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W.C. Butler Heating and Air Conditioning Blog

How Long Will an Air Conditioner Last

Whether you have an older or newer air conditioner, you may be wondering how much life is left in it. How long can you expect your air conditioner to last? It really depends on how well the system has been cared for over its entire lifespan.

But there is an average that you can expect to get out of your air conditioner. You can keep reading to learn more about the expected lifespan of an air conditioner, as well as AC replacement in Roanoke, VA. Then give our team a call to schedule your maintenance appointment and we can assess your current AC and estimate how much longer it will last based on wear and tear.

Average Lifespan

Air conditioners last on average for about 10-15 years. If you do not keep up with maintenance and your AC has a lot of problems stemming from a lack of tune-ups, it may need to be replaced sooner than if you’d had maintenance done. However, if you take excellent care of your air conditioner and stay ahead of problems, it could possibly last for 20 years. 

Factors That Impact Lifespan 

If you want your air conditioner to last as long as possible, there are some steps you can take as a homeowner. Keep in mind that if you moved into your home with the existing AC, you don’t know how well it was cared for in the years before you purchased your home. 

You also can’t control how well the system was initially installed. But that doesn’t mean you can’t begin taking excellent care of it now. Insulation also plays a huge role in how well your AC operates over its entire lifespan, and this is a factor you can control. Have our team of experts assess your insulation and see if you need more. 

You can also change out your air filter every month on time to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the system. The small particles can get in between gears and other components, impacting how well they can work together to cool your home. You also want to pay attention to signs that something is wrong with your air conditioner and get problems addressed sooner, rather than later. 

Tips for AC Care

In addition to how you care for your AC, you can be mindful about how you use it. Understand your air conditioner’s limitations and don’t push it to cool your home more than what is possible. When you put too much strain on your AC, that adds to wear and tear and can shorten its lifespan and also impact energy efficiency. 

Do your part to make sure you have plenty of insulation and that windows and doors are all sealed properly so cool air cannot escape. The more you can do to help your air conditioner work smarter and not harder, the longer your AC will last. If your AC has reached the point that it needs to be replaced, you can invest in a new unit knowing that you will take excellent care of it from day one. 

We can help you make the best choice for AC maintenance. Rely on the experts at W.C. Butler Heating and Air Conditioning and schedule an appointment today.

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