Introduction
As much as we would like air conditioners to last forever, unfortunately, they can’t. An air conditioner, like anything, experiences deterioration over time and eventually will not be worth the costs to run it. However, with that being said, air conditioners should be able to work effectively and efficiently for a lengthy period of time. So, how do you know how long your air conditioner should last? Well, in this article, we will talk about everything from the average lifespans of air conditioners, factors that influence their longevity, as well as tips and tricks to keep your aircon running smoothly for years.
Average Lifespan of an Air Conditioner
The average lifespan of your air conditioner depends on a variety of factors, including the type of system you have installed, how often you’ve had it serviced, and if it was professionally installed, amongst a variety of other factors. However, typically, the average lifespan of air conditioners can be broken down into these categories:
- Split systems: 10–15 years
- Ducted systems: 12–20 years
- Portable systems: 8–12 years
This is obviously dependent on a variety of factors. However, split systems typically last between 10–15 years as they are usually exposed to more dust and other contaminants due to the positioning of the systems being wall mounted. The outdoor units can be exposed to the weather, including rain, debris, heat, etc. However, with regular servicing, these can be good, reliable systems for a good amount of time.
Ducted systems usually last the longest as they are, for the most part, more robust and a lot of the time are designed to fit the house it’s in. Also, due to the design of ducted systems, they are typically protected from the elements as they are usually installed in protected roof spaces, and, due to the more heavy duty and personalised design, these systems will last a bit longer than split system air conditioners.
Portable air conditioning systems, also known as window systems are small compact systems that are typically made with cheaper and lighter materials and are usually moved around frequently as well hence the lower lifespan, however with good maintenance these systems can still be effective for over a decade.
Factors That Affect How Long Your AC Lasts
As briefly mentioned above, there are a variety of factors that affect your air conditioner and its ability to maintain performance through the years.
Some factors that affect your air conditioners lifespan include:
- Use frequency
- How often you service your air conditioner
- The quality of air con installation
- Whether or not your air conditioner is exposed to harsh weather conditions
- How often you clean your air con and check your air cons filters
These factors all impact your air conditioner’s ability to perform over time, and it is important to monitor these factors to ensure your air conditioner maintains consistent levels of performance. Consistent servicing is the best way to ensure your air conditioner remains at its most efficient level of performance. A professional will be able to give you updates on your units health but also will be able to give you tips on what you can do to better maintain its performance.
Signs Your Air Conditioner May Be Near the End
It is important to know when your air conditioner is starting to near the end of its lifespan. There are a few ways to tell that it may be time to invest in a new air conditioning unit. These include:
- Rising electricity bills
- Frequent breakdowns
- Unusual noises
- Odours from mould build up or other internal damage
- Weak airflow or performance
These are a few warning signs to look out for. However, you can also ask the professionals who service and maintain your system to see what their thoughts are.
Repair vs Replace: How to Decide
When your air conditioning system is nearing the end of its life, it can be difficult to decide whether its best to repair or replace your system. When you’re not too sure on the best thing to do, you should consider a few things. If your repair will cost you more than 50% of a replacement air conditioning system, you should consider upgrading. This may cost you more now, but it could save you money going forward, with cheaper electricity bills and maintenance costs for the years following. Another reason you may be better protected if you invest in a new system is a new system often comes with warranty, whilst your old system may be out of warranty if it’s starting to have issues. Investing in a new system is often the better call if you’re not sure on whether to repair or upgrade. However, a professional assessment is always the best way to know what to do in this situation.
How to Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioner
Extending your air conditioners lifespan requires some effort but can save you money in the long run. Regularly checking air filters, cleaning your units (inside and outside if split system), and addressing small issues with urgency can all help to maintain your air conditioning system. It is also recommended to have an annual service from a professional to ensure our system is performing as it should, with no hidden issues.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Professional installation is extremely important when it comes to having a reliable air conditioning that lasts. This is because a professional will make sure that the unit is correctly sized for the area it will be installed in, as well as making sure the cooling zones will properly work in your home. If installed without a professional, there is a much higher chance of mistakes being made, mistakes can remain unnoticed until its too late which often results in bigger problems. Incorrect installation can also make any warranties void, this can end up costing you more money than having a professional install it for you. A professional will ensure all the electrical, drainage, and refrigerant levels are correct and will take all of the guesswork out of it, whilst having the experience to overcome any issues that may arise.
Conclusion
Air conditioning systems should perform effectively for over 10 years if installed and maintained properly. Regular servicing, cleaning, and monitoring will also assist in making sure your air conditioning system continues to perform over the years. At Complete Air Systems, we take care of all of this! From finding the perfect system for your home to properly installing the system and servicing it, we make the process easy whilst always making you and your home feel comfortable! Not sure if your air conditioner needs repairing or replacing? Visit us today or give us a call at Complete Air Systems.