How Long Does an Air Conditioner Typically Last?

You want your air conditioner to last as long as possible, but there’s a fine line between replacing the system sooner than you need to and waiting until the system completely breaks down. Paying close attention to your system and knowing how long air conditioners generally last can help you determine when it’s time to replace it.

In Schebler Heating and Air’s latest blog post, we’ll discuss signs that you need to replace your air conditioner, how long air conditioners typically last, and how to properly care for a new AC unit. Contact Schebler today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Signs That You Should Replace Your AC

Lack of Cool Air

A complete lack of cool air is the most common indicator that an AC unit needs to be replaced. Quickly after turning on, your air conditioning unit should provide nice, cool temperatures. If you only feel lukewarm air, no matter how long the system has been on, your air conditioner may need to be replaced.

Rising Energy Bills

Energy bills rise as a system becomes less efficient and uses more energy to produce cool temperatures. While some repairs can temporarily restore energy bills, the best way to keep energy bills as low as possible for many summers to come is by replacing your air conditioner.

Strange Noises

Aside from the system’s initial startup, you shouldn’t hear more than a slight humming sound coming from your air conditioner. Any other noises can signal internal issues such as loose or broken parts that will likely affect performance if left unaddressed.

How Long Do Air Conditioners Typically Last?

Air conditioners are a necessity, and being without one for an extended period of time can lead to serious health and comfort issues. However, like any other piece of mechanical equipment, they have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced by a newer and more efficient system.

In general, you can expect an air conditioner to last between 15-20 years. Factors such as usage, home size, efficiency ratings, maintenance, and the type of AC can affect its life expectancy. Protect your system and help it run for as long as possible by providing it with an annual tune-up.

How to Care For a New Air Conditioner

Like other appliances, air conditioners require maintenance in order to address any issues and keep the system running at optimal performance levels. This should typically be performed once per year, preferably during the spring months before you’ve turned the air conditioner on for the first time during the season.

With maintenance, you can find and solve any minor issues that might’ve developed during the prior cooling season. The quicker that these problems are addressed, the less damage that will be done to your system.

Help your system run smoothly for many summers to come by scheduling AC maintenance with Schebler in the Quad Cities.

Contact Schebler for AC Services in the Quad Cities

Homeowners throughout the Quad Cities can count on Schebler to provide their homes with high-quality AC services, including air conditioning system repair, maintenance, and installation. No matter the cooling issues your home is experiencing, Schebler provides industry-leading solutions. Contact our team today to schedule AC services in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline and Rock Island.