How long will a central air conditioning system last? It depends on a number of factors. If the system was poorly installed and didn’t receive routine maintenance annually, then it will probably need to be replaced after a mere 5 years. On the other hand, an air conditioner that had a great install from experienced technicians and which never missed an annual spring maintenance visit can often run for more than 20 years.
The best way to tell if your air conditioning is due for a replacement is to watch for warning signs that the AC is running down and then call on our HVAC team to inspect it and provide you with an opinion about whether it should be repaired or replaced.
Signs You Have an AC Ready for Replacement
- Basic Age: Between 15 to 20 years is a usual lifespan for an air conditioning system that has been well cared for. If you have a system that is older than this, even if it’s outwardly still running well, we advise that you investigate replacing it.
- Rising utility bills: Most air conditioning systems will retain 95% of their efficiency through their lifespans. When you see that your utility bills during the summer are rising from year to year, it often means that the AC is suffering from too much wear and tear and is at the end of its service life.
- Noisy operation: Is the air conditioner turning into a major source of noise pollution in your home? No matter what anyone may tell you, this isn’t normal. A specific noise from an AC often means a repair issue, but general noisiness often indicates a systems that’s too old to work at its best any more.
- Frequent and costly repairs: Repairing an air conditioner more than once a year to keep it running is once too often. Look over the AC repair costs during the last year: if it’s higher than $500, that’s too pricey. And if any single repair costs half the price of replacing the unit, it’s probably better to go with the replacement.
As with any important air conditioning job, make sure you have the best professionals to assist you before making a choice. We’re here to see you receive the best possible AC replacement!
Call Kilowatt Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical in North Hollywood. Call our certified service technicians 24/7 for exceptional customer service.