AC replacement should be done every ten years, give or take. The lifespan of an air conditioning unit actually depends on the climate you live in, how often you run your AC, and a few other factors that affect how hard the unit has to work to control indoor temperature.
The more often your air conditioner runs, the more money you spend in the short and long term. If your home has outdated structural issues that allow for extreme outdoor temperatures to permeate your home, or for conditioned air to seep out, your AC unit is working harder than it should. The harder the air conditioner works, the shorter its overall lifespan will be.
A prime example of structural issues that affect the lifespan of an air conditioner is insulation. An AC unit in a home with old insulation will have to run more often in order to keep the home at a controlled temperature. Insulation loses efficiency over time; old insulation makes homes heat up more easily during the summer.
Cracks and holes in your home may also be shortening your AC unit’s lifespan. Homes with air leaks will lose conditioned air, and cause the AC unit to run harder. Air leaks can be sealed off easily to help your AC unit maintain indoor temperature control.
Especially for people living in hot areas like Los Angeles, AC replacement is a sensible step for ensuring that their homes are comfortable.
In short, if your AC unit isn’t kicking like it used to, then it may be best to replace it.
Signs your Air conditioner needs to be replaced:
- Your AC unit keeps breaking down. If your air conditioner keeps breaking down or malfunctioning, repairs might not be cutting it anymore.
- Your energy bills have increased. Check your energy bills from previous months or years
- It has a SEER rating less than 13. To find the SEER rating of your air conditioner, check the front of the unit or look it up with on the AHRI directory.
- You built an addition or recently remodeled. Changing the size of your home affects the size of the air conditioner that you need to properly maintain temperatures inside.
When you have your air conditioner checked out, look for a technician that can also assess your home for attic insulation and air leak seal issues. Replacing your AC will keep you comfortable, and updating insulation and fixing air leak seals will ensure a long duration of comfort.
