How Long Should An AC Last – How Do I Know When To Replace My AC?
In most parts of India, air conditioners need to be used all through the year to beat the heat. This puts your AC unit to higher wear and tear. All the equipment, including AC, has a specific or average life span.
Depending on the brand, maintenance, and care, the life span varies. How long should an AC last? How frequently should one replace their AC? How does one know when to go for AC replacement?
Factors That Decide The Life Span of AC
Operational Conditions
Your choice of AC brand has a very definitive say on the lifespan of the air conditioner. Some brands last longer than the others.
The number of hours per day for which you run the air conditioner matters too.
The total number of days per year for which you run the air conditioner will decide the overall wear and tear of your AC and thereby its lifetime.
The average temperature/thermostat settings at which you are running the unit will determine how hard your air conditioner needs to slog.
Higher thermostat settings will let the compressor switch-off fast, making it light on the air conditioner.
Your average local temperature will have a big say on the thermostat settings and, in turn, your air conditioner’s life span.
Whether the AC capacity and space which it needs to cool match is also significant. Lesser capacity for a large area will reduce the lifespan of the AC.
If the number of occupants is high in the room, it will increase the compressor’s running time straining the AC.
Maintenance & Care
Lack of attention to the air conditioner maintenance will reduce the lifespan of the air conditioner considerably.
Running the air conditioner without cleaning the filters regularly will make it difficult for the air conditioner to cool the room, increasing the cut-off time.
Lifespan To Expect From Your AC
If you have paid attention to all the above factors, both – operational conditions, and regular maintenance, your air conditioner should work well for a minimum of ten years and a maximum of fifteen years.
Depending on the number of or the combination of damaging factors discussed above at play, the lifespan of your air conditioner will reduce.
When To Replace Your AC
Here are some of the telltale signs that tell you that it is time to replace your AC. Also, there are various things to consider when buying an Air conditioner.
The AC is not effective any longer in providing a comfortable indoor environment.
The room temperature does not reflect the thermostat settings despite running the AC for a long time.
It takes much longer to cool your rooms than it used to take before.
Your electricity bill is increasing month after month, and with enough proofs that point to your air conditioner is the cause for the same. Always go for energy-efficient air conditioners
The number of service calls you have to make to your AC servicing company is increasing noticeably with increasing repair and maintenance costs.
The compressor gas needs to be refilled at least once a year to ensure AC effectiveness.
It has been over ten years since you last replaced your AC.
Read: Tips On How To Save Electricity On Your Air Conditioner
Conclusion
By selecting the best AC brands, you will be able to get the best value for your money. Regular maintenance and care of the AC will prevent it from being strained too much.
If you do not replace your AC after experiencing the above problems, you will only increase the AC’s running costs, both in terms of the money you spend on repairs and the electricity bills.
