The current weather is so hot and humid, making air conditioners become the one thing that we turn to every time we need the comfort of a cool room. Because of the intensity of the heat, we use our air conditioner almost every day for an hour. Sometimes, we don’t even turn it off for days! Do you know that it is recommended to only use the air conditioner for 5 hours before turning it off again to let the machine cool down? This is the best way that you can do to prevent breakdowns and ensure that your air conditioner machine could last for a long time.
According to the expert, an air conditioning system should last about 15 to 20 years under normal conditions. However, there are many factors that can reduce the lifespan of your air conditioner. From poor installation, daily usage, as well as neglected maintenance. Here are some things that could help you to analyze how long your air conditioner unit can last.
Based on Its Age
Naturally, you have to think about replacing your air conditioner when the system is getting old. Although as we mentioned above air conditioners should last around 15 to 20 years, there are several factors that can reduce or prolong an air conditioner unit’s lifespan. Ignoring neglected routine service, exposure to bad weather, and outdoor dirt and debris can reduce the lifespan of an air conditioner system.
If your unit is facing an expensive repair, you need to think and gauge whether it is worth it or not. Repairing means you need to spend extra cash. If your system is older and damaged by repair, you may notice that spare parts are becoming more difficult to find and definitely more expensive
The Quality of The System & Installation
While you don’t have to go out and buy the most expensive system on the market, it’s worth looking into the reputation and ratings of the manufacturer and the model of the air conditioner which you want to purchase.
You need to also pay attention to the quality of the installation. This is as important as the quality of the spare parts of your conditioner. If you opt to install your air conditioner by yourself, or merely hire a technician who is not reliable, problems that could damage the air conditioning system might occur. They may take shortcuts and make mistakes that could shorten the lifespan of the unit. So make sure to always do research for the reputation of the installer.
Maintenance Schedule
Doing regular and proper maintenance will extend the life of the unit. If you don’t really pay attention to its maintenance schedule, you might need to do expensive repairs or equipment replacement. However, if you service the unit regularly, the system may have a longer lifespan.
Type of Repair
If our air conditioner is in bad condition and you need to do expensive aircon repair, you might want to re-think whether repairing is necessary or not. If it’s just fixing minor electrical problems, it will be okay to do so. But it’s another thing if the one that needs repair is your compressor. A faulty compressor can be one of the most expensive repairs. Aside from bad compressors, refrigerant leaks are also dangerous and need extensive repair.
If your air conditioner starts to have a bad condition which needs extensive as well as expensive repair, it will be better if you replace the air conditioner completely.
Operating Conditions and System Location
While evaluating how long the air conditioner should last, do not overlook the importance of the operating location. Roof systems and road surfaces exposed to inclement weather, debris, dirt, and soot could affect your air conditioner system. Outdoor units are also more likely to clog so they work harder to reach the set temperature level.
When a system is continuously overworked, it increases wear and tears on its parts, which in turn causes more damage and shortens the lifespan of the unit.
Energy Efficiency
Nobody likes spending a lot of money to buy a new air conditioner, because when we first bought it -we expected our air conditioner could last for a long time. But we shouldn’t neglect the efficiency factor when thinking about how long an air conditioner should last. If the system you have is older, it’s certainly not as efficient as the current air conditioning system.
Remember, efficiency equals saving on electricity bills. An older version of an air conditioner might not be as energy efficient as the newer one. You might need to pay a lot for your electricity bill if you are using an old air conditioner.
Here are some things that you need to keep in mind to predict how long your air conditioner could last -whether it can last as expected or not. If you have a lot of budgets -you might want to consider replacing your air conditioner even before it reaches its milestone. A newer air conditioner system might be more efficient and have a lot of features that can make your experience using an air conditioner more pleasant!
Also read: 6 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Replacement or Repair
