Is Your AC on Its Last Legs? Exploring the Lifespan of Air Conditioners

When it’s time to upgrade contact W.H. Riley & Son

One thing that a homeowner here in southeastern Massachusetts wants to avoid is waiting for his or her air conditioning system to completely stop working before thinking about a replacement. This has the potential to leave you quite warm and uncomfortable on a hot and humid summer day. Additionally, you could find yourself up against the clock to figure out a solution, which can mean encountering rush delivery fees and additional expenses.

So how do you know when your A/C is on its last legs? W.H. Riley & Son can help you figure this out. Continue reading to educate yourself on an air conditioner’s lifespan so that you can avoid being in a situation without a working A/C.

How long does an air conditioning system last?

One way to determine if the time to replace your air conditioner is approaching is to know how old it is.

Most air conditioners can last between about 12 and 15 years. If you are close to this timeframe, it would be smart to start exploring what the options are for an upgrade and a replacement.

What impacts an A/C’s lifespan?

There are multiple elements that affect how long an air conditioning system can last:

• Maintenance: An air conditioning system that is well maintained and properly cared for is going to last longer than one that hasn’t been well maintained over the years. You want your A/C to be serviced and inspected by a professional on an annual basis.
• How often it is used: This may go without saying, but an A/C that is used on a very regular basis is going to wear out faster than an A/C that is hardly ever turned on.
• Thermostat temperature: Consistently setting your thermostat at a temperature that is very low makes an A/C work harder than necessary. This, in turn, decreases its lifespan.
• How it was installed: If your air conditioner wasn’t installed properly it is at risk of increased wear and tear, poor performance and system failure.

Signs that your A/C needs to be replaced

While age is a solid indicator that your A/C needs an upgrade, there are other signs as well. This includes:

• Needing frequent repairs: If you are spending at least 50% of the cost of a replacement A/C to get your current A/C repaired it makes more financial sense to upgrade.
• Higher utility bills: If your air conditioner is working harder than necessary, this is going to be reflected in your energy bills. Consistently high utility bills that can’t otherwise be explained can be indicative of needing a new A/C.
• Unhealthy air quality: In addition to cooling down our homes an A/C is supposed to circulate air, filter out allergens and act as a dehumidifier. If there is excessive dust, humidity or odors in your home or if people’s allergies or asthma symptoms are getting worse, you may be dealing with poor air quality. This is a sign that your air conditioner is no longer working the way it should.

Replace your air conditioner with help from W.H. Riley & Son

If your A/C has seen better days and you need to upgrade, W.H. Riley & Son is here to help. We can help you find the A/C system that will work best for you and your home and our certified air conditioning technicians can get it installed for you.

Contact W.H. Riley & Son today to find out more about the air conditioning services we offer throughout southeastern Massachusetts.