How Long Do AC Units Last in Florida?

However, the keyword here is “well-maintained.” Your AC is designed to last 10 years, but if it’s been neglected, it’ll probably only last 5-8 years.

To ensure your AC lives a long life, you can do the following tasks to keep it healthy:

• Change your AC’s air filter on a regular basis
• Keep your outdoor unit clean
• Inspect your ductwork for leaks
• Do annual maintenance of your entire AC system

In this blog, we’ll discuss how to best maintain your AC. If your AC system is approaching the end of its lifespan, we’ll cover whether or not you should replace it.

Want to check if your AC is in good shape?

Contact Climate Design. We work around your schedule by offering weeknight and Sunday services.

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Tip #1: Change out your air filter regularly

Why is replacing the air filter important? Well, over time, your air filter becomes clogged with a thick layer of dirt and dust. A clogged, dirty air filter can restrict the airflow to your AC, forcing it to work harder to cool your home.

To prevent unnecessary strain on your AC system, check the air filter every two months and replace it if it’s dirty.

Tip #2: Keep your outdoor unit clean

All central AC systems have an indoor and outdoor unit. Your AC cools your home by stripping heat from the air and transferring it from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit then dumps the heat outside using its coils.

If your outdoor unit is blocked by debris or shrubbery, it can’t properly transfer heat outside. Ultimately, this means that your AC has to work harder to cool your home.

To keep your outdoor unit clean, call an HVAC professional to come and do it for you. Trying to do it yourself could cause damage to your AC system. You can also consider moving shrubbery or other items that may be too close to your outdoor unit.

Tip #3: Inspect your ductwork for leaks

Your AC ductwork distributes cooled air throughout your home. If your ductwork has leaks, the AC system will run more often than needed, and its lifespan will be reduced.

If your ductwork has leaks, you could be cooling areas of your home that don’t need air conditioning, like your attic. And, you really don’t want to pay to cool your attic! When your AC system spends time and energy cooling your attic, it also has to run longer to cool the rest of your home.

If you suspect that you have leaks in your ductwork, contact an HVAC technician to come inspect it and seal any leaks they may find

Tip #4: Get annual maintenance done

Energy.gov states that annual maintenance helps to extend your AC’s lifespan, in the same way that regular maintenance helps your car to last longer.

Regular AC maintenance done by a certified HVAC technician can also help you:

• Reduce the probability of a breakdown when you need your AC the most
• Increase your AC’s performance
• Decrease your monthly energy bills
• Keep your AC’s warranty valid

Another benefit of having regular maintenance done by a certified technician is that they’ll replace the air filter and clean your outdoor unit, if needed, as well.

Should I replace my old AC?

If your AC is 10 years old, it’s more cost-effective to replace it once you start seeing signs like:

• Increased energy bills: If your usage has remained the same, an increase in energy bills could be an indicator that your AC is losing functionality.
• Additional humidity in your home: Your AC removes both heat and humidity from the indoor air. If your home is feeling more stuffy and humid than normal, it could point to a dying AC.
• Frequent repairs: If you have called an HVAC technician multiple times over a year for repairs, your AC is in bad shape and you should consider replacing it.

Ready to schedule maintenance to extend your AC’s lifespan or replace your AC? Contact Climate Design

We’re one of the most trusted HVAC companies in West Florida. Our customers remain loyal for 10, 20, 30 and even 40 years because they trust us to give them a fair and honest AC tune-up or AC installation estimate.