How Long Does an Air Conditioning Unit Last?

Whether you’re upgrading air conditioning systems or are looking to move into a home that has an existing HVAC system installed, you likely want to know what the lifespan of the unit is. This way, you can financially prepare for when you’ll need to spend money to replace the unit. In today’s short article, we’re going to look at the lifespan of a typical air conditioning unit and what you can do to extend that to your benefit.

Typical Air Conditioning Unit Lifespan

The typical centralized air conditioning unit will last between 12 and 15 years. It’s a great idea to take a look at the last replacement date of the air conditioning system if purchasing a new home. This way, you know when the HVAC system will likely need to be replaced so you can prepare for the large expense. While this is just the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan, you can actually work to extend the life of your HVAC system with a few key practices.

Good Preventative Maintenance Practices

It’s always a good idea to consider regular preventative maintenance practices to keep your system running smoothly. First, you should be changing out the air filter often. The recommended time frame for the average homeowner is about every three months. Depending on your specific home conditions, such as the number of occupants, pets, and so forth, you may need to replace your air filter more often than what is recommended. A good rule of thumb is to replace the filter if you can no longer clearly see through it.

Next up, you’ll want to schedule annual preventative maintenance for your system. This way, a professional can come out to evaluate the health of your system. They’ll be able to not only clean the existing system but also recommend replacing parts that are getting ready to break. This way, you don’t have to deal with a unit breakdown in the middle of the hot summer months.

Keep Everything Cleaned

When it comes to maintaining your system, keeping things clean is the key to your success. To start, you should make sure that there is a two-foot clearance on every side of your outdoor condenser unit. This way, its performance won’t be hindered by loose debris. Second, you should schedule an annual duct cleaning. This will ensure that loose debris inside of your ducts as well as any mold problems are handled effectively. Lapsing on this type of cleaning can allow your 4Front Energy to harness harmful bacteria that can be contaminating the air within your home.

Call Us Today

If you need the help of a skilled HVAC professional, the staff at 4Front Energy is willing and able to assist. We can walk you through your air conditioning maintenance tasks and even give you an estimated lifespan of your existing HVAC unit.

Interested in scheduling an appointment with 4Front Energy? Contact us at (952) 933-1868 or get started by scheduling your service online today!