Professional technicians say the average air conditioner lasts between 10 and 12 years. But you can extend its lifespan by cleaning the condensate drain line, changing/cleaning dirty air filters, making the most of technology, and following other useful tactics.
In this article: how to Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioner, we’ve listed 15 essential tips for different HVAC systems. So, without more talk, let’s get started!
15 Essential Tips for Extending the Life of Your Air Conditioner Lifespan
The most asked question among air conditioner users is whether it can extend the AC unit lifespan. The simple answer is yes, it is possible. But all you need to –
1. Ensure Your AC is installed properly
When you want to install your new AC and maximize its lifespan, ensure you take the following steps:
- Ensure AC’s indoor and outdoor units are placed in the correct location.
- Buy an accurate size air conditioner.
- Get help from an expert in ductwork design for installing a ducted air conditioner.
- Hire professional technicians using quality materials, such as pipework, ductwork, and drainage.
- Choose a licensed, qualified, and insured team to avoid technical risks and ensure all these steps are followed perfectly.
2. Set the Right AC Temperature
Consistently changing AC temperature causes the system to work harder and shorten its lifespan. Also, setting the air conditioner’s temperature excessively high or low will increase costs and accelerate wear and tear. So, the best practice is to –
- Set the temperature considering the outside environment and enjoy effective heating and cooling across your home.
- Set your system temperature between 18°C and 20°C in winter.
- Keep temperature ranges between 25°C and 27°C on summer days.
3. Change or Clean Dirty Air Filters Regularly
AC air filters usually run perfectly from two weeks to three months, depending on filter type and operating conditions. Excess dust affects your air conditioning sensors and obstructs other internal parts, leading to malfunctions in the HVAC system. So, try to –
- Remove, wash, dry, and reinsert air filters every one to three months.
- Replace filters that are damaged or excessively dirty.
- Clean filters when moving around furniture, renovations, and dusting your home.
- Use a vacuum cleaner or blow the AC filter with air.
- Rinse it off thoroughly and leave it to dry; the filter is good to use.
4. Keep the Condenser Coils Clean
A condenser coil’s key function is to release heat (absorbed from inside) from a refrigerant. Clean coils are essential for an effective cooling process. But when it accumulates debris and dust, it slows down the overall efficiency.
Key steps to clean condenser coil:
- Remove debris like leaves, bushes, and twigs around the unit by turning off the power.
- Use a coil cleaner spray to remove debris or dirt.
- Rinse coils gently with a garden hose (wide spray pattern).
- Use a fin comb to straighten any bent fins on the coils.
- Dry coils before closing the access panel.
5. Install/Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature of your home or office based on your preferences and daily routine. If you’re away from home, this thermostat gives you flexibility. Other key benefits are:
- Reduce energy consumption and save money.
- Custom temperature settings like cool temperature at night and warm temperature during the day.
- Automatically adjusts temperatures; no need for manual intervention.
- Easy to integrate with other home devices.
6. Ensure Proper Airflow
Proper airflow is essential to maintain indoor air quality, longevity, and flawless operation. Restricted airflow causes the evaporator coil to freeze, overheat internal components, and shorten the lifespan of parts like the motor and fan. So, try to replace or clean air filters every 1-3 months. Other key steps are:
- Ensure air vents are free from obstructions like curtains or furniture.
- Check leaks, holes, or disconnected sections in your ductwork.
- Clear blockages around the indoor unit.
7. Monitor Refrigerant Levels
Proper refrigerant levels indicate the system works effectively and maintains optimal cooling operations. So, it’s important to pay attention to refrigerant levels. If refrigerant levels are too low, it indicates the HVAC system must run longer cycles to achieve the desired temperature and increase tear and wear. Also, it can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, damage over time, and shorten its lifespan.
8. Inspect and Seal Ductwork
Leaky ducts lead to energy waste, resulting in higher utility bills and inconsistent temperatures throughout the home. Other key reasons to seal ductwork are:
- Leaky ducts cause your AC to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to higher energy bills.
- Sealing ducts prevent air leaks and minimize dust and other contaminants in your living space.
- Properly sealed ducts minimize air noise from the system.
- Help to prevent pests from entering your home through the air ducts.
- Help to maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home.
9. Clean the Condensate Drain Line
A clear condensate drain line ensures the AC can effectively remove humidity from the air. Excess humidity harms HVAC systems, forcing them to work harder and maintain comfort. Other key reasons are:
- A clogged line can cause water damage, potentially cause corrosion, or short circuits.
- A clogged condensate line creates mold and mildew growth and affects air quality.
- Water leaks or overflows can damage the blower motor and cause expensive repairs.
10. Avoid Overworking Your AC
An air conditioner unit’s key goal is to keep your home or office cool. You have other home appliances that help to increase the AC’s lifespan, such as a fan. Also, you can apply different tactics, including:
- During summer days, you can close your curtains to keep out the sun and give the air conditioner less work to do. But you can keep your curtains open for cold days to let the sun warm into your home.
- Do you have a cloth dryer? If so, you can turn it on at night when the outside is cool. A clothes dryer works as room heather and generates some extra heat.
- On warmer days, switch off unused electrical appliances to prevent excessive heat.
- Ensure heat-generating appliances aren’t kept too close to the indoor air conditioner to prevent excessive heat and help AC work properly.
11. Take Advantage of AC’s Different Modes
You can use different AC modes to ensure a longer-lasting air conditioner and more affordable and effective heating. Here are some helpful tips:
- Auto Mode is a convenient way to regulate room temperature, switching between cooling and heating. So, using the “Heat mode” for summer days and the “Cool mode” for winter days is ideal.
- If you want to reduce humidity rather than cooling the temperature, try AC’s “Dry mode.” This mode is less energy-intensive.
- If you’re in bed and want to turn on the AC while you sleep, try the “Night mode” or “Sleep mode.” It automatically alters temperature and gives you a cozy sleep.
- You can use “Fan mode” if you want a natural fresh air flow and are not bothered by the current temperature. This mode allows air to circulate across the room evenly.
- Some HVAC systems have an “Eco mode” or “Econo mode,” focusing on energy savings and easier on the environment.
12. Consider Upgrading Old Systems
Upgrading old HVAC systems is necessary to maximize efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Older ones require more energy to provide the same cooling level, leading to increased strain. So, invest in professional AC repair service providers to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with modern standards.
13. Outdoor unit inspection
Do you install a ducted air conditioner or a split system? If yes, you need to remove dust and dirt from the exterior part of an outdoor unit. If the unit is obstructed by debris like trees, shrubs, or others, this could be a reason for malfunctioning. So, ensure you cut them off and clean the unit. Also, pay attention to the lack of loose concrete or other debris.
14. HVAC System Noise & Unpleasant odor
Apart from cleaning and inspection, you need to pay attention to AC’s noise and unpleasant odors. Suppose, you might experience loud whistling, humming, buzzing, rattling, or other noises. On the contrary, some may get musty smells like gas or rotten eggs, exhaust fumes, mildew or mold, burning smell, oil odors, or others. Get help from a professional air repair service provider and solve those issues as soon as you notice them.
15. Regular Tune-ups/ Schedule Regular Maintenance
Partner with a highly qualified, fully trained, and comprehensively insured heating and cooling technician to fix issues and extend the AC’s lifespan. Professional technicians will thoroughly inspect all internal components, test airflow levels, and refrigerant levels, and provide repairs and maintenance as required.
How Long is an Air Conditioner Supposed to Last?
Most AC units last between 10 to 20 years on average. However, the lifespan depends on several factors, including unit usage, regular inspections, brand, local climate, and maintenance. Older AC units might last longer after a minor repair.
Let’s take a look at some common types of AC’s lifespan:
- Window unit AC (10 years)
- Portable AC (5-10 years)
- Residential single whole-home AC unit (15 years)
- Central air-source heat pumps (15 years up to 20-25 years) and
- Ductless mini-split AC systems (20 years) heat pumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does an AC Compressor Last?
An AC compressor lasts between 10 and 15 years, depending on factors like unit quality, installation, maintenance, and usage.
How Long Do AC Capacitors Last?
An AC capacitor lasts between 10 and 20 years, depending on the brand, quality, environmental factors (excessive heat, power surges, etc.), and maintenance.
Is it Better to Keep Your AC at a Constant Temperature?
Yes, it is better to keep your AC at a constant temperature. By doing so, you can save more energy and reduce wear and tear on your system.
How many hours the AC should run per day?
There are no specific time limits to turn on your air conditioner, but the standard range is around 8-12 hours during hot weather. Try to balance comfort with energy efficiency.
Final Verdict
By following the tips mentioned above, you can extend the life of your air conditioner without compromising its performance. Don’t wait too long! Invest in a professional AC repair service provider now and resolve AC issues.
