in writing. Otherwise, you could end up with a low-quality AC that will need replacing sooner than necessary.

Efficiency

A home cooling system with an older technology will naturally wear out faster than a newer, more efficient unit. This is especially true if the AC unit is used more frequently or in a hotter climate. However, most major HVAC manufacturers make their systems for lasting reliability, and the lifespan of your cooling system can also be influenced by other factors.

The efficiency of your cooling system is measured by its SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner will be. The EPA requires all air conditioning units to have a minimum rating of 14 SEER, while many modern air conditioners can achieve ratings as high as 26 SEER.

During the cooling process, refrigerant absorbs heat and humidity from the air in your home and then transports it to the condenser coil, where it is released. The refrigerant then turns back into a liquid and repeats the cycle. The more efficiently your system is able to perform this cycle, the lower your electricity costs will be.

As an AC system ages, it will gradually lose its efficiency. This is partly due to regular wear, but it can also be caused by dirt, debris, and the build-up of sludge on indoor and outdoor coils and the blower. In addition, it is common for old systems to have trouble maintaining a steady temperature throughout the home.

In some cases, it might be cheaper to replace an out-of-warranty system that is no longer working properly with a new high-efficiency air conditioning unit than to repair it and pay for additional maintenance. However, it is important to consider your family's cooling needs, lifestyle, and other factors when determining whether you should repair or replace an out-of-warranty central AC unit.

Maintenance

A new HVAC system is a significant investment, so it makes sense to get the most out of yours. That said, even the best boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners will eventually run their course. But proper maintenance and upkeep can help extend the life of your unit well beyond its expected lifespan.

Keeping your home well-insulated and making sure ductwork is sealed properly will cut down on how much your AC has to work to cool the house. In addition, it's a good idea to replace your unit if it is at least 15 years old and you are paying more than $125 a month for cooling. Today's newer models are a lot more energy efficient, and the higher the SEER or EER number is, the more money you will save each month.

Regular tune-ups and cleanings can also keep your air conditioning in top shape and reduce the likelihood of a major breakdown. It's important to make sure your ac is sized for your home, and that it has the proper amount of refrigerant. A professional will check for leaks, clean the evaporator coils, flush the drain pan, inspect the heat exchanger for rust or algae, and clean the blower compartments.

If you're handy with tools, there are some easy maintenance tasks that can be performed on your own. For example, if the cooling fins are bent or crushed, you can straighten them using a special tool. You can also clean the drain pan and a drain pipe, and vacuum the blower compartments.

In addition to routine maintenance, a technician can inspect and change the air filter, check the compressor belt, and drain line. A technician can also ensure that the evaporator coils are cleaned and free of debris, that the refrigerant is at the correct pressure level, and that the thermostat is set correctly.

While no HVAC expert can tell you exactly how long your system will last, if you are diligent about maintenance and upkeep, it's not uncommon to get 20 or more years out of an AC unit that was properly sized for your home. However, if you skip your annual AC tune-ups or have other maintenance issues, it's a good idea to start looking for a replacement as soon as your warranty expires.

Repairs

No HVAC technician can provide a definitive answer about how long an air conditioning system will last. It can vary widely for a number of reasons. But you can help your unit last longer by keeping up with routine maintenance and addressing any problems as they arise.

The most important factor is the climate in your area. ACs that operate in harsher environments will naturally experience a greater amount of wear and tear than those operating in more moderate climates. In addition, the quality of work performed by your installation team is a big contributor to your system’s lifespan.

It’s also vital to keep your cooling system clean and in good working order. This will help ensure that your system’s components aren’t overworking or consuming too much energy. In general, cleaning your air conditioner on a regular basis is an easy project that will have you reaping the benefits of more efficient equipment in no time.

Check the fan blades and evaporator coil for any dirt, grime or other debris that may be blocking proper airflow. A vacuum or shop vac can be used to clear out any dust accumulations. Also make sure to trim back any shrubs or flowers that are overgrown and restricting airflow. Finally, you can remove the fan cage to clean inside the unit. Be sure to turn off the power at the exterior condenser/compressor before attempting this task.

Another critical task is to change the filter on a regular basis. A dirty filter can cause your AC to work harder than necessary, increasing your operating costs. It’s recommended to change the filter every month or two, depending on your family’s lifestyle and comfort preferences.

If you are having trouble with your AC unit, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced HVAC expert for guidance and advice. A trusted company will be able to identify the problem quickly and efficiently, saving you money in the long run.

Air conditioning units that aren’t functioning properly or regularly need repairs can increase your cooling bills and create a humid, stuffy home environment for your family. If your system is nearing the end of its lifespan, it will likely give several tell-tale signs.