The Lifespan of Your Air Conditioner: How Long Should It Last?
The typical lifespan of an air conditioner is about 10 to 15 years. This means you should get about ten years of good performance from your system and, with good maintenance, it could last another ten years of reasonable performance beyond that.
Knowing the lifespan of your AC and keeping up with maintenance can help you plan for its eventual replacement and extend the duration of good performance for each AC you own.
Understanding the Lifespan of Your Air Conditioner
An AC usually has a maximum and an average lifespan. However, certain factors can shorten or lengthen the time you can rely on your air conditioner. How you use your AC and how often you have it maintained can play a major role.
- Quality of the Unit: A high-quality AC is likely to give better performance and last longer overall. This is why it’s worth investing in top brands and models.
- Regular Maintenance: Regular cleaning, filter changes, and tune-ups prevent your AC from taking damage and, therefore extend its lifespan.
- Environmental Factors: Some climates are more challenging for an AC than others. Florda’s high temperatures and salty, humid air are harder on an AC and can shorten the typical lifespan.
- Usage Patterns: The more you use your AC, the more wear and tear it gets, but dormancy isn’t great either. Lightly used air conditioners usually last the longest.
The AIM Act and Its Impact on AC Prices
Most homeowners are not aware, but there is a law that could influence the cost of an AC replacement. It is called the AIM Act – the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. The AIM Act aims to reduce the use of harmful old-school refrigerants (R22), which release greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
The sale of ACs that use R22 as the coolant fluid will be banned in 2025. Because switching to different coolants comes at a price for manufacturers, the transition could increase AC costs by 30%-40 % from 2025 onward.
Why Now Is the Best Time for a Replacement
If your AC is approaching time for replacement, it’s best to consider that it could be more expensive next year. You might want to have this chore done before the potential price hike. What are the benefits of replacing your AC if its lifespan is nearly up?
- Avoid Higher Costs: Purchase your AC before the 2025 change in regulations when prices are likely to rise. The AIM Act sets a close timer on when to get the best price for a new AC unit in the next few years. This choice could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on your unit upgrade.
- Improved Efficiency: The latest AC models are much more energy-efficient than those produced a decade ago. You will enjoy better cooling efficiency, energy savings, and convenient compliance with future sustainability regulations.
- Increased Reliability: A new AC will provide consistent and steady cooling performance compared to an old unit that may have become unstable in cooling and airflow circulation.
- Enhanced Comfort: Newer AC appliances are likely to come with cool new features. This includes variable-speed compressors (no more all-on vs off settings), integral smart thermostats with smart home integration, and programmable features. It can even include humidity-specific control which is optimal for Florida home comfort.
Should You Replace Your AC in 2024?
The average lifespan of an air conditioner in Florida is 10 to 12 years, while the average lifespan in a state with more moderate weather is 10 to 15 years. With good maintenance and care, your AC’s lifespan could reach 20 years. However, if your AC is near its lifespan and already showing performance and maintenance issues, 2024 is a valuable time to schedule your HVAC replacement. This way, you can save on new units before the price hike that could result from the AIM Act manufacturing transition.
Contact us today for an AC inspection, maintenance, and repair services, or a consultation on installing a new AC system.
